The best mid-range bags worth your investment.

Have you ever watched a video of a TikTok influencer opening up yet another 'designer bag' from the 'little yellow app', thinking to yourself, maybe I should too?

They're on the floor in their apartment, opening box after box. Gucci, Prada, Miu Miu, they're all there. 

Except they're not, because they're superfakes.

@niicccoleeeeee the most stunning round! 🔗s in LTK! #haultok #fashiontiktok ♬ original sound - Nicole Alston

The rise of the counterfeit fashion market is hardly surprising. 

We have an endless stream of influencers rocking *shockingly* expensive clothing and accessories all over social media, making us feel like 'everyday people' should be able to own these things. 

Then there's the cost of living crisis. Australians simply don't have the expendable income they used to have, and our ability to save up for a luxury purchase like a designer handbag is now being put to, well.. deciding if that extra avocado is really necessary.

We want it all, we can't afford it. Enter stage left: dupes. 

Of course, the counterfeit industry is illegal. The manufacturers selling superfakes on apps like DHGate and AliExpress are breaching serious copyright laws. 

But when a Bottega Veneta Jodie bag is selling for an eye-watering $4.2k, well, people tend to throw their morals out the window. 

Listen: Nothing To Wear breaks down everything you need to know about bags. Post continues below.

You see, I'm not here to say that you shouldn't lust after a designer handbag. They're beautiful art specimens, and they deserve to be adored. 

However, I just don't think counterfeiting is the way forward. 

Yes, it's nice to carry around a label everybody knows, but it's even nicer to carry something that is made with quality and longevity in mind. As someone who has bought very cheap bags and designer bags, it's actually my mid-range options that I reach for the most. 

I'm not as precious about them, they last the test of time, and they're very chic with their quiet luxury style. 

Mid-range bags — typically priced between $200 to $1000— are often made from real leather or durable, ethically sourced materials.

That means they don't just look good; they last. The stitching is stronger, the hardware more reliable, and the structure holds its shape over time. In contrast, dupes tend to be poorly made, using low-cost synthetics that peel, crack, or sag after a few wears.

There's also the matter of cost per wear. While a $400 bag might feel like a splurge up front, if you use it every day for three years, that's less than 40 cents a day. Compare that to a $40 fake that falls apart after a month or two, and you've got a pretty good deal.

You're also buying into quality design — not status symbols — which often means your bag will outlast fleeting fashion cycles.

So, before you get sucked in to the influencers opening up their umpteenth fake Chanel classic flap in a colour that was never originally manufactured, stop, and consider these options. 

You might even find that they become your newest go-to.

Watch: Inside Mia's crossbody bag collection. Post continues below.

The best mid-range bags to buy in Australia. 

Oroton Clara, top-handle bag, $399.

Timeless and practical, the Clara's structured design and rich leather give it polish far beyond its price point. Quiet luxury, Australian-style.

Polène Numéro Dix, shoulder bag, $960.

Sculptural and sophisticated, this Parisian-made leather bag blends craftsmanship with a luxe, minimalist silhouette. A forever piece at a fair price.

The Horse Friday Bag, shoulder bag, $179.95.

Soft yet structured, this curved beauty is made from premium leather with refined stitching. A modern classic without the designer markup.

Vestirsi Eden, shoulder bag, $349.

Designed in Australia and crafted in Italy, Vestirsi bags offer high-end quality at accessible prices. I love this new Eden style, which is effortlessly cool, versatile and built to last.

Dylan Kain The LSC, crossbody/clutch, $360.

Cool-girl polish meets function. This convertible crossbody-to-clutch design in luxe leather is as practical as it is stylish.

Poppy Lissiman Lio Tote, shoulder bag, $210.

Bold and playful, the Lio stands out with its unique shape and roomy build. Affordable, durable and unapologetically fun.

Staud Tommy Bag, shoulder bag, $525.

A cult favourite for a reason—its beaded artwork and compact silhouette elevate every outfit. More art piece than accessory.

Demellier London The Midi New York, top-handle bag, $945.

Understated luxury at its best. Handcrafted in Spain with sustainable leather, this bag marries elegance and everyday wearability.

Louenhide Phoenix, tote bag, $129.95.

Chic and spacious with a soft-touch feel, the Phoenix is a budget-friendly option that looks far more expensive than it is.

Ganni Small Bou, top-handle bag, $495.

Scandi-cool and sustainably made, the Bou blends trend-forward design with recycled materials. A conscious choice with edge.

Polo Ralph Lauren Calfskin Mini, shoulder bag, $799.

Preppy meets polished. This mini shoulder bag is crafted with care and perfect for work drinks, coffees with the girls, or hitting up your favourite restaurants.

Maison de Sabre The Bucket Soft Tote, tote bag, $389.

Made from supple, ethically sourced leather, this soft tote feels premium and folds flat for easy packing. Luxe meets lifestyle.

Songmont Luna Shoulder Bag, shoulder bag, $555.

Architectural and refined, the Luna's half-moon shape and hand-finished leather speak to impeccable attention to detail.

RSVP from Paris Munchkin, mini bag, $759.

Charming and compact, this French-made mini bag delivers big on craftsmanship with a playful silhouette and luxe materials.

Coach Tabby 26, shoulder bag, $795.

An icon reimagined. The Tabby's structured form, glove-tanned leather and heritage branding make it a timeless investment.

Or why not reach for a pre-loved option?

While there are so many beautiful mid-range bags out there, there is another way to clinch a high-end label if you want it.

The pre-loved designer handbag industry is booming, and a brilliant fix to get what you want without breaking the bank. Platforms like eBay have become a trusted marketplace for fashion lovers seeking genuine secondhand bags from a wide range of brands, including mid-range and high-end labels.

Many sellers provide detailed photos and descriptions, allowing you to assess condition and authenticity before purchasing. Plus, eBay's buyer protection policies, like their Authenticity Guarantee, give you peace of mind when making a purchase.

Buying pre-loved is a sustainable choice. It extends the lifecycle of beautiful bags and reduces demand for new production, helping to minimise environmental impact.

Feature image: Instagram/poppylissiman/the_horse.

At Mamamia, we independently curate and write about products we rave about in our group chats and think you should know about too. If you purchase a product we have recommended, we may earn a small commission.