The Best Designer Bags To Invest In for 2025
By Kee’nan Haggen
From quiet luxury to bold icons, these 2025 designer bags are worth your wallet. Invest wisely, babe – your future self will thank you.
Yes, the rumors and headlines from almost every major fashion news outlet are true and more fact than fiction. The luxury market is on the decline. Now, remember that doesn’t mean it’s completely dead–the meaning of luxury has just changed. That means preferences in tastes for handbags on the market have also changed.
For 2025, investing in the perfect bag still exists even if you’re not into luxury or are not attracted to its appeal. For fashion lovers who also value the exclusivity of luxury, a standout bag still reigns supreme, and no, not your average handbag in arms reach that is typical in lists of this kind. If no one has told, I‘ll let you know now: I urge you to steer clear of Lady Dior minis and Chanel classic flaps of yesteryear. Yes! Of the trendiest bags on the market, especially near the holidays, which designer handbag do you invest in wisely? Luxury is slowing down, but it is my job to provide you with my top recommendations for what's worth adding to your wardrobe and your money. Scroll down to see the best designer bag picks to ring in the new year, and you might want all of them!
The Row Sofia
Ok, you can give an insight into my taste and share what we both embrace: sophistication. As we know, “quiet luxury” has been fashion’s beloved buzzword for quite some time now, and The Row has been the trend’s golden child as the brand has garnered a large cult following even with its phoneless runway shows. The Sofia exemplifies exceptional craftsmanship and refined minimalism for those who could care less about a garish monogram-wrapped design or an overbearing logo. Made with premium leather, the bag’s interior is also leather-lined, providing a sumptuous touch and the durability to last a wardrobe lifetime. You can also enjoy a smaller Sofia as a crossbody with a cohesive range of color options and textures.
Tory Burch Lee Radziwell
Named after the famed American socialite and sister to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, the ‘Lee Radziwill’ bag offers a posh feminine aesthetic that favors a Hermès Kelly or Saint Laurent Manhattan for a way lower price. The petite double features an open top with a triple snap closure, my favorite part, and two interior opening compartments that can carry more than just your phone but also a wallet, planner, or a small toiletries bag. Perfect for on-the-go and for those who travel light.
Coach Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39
Brace yourselves. I hesitated to add a Coach bag to this list, but its popularity is too hard to ignore. Coach has been on everyone’s designer bag wish lists this year as the American brand has gained popularity through social media, especially with Gen Z customers. The Brooklyn 39 has made its rounds as the ultimate oversized and slouchy hobo shoulder bag everyone wants to get their hands on. I urge you to go for the smooth leather maple color for those who are more relaxed, but if you want to add more color versatility to your bag collection, the dark ruby is essential for that extra touch of elegance.
Loewe Flamenco leather clutch
Indeed, clutches are cool again, but they're bigger and much better, considering the latest Coach runway show this past NYFW. Your poor arms, my goodness, what they have planned for next Spring! But do not worry. I have an alternative from the beloved Spanish house Loewe, as the brand won over the fashion girlies in 2024. The Flamenco leather clutch is the perfect size with a chain strap that hangs like jewelry and is detachable if one chooses to wear it without. My favorite feature is the scrunchy drawstring opening top, giving this shell-like silhouette.
Burberry Rocking Horse Bag
Daniel Lee’s Burberry has taken off rather slowly since being appointed creative director in September 2022 and presented his debut runway collection at London Fashion Week in February 2023. I am a Burberry and Daniel Lee fan, and as your new go-to fashion connoisseur, I refuse to steer you in the wrong direction! One of my favorite bags under Lee is the Rocking Horse shoulder bag, as it is very different from previous It-bags from Burberry in the past. This is much more understated and mature. It is quintessentially British with its equestrian saddle-like design. It also has this cute t-bar round toggle clasp signaling a lowercase ‘b’ for the brand’s name at the front.
Miu Miu Aventure nappa leather bag
And God said, let there be. . . Miu Miu? Yes, you read that right, and this is not a brand to further underestimate. Miu Miu has positioned itself as a fashion brand with a luxury pricing offer, and the girls just can’t get enough! The brand’s revenue has more than doubled in Q3, and the bag that should be on everyone’s Christmas list this year is the Aventure Nappa. Recovered from the Miu Miu archives, this bag has such a retro luggage vibe, especially in this oak color. You can also enjoy this bag with its matching smaller top handle.
Prada Medium Galleria Saffiano Bag
Prada is known for its reissued bags, as Miuccia Prada loves to honor the past and herself. The ‘Galleria’ was launched in 2007, and its roots stretch back to 1913. It was named after the site of the first Prada store. While fashion trends may fluctuate between tiny bags and oversized totes, the Galleria stands out as the quintessential bag that meets every need, available in small, medium, and large sizes. For those seeking something unique, options like crystal embellishments, satin, patent leather, and color-block designs are also available if you are more eccentric. This medium version showcases the iconic Saffiano leather, a patented calfskin developed by Mario Prada. Known for its durability against scratches and water, it features a distinctive crosshatch texture that sets it apart.
Gucci Jackie leather shoulder bag
I’ve only gotten into Gucci very recently, and I am honestly a huge fan of Gucci bags, believe it or not. The iconic Gucci Jackie 1961, named after Jackie Kennedy Onassis, owes its fame-driven elegance to the late First Lady. Over the past 60 years, it has become one of the most photographed handbags in history. Despite its long-standing presence in the fashion world, only minor adjustments have been made here and there to maintain its contemporary allure and attractiveness. A rich burgundy leather bag hangs gracefully from a sturdy, adjustable strap, allowing you to customize the drop to your liking. Inside, it offers ample room for all your daily necessities, including your wallet, keys, phone, and compact. I would look at this black grainy leather men's version of this bag and the size, which is much bigger and spacier for those who love an oversized look.
Bottega Veneta Andiamo Bag
I am a sucker for Matthieu Blazy’s Bottega Veneta (aren't we all?), and I couldn't make a handbag list to invest in without including this iconic bag that has swept the fashion girlies off their feet! In just over a year since its debut, the Andiamo has demonstrated its ability to stand the test of time for any bag to own. This tote isn’t just your trendy TikTok-generated It bag. No! This bag epitomizes avoiding short-lived trendy gimmicks for social media virality. Its design embodies Blazy's "vision for elevated everyday living," effortlessly lauding for practicality. The minimalist approach makes Bottega's accessories desirable, highlighting the exquisite intrecciato (the Italian word meaning 'braided' or 'woven') weaving and luxuriously soft calf leather.
Hermes Kelly Collection
Last but certainly not least, this is a historic pick. With its history of craftsmanship and pure luxury, one couldn't ignore adding the Hermès Kelly. The Kelly Collection, available in various stunning colors, sizes, and premium leathers, represents Hermes' design mastery as it incorporates a trapezoidal silhouette, a sturdy handle, and a flap secured with pull straps, topped off with a turn-lock mechanism with a petite padlock and key. The bag gained fame in 1954 when actress Grace Kelly was spotted with it while filming To Catch a Thief. By 1956, after becoming Princess Grace of Monaco, she famously used the bag discreetly to conceal her pregnancy from the press, prompting women everywhere to reach out to Hermès in search of the now-iconic “Kelly bag.” Many bag lovers seek this bag (along with a Birkin) in the secondary market because acquiring them directly from Hermès can be challenging. Very challenging! You might find yourself on a waitlist, and the duration can fluctuate widely—from just a few months to years—based on your connection with the brand and the particular bag you want. If you are in luck, the store could present you with a bag upon availability. Still, this isn't promised, and the availability can be quite uncertain. Prices in the secondary market frequently exceed retail, highlighting the bags' high value and rarity. To guarantee authenticity, buying from highly trusted, reputable resellers is crucial! I champion grace (pun intended) and poise as part of your wardrobe, and this bag should be at the top of your list for bags to invest in, not just for 2025 but for decades to come!