16 Iconic Bags Worth the Investment

By Alexis Bennett and Laura Reilly
Updated Mar 10, 2020 @ 4:30 pm
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Much like a coveted pair of heels or a statement-making necklace, an iconic handbag is never just an afterthought-accessory. If you ask me, carrying around a classic Chanel or an undeniably exquisite Hermés is the equivalent to winning Miss America and the lottery on the same day. Seriously — the handbag lottery.

The attention to craftsmanship and quality make these pieces worth the price. Not to mention the cost per wear: These bags last decades and can be worn everyday, making them solid investments. And not just investments in good style, either. The value on some of these iconic pieces is projected to rise over time, making them a great addition to your financial portfolio. That is, if you could ever bring yourself to sell one.

These are the 16 most iconic bags you can buy today:

Read on to see why each of these monoliths made our list.

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Prada Saffiano Small Double Tote

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"It's not just a bag. It's Prada!"

Shop now: $2,590; neimanmarcus.com

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Gucci Dionysus Bamboo Top Handle Bag

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You can't go wrong with any Gucci bag that includes the iconic bamboo handle.

Shop now: $970; rebag.com

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Louis Vuitton LV Monogram Keepall Bag

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It's the first handbag that Louis Vuitton ever created back in 1930, and no celebrity airport look is complete without one.

Shop now: $1,350; shopbop.com

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Chloe Drew Shoulder Bag

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The Drew bag might be one of the newer purses on the list, but its timeless design has solidified its position as a modern icon for boho-chic women everywhere.

Shop now: $1,850; neimanmarcus.com

5 of 16

Saint Laurent Sac de Jour Bag Leather Baby

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Hedi Slimane introduced us to this modern classic in 2015. As long as professional women continue to serve looks in the workplace, it will always, always be in style.

Shop now: $940; rebag.com

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Longchamp Large Le Pliage Tote

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Kate Middleton and Katie Holmes are among the many celebrity fans of this weatherproof, classic tote.

Shop now: $145; nordstrom.com

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Chanel Quilted Bag

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I mean, do we really need to explain?

Shop now: $4,900; shopbop.com

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Bottega Veneta Padded Cassette Bag

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Bottega Veneta owns the trademark on its classic basket weave technique. The Padded Cassette Bag is the crown jewel of clutch-crossbodies.

Shop now: $2,800; bottegaveneta.com

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Dior Lady Dior Bag

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Birthed in the mid '90s and a staple for Princess Diana, this chic bag is the epitome of timeless elegance. Today, you can find the Lady Dior Bag in so many sizes, colors, and prints. 

Shop now: $3,495; shopbop.com

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10 of 16

Coach Kitt Messenger Crossbody

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The messenger is one of the most iconic crossbody bags, and Coach's design combines both quality and timeless style at an affordable price.

Shop now: $150; coach.com

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Balenciaga Classic City Leather Tote Bag with Logo Strap

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The signature hardware and XL tassel is what made the Balenciaga Moto bag a stand out in the early aughts. 

Shop now: $2,350; neimanmarcus.com

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Valentino Garavani Rockstud Medium Shoulder Bag

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Fashionistas will never get tired of the Rockstud pieces from Valentino. Find it on a sneaker, a sweatshirt... and of course, a handbag.

Shop now: $1,375; neimanmarcus.com

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Hermès Birkin Bag

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Hermès artistic director Jean-Louis Dumas designed this now-iconic bag after hearing actress Jane Birkin lament about not having a bag large enough to carry her daughter’s baby bottles. Fast forward some 35 years, and the bag is now a more sound investment than gold.

Shop now: $6,980; rebag.com

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Fendi Brown Zucca Quilted Bag

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The interlocking Fs on Fendi’s Zucca design is a classic execution of today’s logomania. Unlike other iterations, we can rest assured this design (drawn up by Karl Lagerfeld in 1965) won’t go out of style, thanks to its rich history.

Shop now: $1,250; shopbop.com

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Prada Black Nylon Waist Pouch

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The bum bag has Prada  to thank for its return — particularly this nylon version, which has become popular to wear across the chest rather than at the hip, as it was in the ‘90s.

Shop now: $850; shopbop.com

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16 of 16

Dior Canvas Saddle Bag

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What would this list be if we didn’t include the saddle bag? Originally designed by John Galliano in 1999 and worn by the time’s biggest ‘Its’ Paris Hilton and SJP, the bag’s 2018 re-release was just as explosive — just ask the Hadids.

Shop now: $2,500; shopbop.com

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By Alexis Bennett and Laura Reilly