If you have been wanting to purchase a designer handbag but are intimidated by the price, today’s blog post is for you!  I’m sharing gorgeous luxury handbags from some of my favourite designers that all cost under $1000 USD.  From Prada to Saint Laurent there are way more option for affordable bags than you probably realized.  Today I’m sharing my favourite picks, plus a round up of all the gorgeous designer bags I could find under $1000 that would be a perfect choice for a first designer bag.

Often the least expensive designer handbags are either wallet on chains, camera bags or totes.  If you are a minimalist in what you choose to carry in your purse, a wallet on chain bag is a great way to get a designer bag for less money.  I love the practicality of a wallet on chain bag because they have lots of compartments for your credit cards, meaning you don’t have to take up space in your small bag for an additional card case or wallet.  Camera bags tend to be a bit larger in size but more basic in function.  They are great for traveling with an easy top zipper to stash your passport, phone and other necessities.  The last common option for a more affordable designer bag is a tote bag.  I personally don’t wear tote bags often because I don’t tend to carry much in my bag, but if you aren’t a light packer like me, a designer tote bag is a great investment.

Prefer to carry a dupe?  Here are the best Dior dupes that look just like the real deal!

Here are the best designer bags under $1000.

Prada bags under $1000:

1. Prada Saffiano Cross-Body Bag $794
2. Prada Tessuto Tote Bag $970
3. Prada leather wallet on a chain  $840

You have quite a few choices if you are hoping to purchase a Prada bag on a limited budget.  My top pick would be the camera bag style Prada cross-body bag.  Not only is it well under a thousand dollars, but its simple shape can be dressed up or down.  It also comes in quite a few colours with different hardware options in case you were hoping for something more bold than the classic black.  Here is a great selection of all the amazing Prada handbags I could find under $1000.

Gucci bags under $1000:

1. Supermini GG Marmont 2.0 $890 (Update 07/20: now also available in multiple pastel colours here!)
2. Super Mini Dionysus Leather Shoulder Bag $830
3. Petite Marmont Leather Continental Wallet on a Chain $730

Gucci is one of the most affordable Italian luxury brands when it comes to handbags.  There are so many beautiful options that are quite budget friendly.  In my opinion, the best Gucci bag under $1000 is hands down the Gucci Marmont bag.  It is beautiful with a classic shape and fun chevron stitching.  It also comes in plenty of different colours from fusha to apple green.  Here are a few more gorgeous Gucci bags that are under a thousand dollars.

Saint Laurent bags under $1000:

1. Lou Mini Quited Leather Bag $995 (Update 07/20: the Lou Mini bag price has increased to $1150 and is available here)
2. YSL Monogramme Blogger leather shoulder bag $995
3. Saint Laurent Large Leather Shopper Tote $995

Saint Laurent is a luxury brand that every designer bag aficionado should have represented in their collection.  While their selection is a bit more limited under the $1000 mark, their less expensive purses are all super stylish and a great buy!