26 Affordable Fall Bags Under $250 to Shop For The New Season

Mango model wearing the Suede Shopper Bag With Eyelets over shoulder and sunglasses — (Image credit: Mango)

Over the last couple of weeks, I've been on a shopping kick to transition my wardrobe from summer to fall. I've stocked my closet with plenty of transitional basics and fall trends, and added some autumnal brown sneakers and loafers to my footwear collection. The only thing that's left on my new-season wish list is fall-forward bags.

Whether it's a laptop-friendly tote or a shoulder bag fit for a night out, every fashion girl knows a purse can make a break a look. That's why I'm shopping for trendy bags that elevate my transitional outfits—all without breaking my budget. Naturally, my search led me to some of my favorite affordable retailers—Madewell, Mango, and Gap—where the new fall collections are filled with buttery suede, rich autumn colors, and chic designs.

After diving through the accessory offerings at all three brands, I'm convinced the list below includes all of fall's best affordable (and most in-demand) bags. Keep scrolling to shop purses that will make you feel like an It girl in the new season, and rest assured, each one is budget-friendly with a price tag of $250 and under.

Madewell

The Mylie Shoulder Bag in Italian Suede

I've been dreaming about this bag ever since I saw it in store.

Madewell

The Top-Zip Shoulder Bag

This would be my go-to going-out bag for fall.

Madewell

The Essential Curve Medium Shoulder Bag

Prepare for boho bags to have a major moment in the upcoming season.

The Mini Drawstring Crossbody Bucket Bag

If you're a fan of crossbody bags, this purse will suit you nicely for the cooler weather months.

Madewell

The Studded Tote

I'm eyeing this tote to use as my new-season work bag.

The Essential Curve Shoulder Bag

I can't get enough of Madewell's studded accessories.

Madewell

The Essential Curve Shoulder Bag

Not only is this olive green shade a quintessential fall color, but it's so rich-looking, too.

The Mylie Shoulder Bag

This studded bag would certainly add an edge to my fall purse rotation.

The Mylie Shoulder Bag

I'm calling it now: Cow print will be an accessory trend to watch out for this fall.

The Dakota Saddle Bag

I would take this travel-friendly purse with me on all of my upcoming trips.

The Essential Bucket Tote

Suede and studs make this a fall-forward take on a Katie Holmes-approved tote.

MANGO

Suede Mini Shopper Bag

Wear this chocolate brown tote bag when you want to look more elevated with zero effort involved.

MANGO

Medium Leather Shoulder Bag With Charms

The worn-weather look on this bag is so cool girl-coded.

MANGO

Suede Shopper Bag With Eyelets

I'm a big fan of grommet-covered bags like this.

MANGO

Large Oval Shoulder Bag

This is a fall-forward bag you can turn to year after year.

MANGO

Suede Shoulder Bag With Eyelets

This bag is just the right size for all of your night-out essentials.

MANGO

Suede Shoulder Bag

Slouchy suede styles will soon be on the arm of every It girl you know.

MANGO

Medium Shoulder Bag With Snap Hook

Bags with buckles and snap hooks were trending for summer, but this deep brown find screams "fall."

MANGO

Bowling Shoulder Bag With Charm

With its hardware and padlock charm, this bag exudes a cool, early aughts feel.

Gap

Vegan Suede Slouchy Tote Bag

Meet the TikTok-viral bag that has everyone racing to Gap.

Gap

Vegan Suede Bucket Bag

The suede on this pick looks deliciously soft and luxe, despite being vegan.

Gap

Vegan Suede Barrel Bag

If I didn't know any better, I would've thought this bag was designer.

Gap

Cow Print Calf Hair Mini Slouchy Bag

Clearly, cow print is on the up and up.

Gap

Vegan Leather Bucket Tote Bag

One reviewer wrote, "Feels like butter" about this tote bag, so that's all the reasoning I need to add it to my cart.

Gap

Vegan Pebble Leather Slouchy Bag

The silhouette is of this bag is unlike anything in my collection, so naturally, I'm a fan.

Gap

Tote Bag

If you're in need of a work tote, this bag can easily carry your laptop, water bottle, makeup, and other essentials.

TOPICS

Brooke Knappenberger is the Associate Commerce Editor at Marie Claire, where she specializes in crafting shopping stories—from sales content to buying guides that span every vertical on the site. She also oversees holiday coverage with an emphasis on gifting guides as well as Power Pick, our monthly column on the items that power the lives of MC’s editors. She also tackled shopping content as Marie Claire's Editorial Fellow prior to her role as Associate Commerce Editor.

She has over three years of experience writing on fashion, beauty, and entertainment and her work has appeared on Looper, NickiSwift, The Sun US, and Vox Magazine of Columbia, Missouri. Brooke obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri’s School of Journalism with an emphasis on Magazine Editing and has a minor in Textile and Apparel Management.