Few fashion purchases carry as much weight, both literally and financially, as a designer handbag. The right one can make an outfit, become a daily fixture on morning commutes, and, in some cases, retain its value long after checkout. But in a market where a new It bag seems to emerge every season (or with every scroll through your feed), figuring out which styles are worth the splurge isn’t always straightforward.
Fashion history offers clues to sound investments. Some of today’s most coveted bags have been around for decades: Gucci’s Jackie traces its roots to the 1960s, while Dior’s Lady Dior became an icon of ’90s style thanks to Princess Diana. Fendi’s Baguette, meanwhile, outlived its early-aughts It-bag heyday and found a new generation of fans more than two decades later. Their enduring appeal speaks to the power of great design, which can transcend changing tastes, evolving trends, and creative director shake-ups.
Vogue’s Guide to the Best Designer Handbags:
Of course, a handbag doesn’t need decades of history behind it to become a wardrobe staple. Sometimes, an unexpected silhouette, celebrity endorsement, or clever design detail can turn a newcomer into a cult classic overnight. Identifying the forever pieces among today’s endless stream of new arrivals is then part of the fun.
Beyond the initial buzz, the most promising designs have some things in common: practical proportions, distinctive details, and versatility—all the more important when you’re considering a four-figure purchase. The best designer handbags should fit seamlessly into your wardrobe rather than demand an entirely new one. They should be flexible enough to carry everywhere from dinner to work and the grocery store, beautifully crafted to withstand years of wear, and stylish enough to elevate even the simplest of outfits.
Below, Vogue’s guide to the best designer handbags, from bona fide icons to established favorites and newer arrivals with the potential to become tomorrow’s most treasured pieces. Whether you’re drawn to a heritage house signature or something less ubiquitous, these are the bags worth getting to know—and keeping close for years to come.
The Boho Bag: Chloé Paddington
The Paddington was the bag of the mid-2000s, instantly recognizable for its slouchy shape and oversized padlock hardware. Worn by every It-girl from Kate Moss to Sienna Miller, it defined an era of bohemian glamour. In 2025, the cult bag returned under Chloé creative director Chemena Kamali, who has revived the padlock-topped icon in various sizes and colors.
