We're going to kick things off with a bold statement: What defines a designer handbag has changed. Yes, Chanel, Gucci, Chloé, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, etc. come to mind first, but there are so many incredible midpriced, more under-the-radar labels designing It bags these days that there are a lot more designer bags to chose from than there were, say, a decade ago. And not one of those goes unnoticed by us, so we took it upon ourselves to compile a list of the best designer bags of 2018, just in case you're in the market for one more bag purchase this year (or are just curious).
Among the best of the best are picks from the big guns like The Row and Balenciaga, but also cult-favorite designers like Staud and Shrimps and brand-new brands like By Far, which quickly rose to cult status in 2018. There were a lot of changes in the fashion industry over the last 12 months, but one fact remains: Designers made some incredible bags this year. Keep scrolling to shop the cream of the crop.
This unique bag has been a street style favorite since its release this year.
We don't think this The Row bag will ever go out of style.
Everything Wandler makes is gold, but this one might be our favorite yet.
Staud has the affordable-It-bag market on lock, and this is the style that was everywhere this year.
This candy-colored confection of a bag is the fashion version of love at first sight.
Emily Ratajkowski and Kate Moss carried this bag on repeat this year.
This new Chloé bag was carried by so many influencers throughout the most recent fashion month.
As you know, the Fendi logo saw a major resurgence this year.
As long as they keep making this Sprimps bag in different colors (the first iterations came out in 2017), fashion girls will keep buying them.
With the domination of the '80s look in fashion this year, Versace had a timely comeback. This bag offers a modern take on the brand's signature aesthetic.
Off-White has made the perfect bag to go with streetwear looks.
We didn't know we needed a mini duffle bag until we saw this one.
There's nothing subtle about this Balenciaga logo bag (except maybe its size).
By Far bags became an instant hit this fall, and this micro-tote is already everywhere.
It doesn't get more polished than this Givenchy number.
Who would've guessed that colorful beaded bags would become the It bags of summer 2018?
Does Kendall Jenner pop into your mind when you see this belt bag, or is it just us?
Name a more original bag on the market right now.
Chloé's Drew bag was reinvented this year, and it's even better than before.
This polished mini bag was on the arm of so many fashion insiders this year.
Leave it to Alexander Wang to design a bag that so perfectly captures the "extraness" of 2018.
Next up: the surprising brands with the best basics.
-
I'm a Stylist—These Are the Only Bags You Need for a Foolproof Capsule CollectionFrom Balenciaga to Phoebe Philo.
-
Fine, I Won’t Gatekeep—These 27 Abercrombie Finds Are Too Chic to Miss (and They're All On Sale)I can't decide which fall pick is my favorite.
-
I’m a Senior Shopping Editor—These 29 On-SaleReplica Store Basics Are Instant Closet StaplesBring on chic, effortless fall outfits.
-
Whoa, Everything Is on Sale at Madewell Right Now—Some of These Chic Items Rarely Get DiscountedAt 30% off, these are bound to sell out.
-
Step Aside, Suede: The Fall 2025 Bag Trend That'll Make You Look Rich and Elegant Is HereJennifer Lawrence is here to influence you.
-
I Just Started Investing—31 Chic Pieces That Will Have Me Dressing the PartEffortless and elevated is the goal.
-
Old Navy Just Launched Its New Fall Handbag Collection—and It Looks RichSoft faux suedes and sophisticated silhouettes.
-
Abercrombie Sucked Me Back Into Its Orbit With These 25 Incredibly Chic Fall 2025 FindsSo, so good.
