Spoiler alert: there are some pricey pieces in this next story, but if you’ve been thinking about investing in some key women’s designer accessories or – lucky for some – continue to add to your artillery, these are the pieces genuinely worth the money. From Chanel’s iconic 2.55 bag to Gucci’s timeless loafers, these nine stellar buys come with serious cost per wear kudos.
Parting with hefty sums of money when it comes to clothes can be daunting, but if you are in the market to start building a capsule wardrobe or simply looking for something special you’ll treasure for years to come, there are some designer pieces we always return to. The key is to look for wearability and practicality. How many pieces in my existing wardrobe will this work with? Can I see this still working hard in my wardrobe in 10, 20, 30 years time and beyond? Is this piece so classic I can see it in the wardrobes of anyone from Alexa Chung to Kate Middleton?
You’re looking for something you will genuinely get a joy out of wearing, multiple times over and perhaps a piece that you can pass down in years to come. And just because an investment piece is considered a sensible buy, doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Take Chanel’s iconic slingback heels. They look prim and proper with a summery little white dress, but equally cool with cut-off denim shorts and a vintage t-shirt, perfectly playing into TikTok’s current “wrong shoe theroy“. Or Loewe’s Puzzle bag, which somehow manages to make every look feel contemporary and fresh even after all these years, whilst many other designer bags can feel stale after a season or two in the limelight.
Scroll to shop – or window shop – our top nine women’s designer accessories worth the big bucks…
Impossibly chic, forever timeless and with the ability to elevate just about every look, there’s a reason people have returned to Chanel’s signature 2.55 bag since Gabrielle Chanel, herself, created it in February 1955 (hence the name). Granted, it’s not cheap but it is ultimate wish list material.
Whether it’s downplayed with Levi’s 501s, adding shape to a trusted LBD, or nipping in the waste of an investment blazer, Gucci’s iconic GG belt will add polish to all your looks.
The Kardashian/Jenner tribe might have an arm candy stack full of Cartier Love bracelets but at anywhere between £5k-£12K, they’re out of reach for most. Celine’s intricate knot bracelet is a great alternative at a more reasonable price point. And, dare we say it, we think it’s far cooler.
Whist so many other It-bags have dated quickly, Loewe’s puzzle bag always feels modern and fresh. It might be because it’s so original but so simple in its design – no other designer bag looks like this one. Ideal for everyday, we also love the fact it can be work top handle, cross-body or even as a backpack.
If there was a shoe that epitomises timeless elegance it is this. Everyone from Kate Middleton to Alexa Chung has slipped into Chanel’s signature two-tone sling-backs. Buy now, wear with everything from LBDs to denim shorts and cute co-ords.
You only have to look at Hannah Desai, AKA Instagram’s @cocobeautea, to see how many outfits this classic belt will work with. From tailored trousers and racerback vests, as demonstated below, to office-worthy dresses to cinched-in blazers, the list is endless.
Gucci’s iconic horse-bit loafers will add polish to all your looks, whether paired with your favourite pair of jeans or at the office with tailored trousers. The off-white hue feels a little braver than classic black especially when paired with off-duty denim.
Whether you tie it in your hair, around the handle of your handbag, wear it as a headscarf on the beach or as a classic neckerchief, this is one accessory you will genuinely keep forever.
The classic Burberry check has had its fair share of bad rep moments but clever styling can make it cool. Case in point, German influencer Jennifer Casimiro pairing it with oversized, sporty layers.
The classic Burberry check has had its fair share of bad rep moments but clever styling can make it cool. Case in point, German influencer Jennifer Casimiro pairing it with oversized, sporty layers.
The products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however,
The Handbook may make a small commission on some products purchased through affiliate
links.
