There is something unforgettable about buying your first designer handbag. It’s more than an accessory, it’s a core memory. Whether you’re starting your luxury collection or gifting someone their first piece, the right bag should perfectly combine style, versatility, and value.
Every starter bag should check a few essential boxes. They must be pristinely crafted, easy to style, and functional enough for everyday life. Additionally, your first handbag should reflect your personal taste without feeling like a huge leap into the deep end of luxury pricing. We have handpicked five standout handbags that perfectly embody a starter bag for a first-time luxury consumer.
1. Saint Laurent Loulou Toy Bag
Price Range on the Resale Market: $900 – $2,200 USD
Best For: City days, Date nights, Everyday Activities
Why we love it:
It delivers a designer polish feel without feeling too delicate or precious. the structured puffed look holds beautifully over time and the styling options are endless. Tiny but mighty, the Loulou Toy Bag offers everything you want in a starter piece. The soft leather adds rich texture while the signature YSL hardware logo brings in just the right amount of elegance and shine. You can wear this bag as a crossbody or shoulder bag for everyday wear or tuck the straps in for a sophisticated date night look. The interior is surprisingly spacious for its compact nature making it a functional go-to for first time luxury buyers.
2. Fendi Baguette Bag
Price Range on the Resale Market: $700 – $2,000 USD
Best For: Brunch dates, Gallery strolls, Vacations
Why We Love It:
The Fendi Baguette has many variations at affordable price points. Easy to pair with any outfit, this piece has a playful design that stands out for its iconic heritage. The Fendi Baguette is a cultural icon. Surpassing its stylish appearance, this luxury gem is versatile for all events. Easy to throw on with any outfit, the baguette has a distinct silhouette but boundless variations through color, texture, size, and overall vibe. Its mid size structure makes it optimal for carrying your everyday essentials while still appearing chic. This is a fashion-forward choice that first-time luxury buyers can confidently invest in for its uniqueness and collectible nature.
3. Louis Vuitton Félicie Pochette
Price Range on the Resale Market: $800 – $1,600 USD
Best For: Dinner dates, Nights Out, Romantic day trips
Why We Love It:
This petite handbag offers the prestige of Louis Vuitton at an affordable price point, especially when bought on the preloved market. With its slim silhouette and removable inserts, you’re essentially scoring three accessories in one. This is the classic intro bag to the grandeur of Louis Vuitton. This compact, envelope-style handbag is available in either the iconic Louis Vuitton Canvas or sturdy empreinte leather. Any of Louis Vuitton’s stylish pochette handbags are ideal for a first-time buyer who desires a statement piece that will elevate any outfit.
4. Prada Re-Edition Shoulder Bag
Price Range on the Resale Market: $600 – $2,000 USD
Best For: Travel Days, Shopping Trips, Y2K aesthetic
Why We Love It:
This stunning piece has been in the luxury spotlight for a minute now as it went viral on social media due to a surge of interest from the fashion Influencer community. This bag is casual with a cool-girl twist, designed with durable nylon or leather to withstand everyday wear. This gem typically sits on the more affordable end of the luxury spectrum without compromising on brand recognition and individual style. Complete with a mini detachable pouch and a comfortable crossbody strap, this handbag is a perfect first-time designer purchase for its versatility. This ultra lightweight and compact style allows for easy carrying off all essentials and is one of the few handbags that you can throw on without a second thought.
5. Goyard Saint Louis Tote
Price Range on the Resale Market: $900 – $2,000 USD
Best For: Work days, Mom essentials, Study dates
Why We Love It:
This list wouldn’t be complete without an ideal grab-and-go tote bag. The Goyardine material used to create a Saint Louis Tote is lightweight and durable which makes it perfect for carrying both work and mom essentials. The PM and GM sizes are both roomy enough to comfortably fit your laptop, water bottle, change of clothes, and your secret snack stash. Crafted from coated canvas with leather trim, it’s as durable as it is stylish. This is a more unique and fashion forward choice for a starter tote bag in comparison to the iconic Louis Vuitton Neverfull that most first-time buyers gravitate towards.
How Do I Choose Which One To Buy First?
The perfect first designer luxury handbag isn’t necessarily the most expensive or flashy one. It’s the handbag that you can rely on to carry you through your daily routine and lifestyle. It should be the piece that you reach for again and again whether you’re working, traveling, or going for a night out.
Shop Smarter at Luxe Du Jour
All of these handbags and more are available now at LDJ.com. Whether you’re ready to step out on the town with a YSL Loulou Toy Bag or clock in with a Goyard Tote, you can shop confidently with Luxe Du Jour’s lifetime authenticity guarantee. Book an appointment at our Irvine, California or Calgary, Alberta, Canada locations and discover your dream bag at your dream price! Don’t forget to use code KAM50 at checkout for exclusive savings!
Stay iconic, luxe babes!