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Handbags are a surprisingly difficult accessory to shop for. We’re all for choosing a classic but budget-friendly style, but sometimes you find yourself considering a much higher-end bag — the kind you can picture yourself lusting after for months or even years as you try to decide whether the extravagantly high price tag is worth it. You probably already know what your friends (or your mother) would say. But ultimately, you’re the one in charge of your budget.
So how do you decide whether or not an expensive handbag is worth it? Typically, a big purchase is going to take a lot of research and consideration to get right. Start by asking yourself the following questions. They’ll help you determine if you’re at the right point in the wardrobe-building and style-defining process to consider a pricy handbag and will also help determine if the style you’re considering is really the right one for you.
If your wardrobe is stocked with well-planned purchases and carefully considered investments, you’re probably ready to think about an expensive handbag purchase. If you think carefully about what your look is and what pieces are going to be long-lasting purchases, you’re on the right track. But if your closet is still stocked with disposable fast fashion or even designer clothes that you regret purchasing on sale, you might want to hold off on buying an expensive bag. You need to make sure that you’re clear on what your style is and which pieces are going to be useful season after season. That goes double for a handbag which, if chosen carefully and taken care of properly, will be the perfect accompaniment to a wide range of outfits for years to come.
If you’ve ever held one in hand — and even if you haven’t — you’re probably aware of ways in which the old adage “you get what you pay for” applies to handbags. High-quality materials, top-of-the-line craftsmanship, and gorgeous details are simply something that you’re more likely to see on an expensive handbag than on a mass-produced one with a more attainable price tag. But do you find yourself lusting after the pricey handbag for its quality and details or simply because of the name? Be honest with yourself about why you like the idea of an expensive handbag to determine whether or not there’s a less expensive way to get what you want.
It’s easy to get swept up by the hype surrounding an iconic bag, whether it’s a long-standing classic or a new favorite from a brand with a cult following. If you’re thinking about spending a considerable amount of money — whatever that means to you — on a handbag, you need to make sure you’re actually in love with the style. Consider whether the bag would look good with the majority of your outfits and if you’ll want to carry it during multiple seasons of the year. Think carefully about if this is a style you’re going to love for years to come, or if you could see yourself falling out of love with it in the not-so-distant future.
Related to the last point, you want to consider if this particular bag is going to go out of style anytime soon. Most people use the term “investment purchase” to signify an item they’re going to spend a lot of money on, then use extensively for years to come. But some people take the term “investment” literally, and are looking for a bag that’s going to appreciate in value over the years. There are only a select few bags that are actually worth investing in if you want your bag to increase in value, including a few styles by Hermès, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton. But whether or not you’re considering one of those styles, you may want to ask yourself if the bag you’re considering is a true classic. That way you’ll be sure to buy one that both you and others will appreciate in the future.
Related to the last point, you want to consider if this particular bag is going to go out of style anytime soon. Most people use the term “investment purchase” to signify an item they’re going to spend a lot of money on, then use extensively for years to come. But some people take the term “investment” literally, and are looking for a bag that’s going to appreciate in value over the years. There are only a select few bags that are actually worth investing in if you want your bag to increase in value, including a few styles by Hermès, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton. But whether or not you’re considering one of those styles, you may want to ask yourself if the bag you’re considering is a true classic. That way you’ll be sure to buy one that both you and others will appreciate in the future.
