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Top 10 Designer Handbags Under $500

Looking For An Entry-Level Designer Bag? Here Are The Most Loved Styles Under $500

If you’re in the market for a new designer handbag, let us let you in on a little secret: you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars in order to find one you’ll love and want to carry every day. In fact, we’re confident that there’s an affordable designer purse out there for you, because we’ve done our research and found 10 stunning options, each with a price tag under $500.

Now that’s not to say that’s an insignificant amount of money, but when you think about the years (sometimes decades) of use you can get out of a quality handbag, it’s suddenly not so unreasonable to shell out for one you’ve fallen in love with. And with options from brands like Coach and Cult Gaia that range from trendy to timeless, we have a feeling there are some promising prospects listed ahead.

How We Found The Best Affordable Designer Handbags

There’s nothing worse than buyer's remorse, and that’s especially true when it comes at a significant cost. In order to help you avoid that experience, we enlisted the help of our data-powered ranking algorithm. Unique to Rank & Style, this tool factors in information such as reviews, best-seller lists, and social buzz in order to determine which products deserve to be called the crème de la crème. So without further adieu, we’d like to introduce you to this season’s 10 best entry-level designer bags.

Next up, check out the 10 Best Designer Trend Handbags. 

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June 17, 2022

Written By:Sierra Rogers

Product Expert:Georgia Jones

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Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.

The Rankings


10
Rank & Style Approved

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Loewe Small Logo Straw Tote

Overall Score

4.3

10

Loewe Small Logo Straw Tote

4.57

2 User Reviews

2.1

Best Seller

0

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

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LOVABLE DETAILS: Lately, we’re all about the straw totes, so it’s validating to see that one of the internet’s best designer tote bags falls into that category. And with a hand-woven raffia basket, leather handles, and an embossed leather anagram patch, there’s no denying the aesthetic appeal of Loewe’s Small Straw Tote.

MUST-KNOW INFORMATION: It’s worth mentioning that this tote has an open top. If you’re concerned about leaving your things exposed, we recommend investing in a purse organizer with a zip top.

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Mansur Gavriel Mini Mini Leather Bucket Bag

Overall Score

4.3

09

Mansur Gavriel Mini Mini Leather Bucket Bag

4

7 User Reviews

2.1

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

LOVABLE DETAILS: Bucket bags make for great entry-level designer purses because of their accessible shape and (typically) adjustable straps. And this Mini Mini Leather Bucket Bag from Mansur Gavriel is made to hold just the essentials, which makes it ideal for daily use. 

MUST-KNOW INFORMATION: According to Nordstrom, the vegetable-tanned Italian leather this purse is made from will develop a patina over time. Who doesn’t love a designer bag that ages gracefully?

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Mansur Gavriel Mini Cloud Clutch

Overall Score

4.55

08

Mansur Gavriel Mini Cloud Clutch

4.5

24 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

LOVABLE DETAILS: Mansur Gavriel made it possible to carry a little bit of cloud nine with you everywhere you go. This trendy little number is one of the most popular designer bags around because of its slouchy, playful structure that comes in fun colors such as mint, strawberry, and blush.

MUST-KNOW INFORMATION: If you prefer to clutch over carry, you can remove the strap from this soft, lamb leather purse.


Cult Gaia Eos Box Clutch

Overall Score

4.6

07

Cult Gaia Eos Box Clutch

3.9

12 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

LOVABLE DETAILS: Cult Gaia: you may know them for their unique, structural designs that have a tendency to send the internet into a frenzy. The Eos Box Clutch is no exception, with unique color treatments (have you seen the Auburn version?) and a beautiful lineup of multi-sized beads around the exterior of the box.

MUST-KNOW INFORMATION: We love it when designer brands make affordable pieces like this clutch, and while $328 isn’t pocket change, this is one of those unique designs you’d hold onto for years to come.

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Loeffler Randall Rayne Small Pleated Bow Frame Clutch

Overall Score

4.6

06

Loeffler Randall Rayne Small Pleated Bow Frame Clutch

4.7

19 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

LOVABLE DETAILS: One of the most delicate and classic-looking handbags on the list, this champagne-colored clutch features a bow, pleats, and a removable chain strap. 

MUST-KNOW INFORMATION: If you love this style, you’ll be pleased to hear that there’s a mini version available as well.

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Clare V Moyen Messenger Bag

Overall Score

4.65

05

Clare V Moyen Messenger Bag

5

4 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

0

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

LOVABLE DETAILS: Not to knock the size of the other handbags on the list so far, but it's a breath of fresh air to see a purse with a little extra room—especially considering the affordable price this designer handbag is available for. It features a woven cowhide body, gold hardware, and a slouchy silhouette.

MUST-KNOW INFORMATION: The Moyen Messenger comes with multiple straps, so you have the option of carrying it as a crossbody or shoulder bag.

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Coach Tabby 18 Pillow Leather Shoulder Bag

Overall Score

4.65

04

Coach Tabby 18 Pillow Leather Shoulder Bag

4.54

37 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

LOVABLE DETAILS: Coach’s Tabby Bag is made for those who love ‘70s fashion. A new take on one of their best-selling archived designer handbags, the Tabby bag has a simple, slightly-puffy, padded structure and features a version of their logo on the closure. 

MUST-KNOW INFORMATION: Good news: this purse is available in two colors (ivory and black), and the strap is adjustable to ensure you’re able to carry it comfortably.

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Staud Shirley Mini Leather Tote Bag

Overall Score

4.7

03

Staud Shirley Mini Leather Tote Bag

4.7

3 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

LOVABLE DETAILS: Simple yet intriguing, the Shirley Mini Leather Tote Bag gets all the angles right. It has a rectangular structure and square-shaped handles, but don’t worry—it also has feet to protect the bottom of the leather base.

MUST-KNOW INFORMATION: At $250, this is the most affordable designer handbag on our list. And there’s more: it comes with a removable interior zip pouch and is available in three different color treatments.

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Senreve Aria Belt Bag

Overall Score

4.75

02

Senreve Aria Belt Bag

4.86

194 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

LOVABLE DETAILS: Attitude: that’s what this bag is giving. With a pebbled calfskin leather exterior, gold hardware, and a buckle closure, this handbag is equal parts classic and grungy. But it’s also designed to be used, with an interior micro-suede lining and multiple pockets to securely store your things in.

MUST-KNOW INFORMATION: The removable strap on this bag adds to its versatility. You can wear it as a belt bag or crossbody purse, or you can sling it over one shoulder for an extra casual carry.

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Staud Tommy Beaded Bag

Overall Score

4.9

01

Staud Tommy Beaded Bag

5

4 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

LOVABLE DETAILS: Intricately beaded, Staud’s Tommy Bag takes a simple silhouette and freshens it up with endless detail and color. There’s no doubt in our mind that you’re sure to collect compliments by the dozens with the Tommy Beaded Bag on your arm, and with seven different versions to choose from, you can pick the style that best speaks to your preferred form of self expression.

MUST-KNOW INFORMATION: This designer handbag offers everything you could want or need from a purse at an affordable price: an interior zip pocket, leather trim, and a fold-over flap with a convenient magnetic closure.

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