The handbag market is filled with options ranging from budget-friendly to high-end luxury. Between those two extremes lies an attractive segment – mid-level luxury handbag brands. These brands balance affordability and premium design, materials, and craftsmanship. I’ll be looking at some of the most popular mid level luxury brands handbag, their key features, and most iconic bags.
What Defines Mid Level Luxury Brands Handbag?
Mid level luxury brand handbags typically have these characteristics:
- Pricing between $300-$1000 per bag
- Use of high-quality materials like leather, suede, and exotic skins
- Attention to detail and craftsmanship
- Contemporary and on-trend styling
- Brand recognition and an elevated status, but not as much as premier luxury brands like Chanel or Hermès
- Often produced by more giant fashion conglomerates that own several brands
- Global availability both online and through department/specialty stores
- Targeted towards aspirational customers who want a taste of luxury
Currently, some of the most popular mid-level luxury handbag brands include Coach, Kate Spade, Rebecca Minkoff, Tory Burch, Marc Jacobs, and Michael Kors. I’ll explore some of these brands in more detail.
Coach – An American Classic Revitalized
Coach started in 1941 in a small Manhattan loft making small leather goods. Over the decades, it became an iconic American brand known for its leather bags and accessories. However, the brand lost some luster in the early 2000s as numerous competitors entered the market.
In recent years, Coach has worked to revitalize the brand with new creative direction and buzzy collaborations with brands like Disney and Peanuts. They’ve focused on relevant designs like crossbody bags and backpacks while retaining classic silhouettes like the Pillow Tabby Shoulder Bag.
Popular Coach Bags:
- Pillow Tabby – Features the brand’s heritage pillow leather with an equestrian-inspired tabby strap. They are offered in the shoulder and top handle styles.
- Swinger – A compact crossbody bag with an adjustable strap and organized interior. Comes in leather, canvas, and signature prints.
- Willis – Slouchy satchel-style bag with dual handles and an optional crossbody strap. They are usually made of pebbled or glove-tanned leather.
- Rogue – Sophisticated top handle bag with removable straps and edgy hardware details. It’s one of Coach’s most iconic modern bags.
While not as expensive as premier luxury brands, Coach bags retail between $300 and $600. They offer high-quality leather, customizable options, and sleek modern styling with heritage-inspired detailing.
Kate Spade – Bold Prints and Bright Colors
The Kate Spade New York brand was founded in 1993 and was initially known for its graphic, colorful prints and playful Americana styling. After being purchased by Liz Claiborne in 2006, Kate Spade leaned into the novelty handbag market with bestselling bags like the Sam and Stevie.
In 2017, Tapestry Inc. acquired Kate Spade, which oversees a house of brands, including Coach and Stuart Weitzman. Under new creative direction, Kate Spade has expanded into clothing, shoes, and accessories while staying true to its roots.
Distinctive features of Kate Spade bags include:
- Vibrant color blocking and graphic prints
- Whimsical themes like fruits, flowers, and hearts
- Use of spade iconography
- Refined silhouettes with feminine detailing
- High-quality saffiano leather
- Polished 14k gold and enamel hardware
Some of their most popular styles include:
- Sam – A structured rectangular bag with short handles and an optional crossbody strap. Comes in a wide range of colors and prints.
- Molly – A slim, spacier rectangular bag with a removable tassel zipper pull. Has an adjustable, woven crossbody strap.
- Margot – Petite satchel or crossbody bag with a ladylike silhouette. They are typically monogrammed with a spade floral print.
Kate Spade bags range from $200-$500, hitting that sweet spot between fast fashion and premier luxury pricing. The brand exudes a youthful, feminine attitude while still maintaining quality construction.
Rebecca Minkoff – Modern Bohemian Style
In 2005, designer Rebecca Minkoff introduced her first handbag – the Morning After Bag. This iconic crossed-body bag with zipper hardware details embodied the brand’s core aesthetic – casual luxury with a downtown attitude.
Critical elements of Rebecca Minkoff bags include:
- Luxe leathers juxtaposed with edgy hardware
- Signatures like zipper pull tassels and chained straps
- Moto and rocker inspirations
- Bohemian details like fringe and tassels
- Customized options via the brand’s Bespoke program
- Approachable pricing generally between $100-$600
Some of their most sought-after designs include:
- Edie Shoulder Bag – Slouchy pebbled leather bag with an equestrian feel.
- Jody Bucket Bag – Drawstring bucket silhouette with multi-textured leather and whipstitch accents.
- Isobel Hobo is a soft, slouchy hobo with a braided shoulder strap and whipstitch details.
While not technically a “luxury” brand, Rebecca Minkoff offers elevated contemporary style and quality craftsmanship that hits the sweet spot for mid-level prices.
Tory Burch – Preppy and Polished
Known for its iconic double T logo hardware, Tory Burch was founded in 2004. The brand offers classic American sportswear with a polished, preppy aesthetic. Burch drew inspiration from her parents’ style and iconic 60s and 70s women like Jackie Kennedy.
Critical features of Tory Burch bags include:
- Signature double T logo used as a charm, plate, or cut-out
- Saffiano leather paired with tumbled Italian leather
- Structured and geometric silhouettes
- Crossbody flap bags, totes, hobos and top-handle satchels
- Printed canvas for a seasonal pop of color
- Approachable prices from $300 to $600
Some of their most popular bags are:
- Kira Chevron Satchel – Features chevron quilting and can be monogrammed with a bag charm.
- Gemini Link Tote – Iconic saffiano leather tote with a laminated double T cut-out overlaid on the front.
- Miller Metal-Tipped Crossbody Bag – Compact flap bag with a chain detail strap and glossy saffiano leather.
Tory Burch bags offer classic style with modern ladylike charm. The brand fills a niche for affordable luxury that still carries recognizable branding and status.
Marc Jacobs – Quirky Preppy with Street Style Cred
Marc Jacobs originally made his name in the 1990s as the creative director of Louis Vuitton. In 1997, Jacobs launched his eponymous label, focusing on his quirky aesthetic, balancing preppie and edgy street influences.
Marc Jacobs bags range widely in style and price:
- Several sub-$500 nylon bag lines with retro sporty vibes like Jelly and Snapshot
- Classic leather satchels and totes from $500-$1200
- High-end calfskin bags handmade in Italy top out around $3000
While wildly diverse, some unifying themes in MJ bags include:
- Playful, irreverent themes like critters and Mickey Mouse
- Retro mod vibes mixed with grunge detailing
- Artistic graffiti prints and sketches
- Classic silhouettes reimagined with whimsical touches
- High-quality leathers contrasted with casual canvas
Standout bag styles include:
- The Tote Bag – Simple structured tote offered in various colors, from pastels to neon brights.
- The Single – Compact flap bag has a full-length front pocket and adjustable strap.
- Natasha – Slouchy hobo bag crafted from soft calfskin leather.
- Snapshot – A color-blocked camera bag crafted from nylon and leather.
Marc Jacobs bags range from affordable luxury to premium designer pricing. The brand maintains its downtown creative edge while elevating classic American sportswear looks.
Michael Kors – Accessible All-American Glamour
First making his mark in the fashion industry with his eponymous clothing line, Michael Kors entered the handbag market relatively late in the early 2000s. His designs struck a chord with their unrestrained use of logos, luxe leathers, and polished glamour.
Michael Kors bags embody these brand signatures:
- Monogram canvas printed with the MK logo and jet set themes
- Soft tumbled leather contrasted with brightly colored saffiano leather
- Gleaming hardware like studs, chains, and locks
- Sophisticated shapes, including totes, satchels, and crossbodies
- Price range from $200 for nylon styles up to $500 for premium leather
Some of their most sought-after styles include:
- Jet Set Tote – Large structured tote trimmed in leather with two compartments and several carrying options, often monogrammed.
- Mercer Shopper Tote – Pebbled or glossy leather shopper tote with a center hangtag zip compartment.
- Darci / Darcy – Ladylike satchels with ladle details, usually in colorful saffiano leather.
Michael Michael Kors bridges the gap between accessible luxury and premium designer pricing. The brand exudes an all-American jet set style that’s both polished and practical.
Factors To Consider When Buying a Mid-Level Luxury Bag
When investing in mid level luxury brands handbag, keep these factors in mind:
Quality and Materials
- Carefully inspect the materials and hardware – is the leather supple yet sturdy? Do zippers glide smoothly? Does stitching look reinforced?
- Check that linings are made of quality fabric that won’t easily tear or stain.
- Brands may cut costs by using cheaper leathers and hardware on lower-priced bags – pay attention to detailing.
Style and Versatility
- Look for classic silhouettes like a shoulder bag, suitcase, or tote that will transition through the seasons.
- Neutral colors tend to have the broadest versatility in your wardrobe
- Consider both handheld and shoulder/crossbody carrying options
- Compact bags with organizational compartments are helpful for everyday wear
Brand Reputation
- Research online reviews and complaints about quality, customer service, and counterfeits
- If buying pre-owned, make sure you can confidently authenticate the bag
- Consider brands known for quality construction and materials
- Popular styles will hold value better if you plan to resell them someday
Cost Per Wear
- Calculate how often you’ll use the bag and divide by the price.
- For $500, wearing that bag once a week for a year brings the cost per wear to around $10
- Compare to other mid-level brands to find the best value
By carefully weighing these factors, you can zero in on a mid-level luxury bag that offers enduring style, quality, and value season after season.
FAQsÂ
Are mid-level bags good quality?
Most mid-level luxury brands use high-quality leather, hardware, and construction in their bags. They may cut small corners compared to premium brands. But overall, their bags offer excellent quality and longevity.
Which is better – Coach or Michael Kors?
This depends on your style. Coach tends to offer more heritage Americana styling. Michael Kors has a dressier, jet-set aesthetic. But both use quality leather and hardware and make classic bag silhouettes.
What’s the most popular Tory Burch bag?
Currently, their Gemini Link Tote is one of the most sought-after styles. The saffiano leather tote features cut-out double T logos and can be customized with tassels and charms.
Is Kate Spade considered a designer?
While not technically a high-end “designer” brand, Kate Spade is still considered a contemporary designer label known for its iconic, on-trend styles. It’s a great entry-level luxury brand.
How can you tell if a mid-level bag is authentic?
Key signs of an authentic mid-level bag are quality materials, reinforced stitching, accurate markings/logos, and packaging. Reference manufacturer guides online and inspects details closely. For added peace of mind, buy directly from the brand or authorized retailer.
In Summary
Mid-level luxury brands handbag hit the sweet spot between affordability and prestige. Brands like Coach, Kate Spade, Rebecca Minkoff, and more offer high-quality leathers, classic silhouettes, and elevated detailing at affordable prices. When invested wisely, their bags offer enduring style and value season after season. Classy, bold, and in-between; our guide to choosing the perfect bag emphasizes the importance of authenticating pre-owned finds carefully, steering you towards iconic styles from reputable brands that not only retain their look and worth but also align seamlessly with your style and budget.
