Tired of buying the same designer bag as everyone else? Or worse, dishing out an amount that will haunt your dreams for a long time to come? Well read on and discover the hottest contemporary brands that are taking over the accessories world. These up-and-coming labels are churning out the best bags of the season, and at under $500 we can't be more excited. Here, 15 future it-bags that won’t break the bank.
Never mind the fact that this bag won’t fit your iPhone. It packs some punch both on and off the runway. Spotted on Kendall Jenner, this itty bitty number adds playfulness to every outfit.
Staud churned out one of the most popular bags last year, and is already on its second wind. This transparent number is loved by fashion insiders, but still leaves something to the imagination with an included opaque pouch.
Danae Lente is the new, budget friendly kid on the block. Beloved by editors everywhere, their leather goods are seriously chic and come in unexpected shapes and sizes.
You heard it here first: Wandler is making the belt bag of the year. It comes in multiple colors, is sleeker than its fanny pack counterparts, and is surprisingly spacious.
The bucket bag is still going strong, but indie brand Mlouye has reimagined it in a completely new way. Their architectural lantern shape will turn heads and leave strangers asking you where you got it.
Dragon Diffusion's woven bags are made of the softest leather. Think of it as a straw bag you can wear to the office while still maintaining a beach vibe.
Beaded bags are the new straw beach totes, and leading the trend is New York-based designer Susan Alexandra. Her adorable prints range from fun stripes to my personal favorite, checkered cherries.
If you're a chronic overpacker for the beach, Cuyana's oversized tote is for you. It also packs down into a smaller bag once you realize maybe you don't need three towels, an extra hat, and a dozen bottles of sunscreen.
By now you probably own a few straw bags, but the new one on everyone's arm is by Heimat Atlantico. Their colorful bags are handmade with Sargadelos porcelain using traditional Portuguese basket techniques.
What Solange does, we do. At least that's the case with this belt bag, once worn by the singer back in December. Six months later and we're all finally catching up to her.
Cult Gaia created a 2017 it-bag, the Ark, and they've only grown from there. They're back this year with their next hit, this beaded clutch that you and all your friends will all own.
Ladylike frame bags make you feel like, well, a lady. But instead of reaching for a vintage style, try Neely and Chloe's new gingham one that feels modern and fresh.
The latest offering from Building Block is this funky number that combines a minimalist shape with a fun, wooden bracelet. It's two accessories in one, making it totally worth it.
Trademark has be churning out stylish bags loved by fashion editors for years, and there's no stopping them. This fabric-wrapped handle is unlike anything you already own in your closet.
The '90s are back, and what's more pre-millennium than satin bags? Imago-A is the latest brand on the rise, with sculptural yet wearable bags like this throwback style.
Justine Carreon is the market editor at ELLE.com covering fashion, Dutch ovens, and fashion again. When she isn’t approaching style through a modern, accessible lens, she’s scouring eBay for vintage Levi’s and pretending she knows how to surf. Before joining ELLE.com in 2015 she worked as a freelance writer and stylist in New York City.