Fashion Accessories Bags 16 Iconic Bags Worth the Investment By Alexis Bennett and Laura Reilly Laura Reilly Laura Reilly is a writer and editor with over six years of experience covering fashion and beauty shopping news. She has written for InStyle, Real Simple, Travel + Leisure, Food & Wine, People, Thrillist, Nylon, and more. She also publishes a weekly shopping newsletter, Magasin, which highlights the top news, sales, and goings-on when it comes to buying clothes online. InStyle's editorial guidelines Updated on March 10, 2020 @ 04:30PM Pin Share Tweet Email We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Edward Berthelot/Getty Images 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. Prada Saffiano Small Double Tote Courtesy "It's not just a bag. It's Prada!" Shop now: $2,590;neimanmarcus.com Gucci Dionysus Bamboo Top Handle Bag Courtesy You can't go wrong with any Gucci bag that includes the iconic bamboo handle. Shop now: $970; rebag.com Louis Vuitton LV Monogram Keepall Bag Courtesy 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 Chloe Drew Shoulder Bag Courtesy 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 Saint Laurent Sac de Jour Bag Leather Baby Courtesy 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 Longchamp Large Le Pliage Tote Courtesy Kate Middleton and Katie Holmes are among the many celebrity fans of this weatherproof, classic tote. Shop now: $145; nordstrom.com Chanel Quilted Bag Courtesy I mean, do we really need to explain? Shop now: $4,900; shopbop.com Bottega Veneta Padded Cassette Bag Courtesy 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 Dior Lady Dior Bag Courtesy 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 Coach Kitt Messenger Crossbody Courtesy 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 Balenciaga Classic City Leather Tote Bag with Logo Strap Courtesy 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 Valentino Garavani Rockstud Medium Shoulder Bag Courtesy 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 Hermès Birkin Bag Courtesy 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 Fendi Brown Zucca Quilted Bag Courtesy 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 Prada Black Nylon Waist Pouch Courtesy 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 Dior Canvas Saddle Bag Courtesy 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 Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit