Bridging the gap: 10 affordable luxury brands that are worth the investment

The new wave of accessible elegance

For years, the fashion world has felt like a two-party system. On one side, you have the heritage luxury houses—Chanel, Dior, Hermès—with their four and five-figure price tags, representing an aspirational dream for many. On the other, the ever-churning machine of fast fashion, offering runway-inspired looks for less than the cost of a fancy dinner. But what if you’re looking for something in between? What if you crave the quality, craftsmanship, and timeless appeal of a designer piece, but your budget is more grounded in reality?

Enter the world of affordable luxury. This burgeoning category of brands is rewriting the rules, proving that exceptional style and quality materials don’t have to be unattainable. These are the labels you see on fashion editors, stylish celebrities, and that impeccably dressed person you spotted on the street. They offer the thrill of an investment piece—something special you’ll treasure for years—at a price point that feels considered, not crippling. Today, we’re diving deep into this exciting space to bring you the top affordable luxury brands you need to have on your radar.

What exactly defines affordable luxury?

Before we unveil our curated list, let’s clarify what makes a brand fall into this coveted category. It’s more than just a price tag; it’s a philosophy built on a few key pillars:

• Quality over quantity: These brands prioritize premium materials. Think Italian leather, pure cashmere, organic cotton, and lustrous silk. The focus is on creating pieces that last, both in construction and in style.
• A distinct point of view: Unlike fast-fashion retailers that mimic trends, affordable luxury brands have a strong, unique identity. Whether it’s Parisian chic, Scandinavian minimalism, or sustainable California cool, they tell a compelling story.
• An accessible price point: While not cheap, the prices are justifiable. You can typically expect to find handbags from $300 to $700, dresses from $200 to $600, and fine jewelry under $500—a fraction of what you’d pay for traditional luxury.
• Timeless design: The core collections often feature modern classics—the perfect trench coat, the sculptural handbag, the everyday gold hoops. These are pieces that transcend seasonal trends and become staples in your wardrobe.

The 10 affordable luxury brands to watch now

Ready to elevate your wardrobe? Here are the brands that perfectly balance aspiration with accessibility, delivering incredible style and value with every piece.

1. Polène

Known for: Sculptural leather handbags.
If you’ve been on Instagram in the last few years, you’ve undoubtedly seen a Polène bag. This Parisian brand has achieved cult status for its flawless craftsmanship and unique, artistic designs. Founded by a trio of siblings, Polène combines fluid curves and clean lines to create bags that look like works of art. Using high-quality, textured calfskin sourced from Spanish and Italian tanneries, each piece feels exceptionally luxe. Their direct-to-consumer model helps keep prices fair without compromising on quality. The iconic ‘Numéro Un’ is a perfect start, but the wavy ‘Numéro Dix’ and elegant ‘Nodde’ are equally covetable.

2. Ganni

Known for: Playful, Scandi-cool ready-to-wear.
Ganni has redefined Scandinavian style, moving it away from stark minimalism towards something more eclectic and joyful. The #GanniGirls movement is a testament to the brand’s appeal—it’s for women who dress for themselves. Think leopard print dresses paired with cowboy boots, blouses with oversized Peter Pan collars, and chunky, colourful knitwear. Ganni makes fashion fun. While their pieces are instantly recognizable, they are versatile enough to be styled in countless ways, ensuring they remain a beloved part of your wardrobe long after you buy them. It’s the perfect brand for making a statement without saying a word.

3. Sezane

Known for: Quintessential French-girl essentials.
Oh, Sezane. This Parisian label has mastered the art of effortless, romantic style. Born online, the brand drops new collections in limited batches, creating a frenzy with each release. Their secret lies in creating the perfect versions of wardrobe staples: the beautifully cut blouse, the cozy and chic cardigan (like their famous ‘Gaspard’ knit), the flattering straight-leg jeans, and the perfect floral dress. The quality is consistently excellent, with a focus on natural materials and sustainable production. Shopping at Sezane feels like discovering a hidden gem of a Parisian boutique, and their pieces will make you feel instantly more put-together.

4. Reformation

Known for: Sustainable and feminine dresses.
Reformation’s motto is “Being naked is the #1 most sustainable option. We’re #2.” This LA-based brand puts sustainability at its core without ever sacrificing style. They are famous for their feminine, often vintage-inspired dresses that fit like a dream. Whether you’re a wedding guest or just looking for the perfect sundress, Reformation has you covered. Using deadstock fabrics and eco-friendly materials like TENCEL™, they offer transparency about their environmental impact. Their designs are effortlessly cool and a bit sexy, making them a go-to for celebrities like Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber.

5. A.P.C.

Known for: Parisian minimalism and raw denim.
Atelier de Production et de Création (A.P.C.) is the epitome of understated Parisian chic. For over 30 years, founder Jean Touitou has focused on minimalist essentials crafted with meticulous attention to detail. The brand is legendary for its high-quality raw selvedge denim that molds to your body over time, but its offerings go far beyond jeans. Think perfectly tailored trench coats, classic striped marinière tops, and timeless leather goods. Their ‘Half-Moon’ bag is a minimalist icon, a simple and elegant crossbody that works with literally everything.

6. Staud

Known for: Vintage-inspired bags and vibrant clothing.
If your style leans more towards playful and nostalgic, Staud is the brand for you. Founded in Los Angeles by Sarah Staudinger and George Augusto, Staud blends a vintage sensibility with a bold, modern edge. They first gained fame for their unique handbags, like the structured ‘Bissett’ bucket bag and the beaded ‘Tommy’ bag. Their ready-to-wear is just as exciting, featuring vibrant colour palettes, unexpected details, and flattering silhouettes. Staud is for the fashion lover who isn’t afraid to have fun and stand out from the crowd.

7. By Far

Known for: 90s-inspired shoes and handbags.
By Far tapped into our collective nostalgia for the 90s and early 2000s and created an empire. The Bulgarian brand, founded by a trio of friends, creates the kind of minimalist, cool-girl accessories that defined the era. Their ‘Rachel’ bag, a small shoulder baguette inspired by Jennifer Aniston’s character in *Friends*, became an instant ‘It’ bag. Their square-toed sandals, block-heeled mules, and sleek boots are equally in-demand. Worn by everyone from the Hadid sisters to Beyoncé, By Far proves that a simple, well-designed accessory has the power to transform an entire outfit.

8. Nanushka

Known for: Vegan leather and fluid silhouettes.
Budapest-based Nanushka, designed by Sandra Sandor, offers a vision of modern, functional, and surprisingly versatile luxury. The brand is most famous for its signature vegan leather, which is so soft and buttery it has to be touched to be believed. From puffer jackets to wrap dresses and trousers, their vegan leather pieces are sustainable showstoppers. Beyond that, the collections are filled with fluid satin dresses, elegant knitwear, and cleverly tailored separates in a warm, earthy colour palette. Nanushka is for the sophisticated modernist who values comfort as much as style.

9. Mansur Gavriel

Known for: Minimalist bucket bags and colourful leather goods.
In many ways, Mansur Gavriel kickstarted the entire affordable luxury handbag movement. When they launched their simple, unadorned leather bucket bag in 2013, it became an instant, impossible-to-get phenomenon. The brand’s philosophy is simple: create high-quality bags in Italian leather with a clean, timeless aesthetic. While their offerings have expanded to include shoes and ready-to-wear, their handbags remain the star. The pop of colour on the interior of their bags is their subtle signature, a private flash of joy for the owner.

10. Mejuri

Known for: Everyday fine jewelry.
Why wait for a special occasion to wear fine jewelry? That’s the question Mejuri answers with its direct-to-consumer model for 14k gold and gemstone pieces. They’ve stripped away the traditional industry markups to offer everything from delicate stacking rings and classic gold hoops to dainty diamond necklaces at a price that encourages you to treat yourself. Their designs are minimalist and made for layering, allowing you to build a personal collection that tells your own story. Mejuri has successfully turned fine jewelry from a rare gift into an act of daily self-expression.

How to integrate affordable luxury into your wardrobe

The beauty of these brands lies in their versatility. You don’t need a head-to-toe designer look to feel stylish. The key is smart integration.

• Start with an accessory: The easiest entry point is a handbag or a pair of shoes. A beautifully crafted bag from Polène or A.P.C. can instantly elevate a simple outfit of jeans and a t-shirt.
• Invest in the hero piece: Identify the gaps in your wardrobe. Do you need a great coat for winter? A perfect dress for events? Spend a little more on that one hero item from a brand like Nanushka or Reformation, and you’ll find it pays dividends for years.
• Mix high and low: Pair your Sezane knit with your favourite high-street denim. Wear a Ganni dress with your trusty white sneakers. The interplay between accessible and investment pieces is the hallmark of modern, personal style.

The takeaway: Smart style is the new luxury

The rise of affordable luxury is more than just a trend; it’s a fundamental shift in how we approach fashion. It represents a move away from the disposability of fast fashion and the exclusivity of high luxury, landing in a sweet spot that values design, longevity, and self-expression. By investing in pieces from these brands, you’re not just buying a product; you’re building a more sustainable, timeless, and personal wardrobe. You’re buying smarter, not just more. So, which brand will you be welcoming into your closet first?