"I remember the moment I finally felt ready to invest in my first designer bag. I’d been working hard on my freelance business and had saved up enough to cover my bills, and for the first time in my life, I had a little disposable income, too. I knew exactly what I wanted: a Fendi Peekaboo bag, but when I looked at the price tag, my eyes bulged out of their sockets. Over $5,000 for a bag? I was prepared for it to be an investment, but that price tag wasn’t an option.
It got me wondering whether there were any designer brands that offer the same level of quality, but with prices that don’t completely deplete your bank account. You know, something for the girls who are hustling—not just for the wildly accomplished. Sure enough, I found plenty of chic, high-quality brands to shop during milestone moments or when it’s finally time to treat yourself. I’m talking about affordable designers that still require you to portion your savings correctly, but aren’t after your entire life’s savings. Keep scrolling for the best mid-range brands to shop in 2025.
1. Osoi
With a focus on shoes and bags, Osoi creates high-quality, trendy pieces for the stylish millennial. Prices range between $100 and $500, depending on the item. Personally, I’m a fan of the belted canvas bag, but if you peruse their website, you’ll find a range of designs that suit a variety of aesthetics.
2. Staud
Staud doesn’t need much of an introduction—the label has been sported by celebs like Kendall Jenner, Lori Harvey, and Chrissy Teigan. You’ll always find something quirky, unique, and jaw-droppingly beautiful here. Many of the designs are reminiscent of summers in Italy and weekends in the Hamptons.
3. Nour Hammour
Nour Hammour only recently landed on my radar, but it quickly converted me into a massive fan. If I’m searching for a leather jacket, I don’t consider any brand outside of this one. I’m a firm believer that—considering their cost-per-wear— outerwear, shoes, and bags are the top three items to splurge on, so Nour Hammour’s price range is one I can justify for a one-and-done purchase I know I’ll keep forever.
4. Freja NYC
Freja’s vegan-leather bags have been seen on the shoulders of notable Instagram It-girls, including Hailey Bieber, who’s a fan of the Caroline Bag. It’s easy to love the simple, stunning designs, especially since they go so well with just about anything. For anyone prioritizing vegan leather, these high-quality bags are a fantastic (not to mention high-end) alternative to opt for instead.
5. Nanushka
I love brands that bring something new to the table. At Nanusha, you’ll find a variety of fun prints and unique cuts that stand out from the masses. Here, you’ll get the same level of high-quality materials and artisanship that you’d expect from a designer brand. I would describe this label as quiet luxury’s chatty sister.
6. Mulberry
Despite being a wardrobe staple over in England, Mulberry has less of its cult-like following here in the States—a shame, really, when you see how gorgeous, timeless, and excellent its bags are. Compared to the designers with bags in the $4,000-$7,000 range, Mulberry’s prices feel much less daunting.
7. Sandro Paris
Any time I’m in Paris, I want to dress in head-to-toe Sandro. Everything I’ve purchased from the brand has earned me endless compliments, and I believe the quality is even higher than the price it’s listed at. Add in the unique prints, cuts, and patterns, and you’re guaranteed to never regret a purchase from this designer. Bonus points for the label’s transparency when it comes to their sustainability practices.
8. Maje
If you love Sandro, you’ll love Maje with equal passion. Somewhat similar in price and design, Maje is a Parisian label that blends the preppy and the free-spirited into one cohesive aesthetic. This is for the shopper who abhors wearing black, and instead prefers light colors and attention-grabbing details.
9. Toteme
Any time I shop at Toteme, I ooh and ahh at the immaculately designed, minimalist pieces, and know that no matter what I spend my money on, I get a high-quality, forever piece in return. Shop here for wardrobe staples, sleek silhouettes, and modern designs.
10. Sézane
Sticking to French fashion, Sézane is another brand with a cult-like following from Europe to the U.S. Everything from Sézane’s bags to its clothes has a Parisian flair to it. Despite using almost exclusively eco-friendly and organic materials, the tops, dresses, and pants are typically below the $300 mark.
11. Tory Burch
Tory Burch’s rise to American fashion stardom happened rapidly over the last two decades, but I personally find they’ve never been better than they are now. Show after show, Mrs. Burch reminds us why her label is such a beloved classic. Creating quintessential, old-money Americana looks, everything from the designs to the materials are top-notch.
12. Coach
Coach and Gen-Z go together like matches and candles. Creative Director Stuart Vevers has his finger firmly on the pulse where trends are concerned, continuously reinventing the brand and keeping it relevant to today’s times. It’s not just Gen-Z approved, though—you’ll find plenty of bags and leather goods geared toward women of all ages. (Take this stunning tote as proof.)
13. Hereu Studio
Spanish contemporary brand Hereu makes beautiful bags and shoes for every occasion. It’s beach totes, office bags, and crossbody pouches galore here, and every design is inspired by the brand’s Mediterranean origins. You’ll notice that there is a distinctly laid-back aesthetic to the leather goods; a universal appeal that has made the label popular here in the States as well.
14. Lacoste
The other day I leisurely strolled into a Lacoste store only to be jolted awake by the cute collections. With athleisure reaching new heights in recent years, Lacoste should be your go-to destination for high-quality tennis wear, polished golf attire, and iconic polos.
15. Ganni
The fashion girls all know and love Ganni for the semi-eclectic, partially edgy, and completely stylish pieces offered. What you find at Ganni, you won’t find anywhere else; they take wardrobe staples and add unique touches to them, like balloon sleeves on a cropped trench.
16. Filippa K
When it comes to sleek, high-quality, and minimalist fashion, the Swedes have it down pat. Filippa K is already a beloved brand across the pond, but in case you’re not familiar, the Scandinavian fashion label has fine-tuned and perfected the modern workwear and wardrobe staples.
17. Frame
Fun fact: My roommate and I almost exclusively buy our denim from Frame—the quality is far superior than your average pair of jeans. But it’s not just the celeb-loved pants that pull you in; it’s also cashmere-silk blend dresses and sailor-inspired blouses that leave you drooling at any of their brick-and-mortar locations.
18. Mansur Gavriel
Mansur Gavriel’s soft everyday tote has long been a customer favorite, but you’ll be delighted to find a variety of shapes and styles suitable for everyday use as well. Even bags made out of 100% lambskin leather are priced under $600, which is a true steal considering the quality. I currently have this boxy shoulder bag on my wishlist.
Bianca Kratky, Contributing Writer
Bianca is a NYC-based fashion and beauty writer with over five years of industry experience. She has written for notable publications like Cosmopolitan, Oprah Daily, Coveteur, and Travel & Leisure. Most recently, she was InStyle’s dedicated fashion writer, before parting ways to resume her freelancing career. She also founded her own publication, Florré, where she covers more fashion, beauty, travel, and lifestyle trends.