16 Stylish Bags to Celebrate Payday
Payday is the perfect excuse to reward yourself with a new arm candy. Whether you’re after an entry-level tote for weekends or an investment-worthy icon, these 16 Spring/Summer 2025 bags span every style and budget.
Under £400 Treats
Add rustic charm to your wardrobe with the JW Pei Orla Weave Handbag in Brown. The rich brown weave creates a tactile masterpiece that’s eye-catching and understated. Compact and practical, this handbag is perfect for a casual day out or a cozy evening, pairing effortlessly with denim or a flowing skirt.
JW Pei
Orla Weave Handbag in Brown – £130
Experience elegance with the Furla Small Nuvola Greige Soft Leather Top Handle Bag. Its supple greige leather adapts to any outfit, while the top handle lends a classic shape. Ideal for an evening event or a hop to the coffee shop.
Furla
Small Nuvola Greige Soft Leather Top Handle Bag – £210
Brighten your collection with the Strathberry Osette Paper Floral Raffia & Tan Leather Bucket Bag. The vibrant floral raffia dances alongside smooth tan leather, creating a playful, refined contrast. This bucket bag is your go-to for making a bold, cheerful statement at any occasion.
Strathberry
Osette Paper Floral Raffia & Tan Leather Bucket Bag – £355
Embrace nature’s palette with the C.Nicol Holly 2.0 Bucket Bag in Pine Leather. Its lush pine green leather brings a fresh, earthy vibe, while the relaxed bucket shape offers a laid-back vibe. Perfect for weekend escapes or casual outings, this bag is as versatile as it is striking.
C.Nicol
Holly 2.0 Bucket Bag in Pine Leather – £365
Mid-Range Indulgences (£400–£900)
Embrace sustainable luxury with the Stella McCartney Logo Natural Raffia Crochet Medium Tote Bag. Woven from natural raffia, this eco-conscious design blends intricate craftsmanship with a subtle logo accent. Its medium size offers ample room for daily necessities, making it an ideal choice for the style-savvy individual who values fashion and the planet.
Stella McCartney
Logo Natural Raffia Crochet Medium Tote Bag – £825
Step into a floral fantasy with the Aspinal of London Mayfair Hand-Embroidered English Garden Raffia Clutch. This exquisite piece features delicate embroidery of an English garden on raffia, transforming it into wearable art. Ideal for evening occasions.
Aspinal of London
Mayfair Hand-Embroidered English Garden Raffia Clutch – £750
Savour the softness of the Manu Atelier Mini Gala Linen Suede Shoulder Bag. The luxurious linen suede invites touch, while its petite size makes it a darling for nights out or special moments. Slip it over your shoulder with a sleek dress for an effortless look.
Manu Atelier
Mini Gala Linen Suede Shoulder Bag – €535
Shine bright with the Mulberry Small Amberley Satchel Top Handle in Orchid Bloom Shiny Croc. The glossy croc finish in a vivid orchid bloom shade commands attention, while the top handle ensures you get it! Ideal for injecting a burst of colour into your wardrobe, this satchel is pure eye candy.
Mulberry
Small Amberley Satchel Top Handle Orchid Bloom Shiny Croc – £845
Channel Parisian chic with the Saint Laurent Cassandre Mini Textured Brown Leather Shoulder Bag. The textured brown leather pairs with the iconic Cassandre logo for durability and attention. Its mini size makes it a perfect pick for carrying essentials with grace.
Saint Laurent
Cassandre Mini Textured Brown Leather Shoulder Bag – £860
Investment Pieces (£1,000+)
Indulge in the artisanal charm of the Chloé Small Bracelet Paravent Tote Bag. The standout bracelet handle adds a twist, making it a versatile choice for casual strolls and evenings out.
Chloé
Small Bracelet Paravent Tote Bag in Deep Ivory Crochet – £1,290
Make a impression with the Balenciaga Carrie Small Bowling Bag in Dark Burgundy Calfskin. The deep burgundy hue radiates luxury, complemented by the bag’s bowling shape, a nod to vintage design. Perfect for the trendsetter who craves a standout piece that works all day.
Balenciaga
Carrie Small Bowling Bag in Dark Burgundy Calfskin – £1,950
Discover sleek innovation with the Alaïa Le Click East West Small Shoulder Bag in Dark Brown Leather. The rich brown leather meets a distinctive click closure. This compact shoulder bag is perfect for minimalists seeking a stylish, functional accessory.
Alaïa
Le Click East West Small Shoulder Bag in Dark Brown Leather – £1,750
Embody luxury with the Givenchy Voyou Small Ivory Leather Shoulder Bag. Its pristine ivory leather offers versatility, perfect for day or night. Compact and chic, this bag from a legendary fashion house is a subtle and powerful addition to any trendsetting style.
Givenchy
Voyou Small Ivory Leather Shoulder Bag – £1,600
Elevate simplicity with The Row India Dark Brown Leather Tote Bag. The deep brown leather exudes richness, paired with a minimalist design that speaks volumes through quality alone. This spacious tote is a dream for those who prize subtle statements.
The Row
India Dark Brown Leather Tote Bag – £4,980
Own a slice of legacy with the Gucci Ophidia Super Mini Monogram Canvas Shoulder Bag. The iconic monogram canvas screams heritage, while its super mini size adds a playful twist. Ideal for a night out, this bag brings Gucci’s signature glamour to every step.
Gucci
Ophidia Super Mini Monogram Canvas Shoulder Bag – £1,050
Unleash classic style with the Miu Miu Beau Medium Black Leather Shoulder Bag. The sleek black leather offers endless versatility. So whether for the office or an evening adventure, this bag elevates your look with Miu Miu’s modern edge.
Miu Miu
Beau Medium Black Leather Shoulder Bag – £2,650
Ready to treat yourself? Pick your payday bag now—and let that next pay packet come with a little extra sparkle.
Tips Before You Buy
- Think about cost-per-wear.
A higher price tag often means premium materials and craftsmanship — and if you’ll carry it constantly, it’s worth every penny. - Mix it up with textures.
Spring’s the perfect time to explore raffia, suede, or crochet bags — they’re lightweight, tactile, and instantly seasonal. - Match your lifestyle, not just your outfit.
Ask yourself where you’ll wear it — brunch, work, travel? Choose a size and shape that fits your real day-to-day. - Don’t sleep on smaller brands.
Labels like C.Nicol and JW Pei offer standout design without the markup. They’re often the bags that spark conversation. - Payday doesn’t have to mean splurge.
There are incredible options under £200 that still deliver style and quality — it’s about the piece, not the price tag.
FAQ: Treating Yourself to a New Bag
Q: How do I know if a bag is really worth the price?
Look for quality indicators: leather that feels supple, stitching that’s even, and hardware that feels weighty. Also, if you’ve been thinking about it for weeks, that’s your sign.
Q: Which bag should I get if I want something I’ll use all year?
Go for neutral tones in classic shapes — think The Row’s India Tote or Givenchy’s Voyou in ivory. They’ll transition seamlessly from season to season.
Q: Are raffia or crochet bags practical for everyday use?
Absolutely — especially medium sizes like Stella McCartney’s raffia tote. Just be mindful they’re not built for heavy rain or overloading.
Q: What should I avoid in a first-time luxury buy?
Don’t chase trends too hard. It’s tempting, but a structured, versatile silhouette will feel fresh longer than a logo-heavy mini you tire of in a month.
Q: How can I care for my investment bag?
Keep it stuffed when not in use, avoid overexposure to direct sunlight, and use a leather protector if the material allows. And yes — a dust bag is your friend.
See our latest gifting guide “The Best Gift Ideas for Every Women in Your Life” or shopping for yoursel? “16 Tote-ally Fabulous Bags to Carry You Through Spring/Summer 2025”
*Prices and availability are subject to change without notice.
