I Got to Try Out 5 Designer Bags Before Buying—I'd Drop Money on These

Purchasing a designer bag isn't something I take lightly. There are several things I take into consideration when making a big fashion investment like a designer bag, from longevity to cost-per-wear. Ultimately, I never really know what's going to prove the most wearable until I get it in my closet and see how easy it is to style and, most importantly, how well it fits my essentials. 

In reality, it's impossible to check all these boxes by trying the bag on in person, no matter how many trips to the retail store I could make. But a monthly subscription service that allows you access to a closet full of its cult-popular designer bags? Now that's an ideal way to try before you buy. I'm talking about Vivrelle, the luxury subscription service that features a mind-blowing selection of designer bags, from Chanel to Bottega Veneta, and an impressive assortment of fine jewelry that would have any fashion person's jaw on the floor (just speaking from experience here). 

Choosing between buzzy It bags that have already risen to cult status on the fashion scene and timeless favorites that won't be going out of style anytime soon, I picked up five cool designer purses from Virelle's closet to try out, style, and lend my review to. Ahead, see the designer-handbag outfits I put together with pieces such as Balenciaga's of-the-moment Le Cagole and a Y2K Dior favorite.

I couldn't pass up the opportunity to test-drive the bag that the entire fashion world won't shut up about: Balenciaga's Le Cagole. A fresh take on the brand's iconic City Bag, it features all the same moto-inspired details from the original early-aughts style but on a crescent shape that feels undeniably 2022. I'm not just saying this since it's the It bag of the moment, but this one was easily my favorite of any that I tried. The strap converts from shoulder to crossbody, and the hardware adds a cool edge to even simple outfits. Mine was the XS size, and I was surprised by how much I could fit in it.

Shop the bag:

Shop similar styles:

Even though the Vivrelle closet was overflowing with Bottega Veneta bags, it was actually the miniature-sized pouch that I gravitated toward. The crossbody bag is the perfect size to carry just the essentials, and to really let the gorgeous lime-green hue have its moment, I styled it against a simple white skirt set. But this is definitely the kind of bag that works with plenty of different outfit vibes.

Shop the bag:

Shop similar styles:

Vivrelle's archive of Chanel bags is truly awe-inducing, and I think I spent the better half of an hour just going through all the stunning options before I spotted—and immediately had to have—this ombré PVC Flap Bag. I love how the transparent element gives this timeless style a trend-minded feel, making even my most classic wardrobe basics—a blazer, jeans, and heels—feel that much cooler.

Shop the bag:

Shop similar styles:

Nothing says summer quite like a woven bag, but this Fendi style really takes the warm-weather theme to the next level. I like how the bucket shape adds a fun touch to my summer outfits. Here, I wore it with a relaxed and beachy ensemble consisting of a poplin shirt, linen pants, and sandals, but I think the bag is also the ideal addition to any vacation-bound suitcase since it works for both day and night.

Shop the bag:

Shop similar styles:

Dior's Saddle bags will always remind me of the early aughts. From their logo print to the C and D hardware and their curved shape, they embody everything that's bubbling up once again from the era. Naturally, I had to take one of them for a spin, and this crossbody style from Dior's 2004 Rasta collection stood out. In keeping with the Y2K theme, I styled the bag with throwback staples, cargo denim and a corset top, for a low-key, cool vibe.

Shop the bag:

Shop similar styles:

Up next, The 10 Most In-Demand Buys Right Now, According to Personal Stylists