5 Practical Designer Handbags Under $500 That Make Perfect Gifts

It’s still not too late to get those last-minute gifts in for Christmas. Nothing is more exciting than receiving or gifting a (practical) designer handbag. When it comes to designer handbags the possibilities are endless! A practical style would be something you can use on a day-to-day basis. Since you’re investing a good deal of money, you want to be able to actually use the bag. So here are 5 practical designer bags under $500!

Why are designer bags so popular?

Designer bags have always been a social status symbol for the longest time. Now, with Influencers posting unboxing videos, Instagram posts, and doing OOTDs, designer handbags have become coveted. At one point in time, people would purchase designer items in the hope that they would have a great ROI (return on investment) and that still holds true with certain brands.

Consignment stores like Fashionphile have made it possible for anyone, with any type of budget, to own a piece of luxury. Now that more people have it, more people want it.

The best part is, today you can get designer handbags under $500 depending on when and where you shop. So everyone can now own luxury!

But what we want to see are, designer handbags on a budget! We want practical handbags that we can invest in and use daily! Concept bags are great but if I’m investing, I want designer labels, versatility, and practicality!

Designer Crossbody Under $500 #1:

This brand isn’t the first name you think of when shopping for a designer handbag. Coach has stepped up its game from the time I was in undergrad! A contemporary designer handbag brand, Coach has something for all types of fashionistas. Their prices can range from $200 all the way to the thousands! But my pick for the designer coach handbag under $500 is the Tabby. The Coach Soft Crossbody Tabby is such a popular silhouette! But we want a practical handbag as well. This one doesn’t disappoint!

For a run to the mall or a walk around Central Park with friends, this bag is where it’s at! You can wear it on the shoulder, crossbody, and according to the Coach website, even at the waist! Coach is known for their quality and craftsmanship. This beauty is going to last you a lifetime!

Trust me, I know. I have had Coach bags from back in the day! My favorite style was the Zoe hobos. I loved those and I still own them in patent and regular pebbled leather!

Designer Work Bag Under $500 #2: (My Fav)

My favorite designer handbag under $500 is a cult classic. Marc Jacobs has always been known for his colors when it comes to leather. His Tote Bag took Social Media by storm! I’ve seen at least 1 person carrying the Tote Bag in either canvas or leather wherever I’ve gone (even in Mumbai!). The Leather Medium Tote Bag is a bag that I live for. Again this designer handbag doesn’t disappoint!

I own this bag in an army green color, in canvas and I cannot begin to tell you how much of a practical handbag it is! The leather is going to be a bit heavier but it’s so soft and smooth! It is definitely more structured than its canvas counterpart. The best thing about this bag is that it’s a top carry, shoulder bag, and even cross-body!

I can carry my A5 planner, my Rough and Tumble wristlet, Hobo Wallet, my Louis Vuitton Coin purse, Kindle Fire 8, and more!

I wouldn’t use this bag as a day-to-day bag but more as a work bag, They have smaller sizes as well! So there’s something for everyone.

Designer Handbag/Tote Under $500 #3:

Tory Burch is a designer that I only learned about when I was an undergrad. Her designs are practical, sleek and very trendy. I don’t have any of her pieces, but one tote that I often dream about is the Tory Burch Perry Leather Shopper, specifically in the color “clamshell.”

This beauty is offered in a few different colors, but I feel clam shell is the most versatile (also I loved taupe). This designer handbag is classy and practical! I have seen colleagues carry it with jeans as an everyday shopper, and to work as a business tote (though I think black would be a better choice). It can hold a 13-inch laptop and if you get bored of the color, just turn it inside out!

Nothing irks me more than a super structured leather tote, but this one is in between. The pinched stitching on the sides of the bag, give it some structure but not enough where you have a stiff silhouette. So while carrying the tote, there won’t be any odd folding under your armpits (I hate that!).

If you love totes, especially the ones with an open concept and simplicity of this one, grab a purse organizer and devour this one! It’s practically 2 totes for the price of one!

Night Out Bag under $500 #4:

Cult Gaia is a new handbag designer to me, but when I saw the handbag that they’re famous for, I knew I’d heard of them. The Hera Knotted Rhinestone Shoulder Bag is a designer handbag, that I learned about from LisaLisaD1 on YouTube. But she mentioned a dupe, which I have listed in my Amazon Gift Guide. This handbag took YouTube by storm! It’s beautiful, sturdy, and sparkly! There are dupes out there and you’ll find many of them (even on Instagram) but, keep in mind, you pay a designer price for the quality. I’m not against purchasing dupes but just had to point that out.

Although personally, this designer handbag isn’t my style, I could see myself using this for a party or a night out. It’s practical in the sense it’s just big enough to carry what you need and avoid what you don’t. My favorite idea and I learned this from a friend, was to purchase a thin sparkly strap and use this bag as a crossbody!

How adorable would this be as a crossbody?! I’ll be honest with you, the one feature of this bag that draws me to it, are the knotted handles. The knots look adorable!

Designer Handbag (Preloved) #5:

I mentioned Fashionphile at the beginning and I want to add that there is nothing wrong in purchasing a preloved handbag. Designers are expensive and with certain premier designers like Louis Vuitton, there have been lots of negative reviews concerning the quality in the newer handbags. The Proenza Schouler PS1 was a favorite across YouTube a few years ago, but I find this handbag to be versatile in both the office and daily use.

I own two of these styles, one in medium and one in larger size. Both sizes are great for everyday use. The larger one will hold an iPad easily while the medium one is better for a day-to-day bag. The PS1 is the epitome of organization and practicality! The pockets are generous and plenty! These bags are meant to work as shoulder bags, but jazz it up with a custom shoulder strap (from Etsy or maybe another brand you enjoy), I use this as a crossbody work bag!

When purchasing a designer handbag, whether it’s for yourself or a friend (lucky friend!), don’t go for the trends. Trends will come and go, but investing in a bag that’s practical will always be worth your money. Go to the stores, put the bag on, and ask if you can try putting your items inside to see if it’s a good fit! If designer handbags aren’t your thing, then check out my post on luxury handbags on Etsy!

I hope you enjoyed my picks and I hope you all have an amazing holiday season!

PS: If you like contemporary designers, check out Rebecca Minkoff and the New and Updated MAB

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