If you’re thinking of buying a designer handbag to usher in the new season, firstly, congratulations. There’s little more exciting than making a big investment purchase (or maybe that’s just me), especially at this time of year when the joy of summer is behind us and that dreaded back-to-school feeling is starting to kick in. But with great power comes great responsibility, as they say, so how do you know you’re making the right choice?
It’s called an investment purchase for a reason—if you’re spending thousands of pounds on a bag, you want to make sure you’ll love it forever (or if not, that you’ll at least be able to make your money back by reselling it).
As something of a handbag aficionado, my top tip is to go for something you actually like. It might sound obvious, but if you’re buying into a trend or a style simply because it’s currently popular, you probably won’t want it in your wardrobe forever. I speak from experience, having just sold a hot pink Jacquemus bag I bought in the pandemic—nothing against Jacquemus, the bag just wasn’t my style, and I made the purchase back when all there really was to do was shop online…
My second top tip is to think about designers, or at least bag designs, that have stood the test of time. For my 30th birthday, I made my biggest bag purchase to date: a Louis Vuitton Speedy. The style made its debut in 1930 under the name the Express, and was designed as a more compact alternative to Louis Vuitton’s travelling trunks of the time. As the bag will turn 95 next year, and has seen many design iterations in its time, it felt like a solid investment. Louis Vuitton also tends to hold its resale value, and as the appetite for vintage fashion continues to grow, the Speedy (in all shapes and sizes) is forever in demand.
To get a better idea of what truly makes a great investment purchase, I called upon some key industry insiders who share my same penchant for designer bags—and their advice pretty much followed suit. eBay's pre-loved style director Amy Bannerman suggests prioritising "longevity of style" over pieces that are "faddy or of the moment," looking for "fabrics that will wear well and stand the test of time," and opting for "neutral colours rather than anything patterned or bright"—because the "practical and useful are always the bags you use the most." So, while a black leather everyday bag may be the less obviously "fun" option, it's likely to be a better investment than that a fabulous yet delicate sequin or ponyhair style that you're too scared to use.
Jennifer Lawrence wears The Row Margaux bag
Net-A-Porter buying manager Lydia Zachari also stresses the importance of practicality. "When investing in a designer bag, aim to balance timeless style with functionality to ensure you get the most out of it," she says. "Consider your needs both in terms of size and fabrication or colour—are you looking for an everyday work bag, an elegant evening piece, or something versatile for any occasion? Ultimately, the bag should complement and work with your lifestyle. It will stay with you forever or have resale power if not."
Tiffany Hsu, chief buying and group fashion venture officer at Mytheresa, agrees. "The secret lies in investing in designer bags which are easy to use and fit a lot, in a very cool but classy way," she says. Her top picks to invest in this season? "The Miu Miu Tote Beau and T Timeless Tod’s tote bag are pieces that add a refined touch to an office siren style and offer versatility that complements a variety of looks, while lasting for years."
Luxury fashion brands with a timeless, minimalist aesthetic like The Row, Khaite, Ferragamo and Toteme come highly recommended too—not forgetting about the classics like Dior and Chanel, of course, that are known to increase in value over time (when looked after properly).
Below, I’ve rounded up the best designer bags to invest in this year, guaranteed will hold their appeal (and value) long past the end of 2025—including top picks from my army of insider experts, too.
The matrix of personal style, budget and longevity isn’t an easy one to master, but I believe you’ll manage...
The Best Investment Handbags To Shop in 2025
The Prada Buckle bag is beloved by editors, fashion insiders alike. Incredibly chic, roomy and now offered in a timeless burgundy suede, this is a modern day it-bag that's well worth its price tag.
Forget the Margaux (until you can actually get your hands on one, that is...), because there's a new The Row investment bag in town. Net-A-Porter Buying Manager Lydia Zacharis recommends opting for the brand's Marlo design instead: "I believe all of The Row’s bags make great investments thanks to their timeless designs, but the Marlo Tote stands out to me. It is both versatile and spacious—qualities which are not often found in designer bags. It offers practicality without compromising on style. It is Ideal for work, with enough room for a laptop, or for travelling. It is the perfect younger sister to the Margaux, which has become increasingly difficult to get hold of."
Ludicrously capacious, made from sturdy canvas and featuring Gucci's instantly recognisable monogram, this bag has been flying off shelves ever since it was released earlier this year. The fact it's on the more affordable end of the spectrum certainly helps, as does the fact that it's just the right balance of classic and modern.
This leather tote is Mytheresa Chief Buying & Group Fashion Venture Officer, Tiffany Hsu's top pick for the best investment bags of 2025. "Miu Miu is an iconic brand, and it has excelled by delivering a structured tote in rich neutrals, that's designed to move seamlessly from desk to dinner." Enough said.
Large enough to fit a laptop and much more there besides, this Tod's tote would make an ideal work bag for those looking to elevate their office style. The bright red shade is rather on the bold side, but it's still a classic—particularly to provide a pop of colour for neutrals-heavy dressers.
Alaïa's Le Teckel is a relative newcomer that has made serious impact, and given the endless copies it has inspired, doesn't look to be going anywhere anytime soon. The original, naturally, is still the best, and well worth the investment. It comes in a whole host of colours and textures, but this khaki suede would be my top pick.
As we've already explained, the Louis Vuitton Speedy is worth its weight in gold. We love this newer version from the house, which comes updated with charms for a sweet 2025 twist.
Amy Bannerman may have advised against any bags with too much buzz surrounding them, but the Ferragamo Hug is a rare exception. Yes, it might be a relatively new design, having only debuted in AW23, but it feels like a classic already thanks to its minimal design, distinctive-yet-practical shape, sturdy leather composition and subtly chic metal hardware.
John Galliano is responsible for the design of Dior's now-iconic saddle bag, which was first released in 1999 and has been a must-have ever since. The only downside? It seems the prices increase with each year, so this is an investment you'll want to make sooner rather than later.
You can't beat the effortless elegance of a Bottega Veneta bag, and few have more timeless appeal than the reissued classic Campana. Offering structure and softness in equal measure, each bag is crafted from top-quality Italian leather and is a true forever piece.
Phoebe Philo created some of the most iconic accessories in her time as creative director at French houses Chloé and Celine. She's now back with her own line, and as expected, the bags are to die for.
First released in 2009, Stella McCartney's Falabella is a modern-day icon, and re-released each season in chic new materials and colourways. It's also one of the few faux-leather pieces that will genuinely stand the test of time—I've had mine for almost a decade and can personally attest to its durability. Plus, it can be worn in multiple ways, so you're getting more bang for your buck too.
Whilst we eagerly await the release of Michael Rider's debut Celine collection—and with it, his update of the Noughties Phantom bag—this smart Triomphe design would make a great investment for someone looking to get their hands on a classic Hedi Slimane design while they still can.
For an investment bag with staying power as well as a more accessible price-point, Toteme is the name to know. Net-A-Porter buying manager Lydia Zacharis is a fan: "The belted tote is a solid, yet sleek, option for a day-to-night bag that will surely get a used a lot."
New York-based brand Khaite has a habit of releasing pieces that become instant must-haves—for fans of the quiet luxury aesthetic in particular. This brown suede bucket-style bag is one such instant icon.
Loewe's Flamenco bag is instantly recognisable, with its gathered top and side drawstrings. We love this deep green colourway, complete with silver hardware.
You simply cannot go wrong with vintage Chanel. It holds its value, and never ceases to look incredibly fashionable.
The Fendi baguette is a 90s hero, made infamous by Carrie Bradshaw with her purple sequin version. Much as the latter remains a dream collector's item, this brown monogram will get more day-to-day use, and is every bit as chic.
