Popsugar Fashion Fashion Trends Shop the 18 Best Handbag Brands Under $500 in 2020 The 18 Most Coveted Fashion It Bags You Can Own For Under $500 18 December 2020 by Jamila Stewart View this post on Instagram A post shared by Salina Chai (@salinachai) As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work. Looking back at the timeline of fashion's biggest It-bags, most seemed to derive from high-end, luxury fashion houses like Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior. In more recent years, many of the trendiest handbags on the market come from younger and smaller fashion brands, and the good news is they often come without the $1,000+ price tag. Admittedly, the fashion collective is still fawning over Bottega Veneta's $2,800 Padded Cassette bag (rightfully so), and Balmain's 1945 handbag collection (which ranges from $895 to $3,900) seems already poised for popularity. But there's something to be said for the slew of fresh offerings from smaller-scale brands that everyone from the everyday fashion-girl to the trendiest celebs are loving for a fraction of the price. For example, Bella Hadid's street style has, at this point, become almost synonymous with BY FAR's Rachel bag, while a Kendall Jenner moment sparked a wide-spread love for Staud's $295 Moon Hobo Bag — both of which are brands boasting amazing leather quality and craftsmanship, along with an array of styles. While we're still in comfy-apparel mode, you may have an eye out for a new handbag to spice things up. Ahead, we're sharing the 18 best handbag brands to dig into now, including the four styles a few shopping experts we spoke to recommend. Remember, trends come in all price ranges — and this time, you can grab them all for under $500. Related: Telfar Is Now Being Sold on Shopbop, So You Can Finally Score a Bag! 1 BY FAR View this post on Instagram A post shared by Imani Randolph, not Rudolph 🙃 (@champagnemani) When it comes to shopping for a quality handbag you'll fall in love with, Tiffany Hsu, Fashion buying Director at MyTheresa, recommends opting for a piece that truly stands out. "I would recommend getting a bag in a statement colour," she tells POPSUGAR. "BY FAR [has] great styles and shapes like the baguette [in] a reasonable price range." Of course, the Bulgarian shoe and handbag label has garnered an immense cult following since its launch in 2016. With an emphasis on reviving styles from the '90s and early 2000s, it's no wonder the brand has become favourites of celebrities who, too, enjoy channelling an early aughts wardrobe, such as Bella Hadid and Kylie Jenner. 2 BY FAR Rachel Mini Leather Shoulder Bag Image Source: mytheresa.com BY FAR Rachel Mini Leather Shoulder Bag ($354) BY FAR Rachel Mini Leather Shoulder Bag $354 from mytheresa.com Buy Now 3 BY FAR Kubi Cylinder Leather Baguette Bag Image Source: intermixonline.com BY FAR Kubi Cylinder Leather Baguette Bag ($480) BY FAR Kubi Cylinder Leather Baguette Bag $480 from intermixonline.com Buy Now 4 BY FAR Rachel Leather Shoulder Bag Image Source: mytheresa.com BY FAR Rachel Leather Shoulder Bag ($414) BY FAR Rachel Leather Shoulder Bag $414 from mytheresa.com Buy Now 5 Cult Gaia View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vitaliia (@vitaliia) If you favour a wardrobe that leans on boho while remaining super chic, Cult Gaia ought to be at the top of your list. The brand is indeed a cult-favourite, having essentially reinvented cage bags while boasting a superior selection of natural material bags (think rattan, bamboo, and raffia). In between, you'll find pretty much anything else your next vaca-inspired outfit could possibly need. 6 Cult Gaia Hera Mini Shoulder Bag Image Source: cultgaia.com Cult Gaia Hera Mini Shoulder Bag ($488) Cult Gaia Hera Mini Shoulder Bag $488 from cultgaia.com Buy Now 7 Cult Gaia Tate Shoulder Bag Image Source: cultgaia.com Cult Gaia Tate Shoulder Bag ($398) Cult Gaia Tate Shoulder Bag $398 from cultgaia.com Buy Now 8 Cult Gaia Eos Top Handle Bag Image Source: revolve.com Cult Gaia Eos Top Handle Bag ($218) Cult Gaia Eos Top Handle Bag $218 from revolve.com Buy Now 9 JW PEI View this post on Instagram A post shared by Francesca Flavia Roson (@frensiliu) Built on the notion of accessible fashion by a Los Angeles-based husband and wife, JW PEI is home to just about every trending handbag silhouette at a small slice of many luxury prices. Offering a plethora of colourful and neutral crossbodies, shoulder bags, and everything in between, a unique touch to the brand is its separate selection of handbag straps, meant to be interchanged with the straps their bags come with originally. 10 JW PEI Julia Chain Crossbody Bag Image Source: jwpei.com JW PEI Julia Chain Crossbody Bag ($35, originally $49) JW PEI Julia Chain Crossbody Bag $35 from jwpei.com Buy Now 11 JW PEI Kelly Bag Image Source: jwpei.com JW PEI Kelly Bag ($49, originally $59) JW PEI Kelly Bag $49 from jwpei.com Buy Now 12 JW PEI Sophie Crossbody Bag Image Source: jwpei.com JW PEI Sophie Crossbody Bag ($70) JW PEI Sophie Crossbody Bag $70 from jwpei.com Buy Now 13 Staud View this post on Instagram A post shared by Amanda (@londongirlinnyc) We can thank Kendall Jenner for introducing us to this chic Californian brand. Staud's dreamy apparel line is another conversation in itself, but the brand's Moon Bag is undoubtedly a fashion-favourite. That's not to say you should stop there — the remainder of the label's handbag collection is complete with croc embossed hobo bags and funky, beaded shoulder bags that are just as rave-worthy. 14 Staud Soft Pleated Moon Bag Image Source: neimanmarcus.com Staud Soft Pleated Moon Bag ($350) Staud Soft Pleated Moon Bag $350 from neimanmarcus.com Buy Now 15 Staud Tommy Beaded Shoulder Bag Image Source: intermixonline.com Staud Tommy Beaded Shoulder Bag ($250) Staud Tommy Beaded Shoulder Bag $250 from intermixonline.com Buy Now 16 Staud Rey Striped Suede Shoulder Bag Image Source: neimanmarcus.com Staud Rey Striped Suede Shoulder Bag ($350) Staud Rey Striped Suede Shoulder Bag $350 from neimanmarcus.com Buy Now 17 Zara View this post on Instagram A post shared by @daniellevanier What isn't Zara good at? Just like the company's extensive clothing collection, Zara's bags come with a sophisticated approach to every season's biggest trends, without the elevated price tag. Zara's genuine leather pieces are often stylish finds worth celebrating, ranging from around $50 to $200 (plus, the brand says its pieces are tanned using the "most sustainable practices"). 18 Zara Animal Embossed Leather Crossbody Bag Image Source: zara.com Zara Animal Embossed Leather Crossbody Bag ($149) Zara Animal Embossed Leather Crossbody Bag $149 from zara.com Buy Now 19 Zara Velvet Handbag Image Source: zara.com Zara Velvet Handbag ($50) Zara Velvet Handbag $50 from zara.com Buy Now 20 Zara Leather Tote Image Source: zara.com Zara Leather Tote ($199) Zara Leather Tote $199 from zara.com Buy Now 21 BOYY View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chloë Esther Chevalier (@chloeestherchevalier) Designed initially with the notion of the "anti-It bag" in mind, according to designer Jesse Dorsey, BOYY is the Bangkok-born minimal handbag brand offering styles that feel like new classics. Made of Italian leather and often complete with belt buckle-esque detailing, you've likely seen the label's bags all over your Instagram feed already. "The BOYY Bobby bags are a great investment, and perfect for your everyday use," Rebecca Brewer, Senior Buyer at FWRD tells POPSUGAR. "I love that they use superior materials and have a modern, timeless look. Plus, you get luxury quality without the hefty price tag." 22 BOYY Soft Bobby Surreal Bag Image Source: ssense.com BOYY Soft Bobby Surreal Bag ($302, originally $495) BOYY Soft Bobby Surreal Bag $302 from ssense.com Buy Now 23 BOYY Karl Surreal Bag Image Source: fwrd.com BOYY Karl Surreal Bag ($495) BOYY Karl Surreal Bag $495 from fwrd.com Buy Now 24 BOYY Buckle Travel Case Image Source: olivela.com BOYY Buckle Travel Case ($195, originally $475) BOYY Buckle Travel Case $195 from olivela.com Buy Now 25 Khaore View this post on Instagram A post shared by Annemiek Kessels (@modedamour) Even the dreamiest of handbags may fall short in comparison to Khaore's eclectic styles. The brand describes itself as "artistic reinterpretations of the everyday and mundane." The result is handbags that feel simultaneously sculptural and artful, yet wearable. Their current staple style, the Pillow, will undoubtedly make an undefeatable option when paired with a silk midi dress. 26 Khaore Athaarah Croc-Embossed Leather Clutch Image Source: intermixonline.com Khaore Athaarah Croc-Embossed Leather Clutch ($475) Khaore Athaarah Croc-Embossed Leather Clutch $475 from intermixonline.com Buy Now 27 Khaore Pillow Embellished Velvet Tote Image Source: Net-a-Porter.com Khaore Pillow Embellished Velvet Tote ($105, originally $350) Khaore Pillow Embellished Velvet Tote $105 from net-a-porter.com Buy Now 28 Khaore Flower Appliqué Detailed Clutch Image Source: farfetch.com Khaore Flower Appliqué Detailed Clutch ($354) Khaore Flower Appliqué Detailed Clutch $354 from farfetch.com Buy Now 29 Wandler View this post on Instagram A post shared by Emma Hill (@emmahill) At Wandler, perhaps you'll come for the effortlessly cool footwear, but believe us, you'll stay for the handbags. Sleek, chic, and minimal is the name of the game here, and you'll enjoy the brand's wearable hues of tans, burgundies, and creams (with the occasional animal print) that'll pair well with every trouser or dress you may own. 30 Wandler Ava Micro Leather Tote Image Source: mytheresa.com Wandler Ava Micro Leather Tote ($490) Wandler Ava Micro Leather Tote $490 from mytheresa.com Buy Now 31 Wandler Georgia Leather Shoulder Bag Image Source: neimanmarcus.com Wandler Georgia Leather Shoulder Bag ($425, orginally $850) Wandler Georgia Leather Shoulder Bag $425 from neimanmarcus.com Buy Now 32 Wandler Carly Lizard-Effect Handbag Image Source: farfetch.com Wandler Carly Lizard-Effect Handbag ($450) Wandler Carly Lizard-Effect Handbag $450 from farfetch.com Buy Now 33 Ganni View this post on Instagram A post shared by MATHILDE SAMUELSEN (@mathildesamuelsen) Having a fun, go-to handbag is kind of like having a fun, go-to friend. You kind of just need one. The Scandi label's handbags range from evening-ready leather bags to bold floral and animal prints. 'Nuff said. 34 GANNI Padded Printed Shoulder Bag Image Source: mytheresa.com GANNI Printed Shoulder Bag ($134, originally $205) GANNI Printed Shoulder Bag $134 from mytheresa.com Buy Now 35 GANNI Graphic Print Tote Bag Image Source: farfetch.com GANNI Graphic Print Tote Bag ($285) GANNI Graphic Print Tote Bag $285 from farfetch.com Buy Now 36 GANNI Beaded Polka-Dot Bucket Bag Image Source: farfetch.com GANNI Beaded Polka-Dot Bucket Bag ($345) GANNI Beaded Polka-Dot Bucket Bag $345 from farfetch.com Buy Now 37 Hands Bags View this post on Instagram A post shared by HANDS BAGS (@hands.bags) Get ready to see more bead embellished handbags in 2021 (the proof is in the runways), and the Ghana-based Depop shop Hands Bags has perfected the craft. If you've got a thing for pastels (or even just black, white, and taupe) consider the brand's handheld bags and crossbody pouches to add an instant touch of playful style to your day-to-day looks. 38 Hands Bags Handmade Beaded Bag Image Source: depop.com Hands Bags Handmade Beaded Bag ($75) Hands Bags Handmade Beaded Bag $75 from depop.com Buy Now 39 Hands Bags Handmade Beaded Bag Image Source: depop.com Hands Bags Handmade Beaded Bag ($48) Hands Bags Handmade Beaded Bag $48 from depop.com Buy Now 40 Hands Bags Handmade Beaded Bag Image Source: depop.com Hands Bags Handmade Beaded Bag ($54) Hands Bags Handmade Beaded Bag $54 from depop.com Buy Now 41 AQUA View this post on Instagram A post shared by Camila Mendivil (@camila.mendivil) As the mini bag craze simmers down, if only a little bit, hobo bags have made their way back onto the radars of fashion insiders. Should you be on the lookout for the everyday style, Marissa Galante Frank, Fashion Director for Accessories and Beauty at Bloomingdale's, recommends the camel brown iteration from AQUA. "It's soft with plenty of room to hold your belongings," she tells POPSUGAR. As one of the lower-priced brands on the list, AQUA is essentially the go to for an under $100 bag that hits nearly every handbag trend on the market. 42 AQUA Slouchy Hobo Bag Image Source: bloomingdales.com AQUA Slouchy Hobo Bag ($78) AQUA Slouchy Hobo Bag $78 from bloomingdales.com Buy Now 43 AQUA Fan Tote Image Source: bloomingdales.com AQUA Fan Tote ($35, originally $78) AQUA Fan Tote $35 from bloomingdales.com Buy Now 44 AQUA Soft Shoulder Bag Image Source: bloomingdales.com AQUA Soft Shoulder Bag ($68) AQUA Soft Shoulder Bag $68 from bloomingdales.com Buy Now 45 BruceGlen View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alison Epp (@alisonepp) Fashion becomes especially fun when the unexpected is involved, which is exactly what you get with BruceGlen. The brand crafts its bags in NYC with an emphasis on colour and hardware. Characterized by unique shapes and thoughtfully colorblocked pieces, every handbag collection deserves at least one of the brand's hobo or bucket bags in rotation — and then some. 46 BruceGlen 'Logo' Mini Bucket Bag Image Source: bruceglen.com BruceGlen 'Logo' Mini Bucket Bag ($450) BruceGlen 'Logo' Mini Bucket Bag $450 from bruceglen.com Buy Now 47 BruceGlen 'Logo' Mini Egg Bag Image Source: bruceglen.com BruceGlen 'Logo' Mini Egg Bag ($450) BruceGlen 'Logo' Mini Egg Bag $450 from bruceglen.com Buy Now 48 BruceGlen Baby Baller Bag Image Source: bruceglen.com BruceGlen Baby Baller Bag ($495) BruceGlen Baby Baller Bag $495 from bruceglen.com Buy Now 49 Alexander Wang View this post on Instagram A post shared by @victoriia90 Alexander Wang's clothing has always felt like streetwear meets femininity meets high fashion, and the same can be said of the label's handbags. You'll particularly love the brand's collection if you're partial to dainty pieces with statement elements such as coloured-crystals, satin finishes, and the occasional and unorthodox lunch-bag silhouette. 50 Alexander Wang Heiress Satin Pouch Image Source: alexanderwang.com Alexander Wang Heiress Satin Pouch ($395) Alexander Wang Heiress Satin Pouch $395 from alexanderwang.com Buy Now 51 Alexander Wang Attica Soft Fanny Pack Image Source: shopbop.com Alexander Wang Attica Soft Fanny Pack ($650) Alexander Wang Attica Soft Fanny Pack $650 from shopbop.com Buy Now 52 Stand Studio View this post on Instagram A post shared by Anisa Stoffel 🇮🇩🇾🇪 (@indoanisa) If you're into handbags that reflect the season, just know that Scandanavian brand Stand Studio basically takes the cake for best winter handbags ever (though yes, they can totally be worn whenever you want). Think of the brand's quilted faux leather bags as a pillow for your arm, and the most statement casual piece ever (a delightful paradox). 53 Stand Studio Assante Quilted Faux-Leather Tote Bag Image Source: matchesfashion.com Stand Studio Assante Quilted Faux-Leather Tote Bag ($337) Stand Studio Assante Quilted Faux-Leather Tote Bag $337 from matchesfashion.com Buy Now 54 Stand Studio Scarlet Bucket Bag Image Source: verishop.com Stand Studio Scarlet Bucket Bag ($280) Stand Studio Scarlet Bucket Bag $280 from verishop.com Buy Now 55 Stand Studio Wanda Quilted Faux Leather Bag Image Source: luisaviaroma.com Stand Studio Wanda Quilted Faux Leather Bag ($280) Stand Studio Wanda Quilted Faux Leather Bag $280 from luisaviaroma.com Buy Now 56 Rosantica View this post on Instagram A post shared by Salina Chai (@salinachai) Lovers of an ultra-feminine look will find that Rosantica's handbags check off all the boxes. Statement chains, pearls, velvet, feathers, and various offerings of blush pink sufficiently sum up the brand's core attributes, making it perfect for your special occasion handbag shopping (you know, for when special occasions are a thing again). 57 Rosantica Mini Vera Crystal Strap Satin Bag Image Source: saksfifthavenue.com Rosantica Mini Vera Crystal Strap Satin Bag ($498) Rosantica Mini Vera Crystal Strap Satin Bag $498 from saksfifthavenue.com Buy Now 58 Rosantica Lido Faux Pearl-Embellished Wicker Tote Image Source: Net-a-Porter.com Rosantica Lido Faux Pearl-Embellished Wicker Tote ($405, originally $810) Rosantica Lido Faux Pearl-Embellished Wicker Tote $405 from net-a-porter.com Buy Now 59 Rosantica Bubble Drawstring Mini Bag Image Source: farfetch.com Rosantica Bubble Drawstring Mini Bag ($452) Rosantica Bubble Drawstring Mini Bag $452 from farfetch.com Buy Now 60 Paco Rabanne View this post on Instagram A post shared by @avetoi Did you think Paco Rabanne's chainmail genius stopped at its dresses? The brand carries its signature design element into the world of handbags by way of dainty sequin and metal creations. With a colour palette that typically leans on neutrals such as silver, gold, and black, your styling options with many of the brand's handbags are endless despite their extravagant nature. Even still, the blue, pink, and orange irritations would make the perfect addition to your favourite little back dress. 61 Paco Rabanne Flower Sequin Shoulder Bag Image Source: farfetch.com Paco Rabanne Flower Sequin Shoulder Bag ($448, originally $568) 62 Paco Rabanne Paillette-Embellished Mini Bag Image Source: farfetch.com Paco Rabanne Paillette-Embellished Mini Bag ($450) Paco Rabanne Paillette-Embellished Mini Bag $450 from farfetch.com Buy Now 63 Paco Rabanne Daisy Nano 1969 Shoulder Bag Image Source: farfetch.com Paco Rabanne Daisy Nano 1969 Shoulder Bag ($423, originally $650) Paco Rabanne Daisy Nano 1969 Shoulder Bag $423 from farfetch.com Buy Now 64 Nunoo View this post on Instagram A post shared by 𝑨𝑵𝑱𝑨 𝑪𝑨𝑻𝑹𝑰𝑵𝑬 𝑽𝑬𝑵𝑨̊𝑺 (@anjacatrine) Somewhere between the mini bags and the supersize totes are the handbags that are simply the right size to get the job done. "It's all about hands-free these days," Caroline Maguire, Fashion Director at Shopbop, tells POPSUGAR. "Think bags that are the perfect size for your keys, hand sanitizer, wallet, and sunglasses. I love the Nunoo Helena crossbody because it's perfect for holding all your go-to accessories while remaining petite and chic." 65 Nunoo Helena Bag Image Source: m.shopbop.com Nunoo Helena Bag ($127) Nunoo Helena Bag $127 from m.shopbop.com Buy Now 66 Nunoo Bobby Bag Image Source: mytheresa.com Nunoo Bobby Bag ($174) Nunoo Bobby Bag $174 from mytheresa.com Buy Now 67 Nunoo Saki Clutch Image Source: m.shopbop.com Nunoo Saki Clutch ($95) Nunoo Saki Clutch $95 from m.shopbop.com Buy Now 68 See by Chloé View this post on Instagram A post shared by Margarita 〰️ style, aesthetics (@ritamaslova_) The little sister to luxury label Chloé doesn't fall far from the tree. Just as Chloé does, See by Chloé reigns in the boho aesthetic, and chic suede creations with a particular knack for neutral tones. The brand's signature chunky gold hardware lends a certain versatility to its handbags, making them just as easy to dress down as they are to dress up. 69 See by Chloé Joan Leather Shoulder Bag Image Source: nordstrom.com See by Chloé Joan Leather Shoulder Bag ($310) See by Chloé Joan Leather Shoulder Bag $310 from nordstrom.com Buy Now 70 See by Chloé Tracolla Mara Crossbody Bag Image Source: farfetch.com See by Chloé Tracolla Mara Crossbody Bag ($421) See by Chloé Tracolla Mara Crossbody Bag $421 from farfetch.com Buy Now 71 See by Chloé Small Tony Leather Bucket Bag Image Source: farfetch.com See by Chloe Small Tony Leather Bucket Bag ($425) See by Chloe Small Tony Leather Bucket Bag $425 from farfetch.com Buy Now ShoppingFashion TrendsFashion ShoppingLuxury GiftsGifts For WomenFashion GiftsFashion InstagramsBagsFashion DesignersGifts