Best Gucci bags to invest in - including the iconic Horsebit 1955, Jackie 1961 and GG Marmont

Timeless, classics, the best Gucci bags are instantly recognizable. We ask fashion experts to reveal their favorites from the Italian fashion house

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Trends come and go but a designer handbag is a life-long investment, and the best Gucci bags are some of the most iconic on the market. From the failsafe Jackie shoulder bag, to the vibrant Dionysus evening clutch, there's a Gucci bag for every occasion.  

Beautifully designed, the best Gucci bags hold their value, making them some of the best designer handbags to invest in. Having seen a huge resurgence in popularity in recent years, thanks both to some stellar runway collections and the film 'House of Gucci', the Italian clothing brand is in demand right now. In fact, according to Wethrift, Google searches for vintage Gucci increased by 92% the week of the film’s release, proving Gucci is more popular than ever. “This is a very exciting time to be buying into the Gucci brand. It is arguably in one of the best positions to stand the test of time, under the creative direction of Alessandro Michele, we are seeing lots of visionary activities,” explains Sacha Newall, Founder, and CEO of MyWardrobeHQ.

With some of the best crossbody bags and best tote bags, a Gucci bag is as instantly recognizable as the best Louis Vuitton bags, with bold logos, punchy hues, and dazzling embellishments. But while there are plenty of statement styles, there are also more pared-back iterations too, think neutral hues and buttery-leather fabrics that will make a strong addition to any season. From the famous Jackie 1961 to the GG Marmont, Gucci bags ooze sophistication and will instantly elevate any look whether you’re going on a dinner date or attending an important meeting.

The best Gucci bags as chosen by fashion experts

When it comes to Italian clothing brands, Gucci is one of the most recognized in the business. The brand's iconic GG logo has been a source of inspiration to many straight-to-market brands, but nothing is quite like the real thing. If you love the timelessness of the best Chanel bags then you'll understand why the Gucci best sellers have become so loved. Wearable in any season and looks that will never go out of style, we've rounded up the star styles to invest in. 

1. Horsebit 1955

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Gucci Horsebit 1955

Reasons to buy

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Vintage aesthetic
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Lots of variations

Defined by the equestrian double ring and bar, the Horsebit 1955 takes inspiration from the Gucci archives with the same lines and forms from over six decades ago. It comes in many different designs from simple leather versions to bolder printed designs. The shoulder bag variation is the most classic with an elegant flap, metal hardware, and an adjustable strap to make it fit crossbody too so you can wear it day in, day out, from teaming it with your best winter coat to a lightweight denim jacket. The line also features totes and bucket bags, all with the same recognizable metal hardware.

Fashion editor's picks...

2. Jackie 1961

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Gucci Jackie 1961

Reasons to buy

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Can be worn multiple ways
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Retro and ladylike design

The Jackie is another retro design this time taken from the sixties. Originally named after Jackie Kennedy, it was reintroduced for Fall Winter 2020 and has become quite the cult hit. It still has its signature curved half-moon shape and buckle closure but it now includes an additional detachable shoulder strap so you can wear it multiple ways - from top handle to crossbody. There are also fresh new colors and fabrics -from sweet pastel hues to winter corduroy. And if you need more convincing, Harry Styles has one.

Fashion editor's picks...

3. GG Marmont

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Gucci GG Marmont

Reasons to buy

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Distintive GG symbol
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Extremely versatile

Once again it’s the hardware that defines the GG Marmont with its distinctive '70s-inspired GG monogram on the front. Crafted from soft matelassé leather, the line comes in many shapes and sizes from mini crossbody bags to carry-all totes, with the shoulder bag being the most coveted in this category. One of the best Gucci bags, the GG Marmont is effortlessly versatile. Easily wearable in the day with jeans and your best cashmere sweater, this bag can also work for both the evening and the office, such is its fashion currency. 

Stick with neutral hues if you want to keep it classic or make more of a statement in pillar box reds and monogram prints. 

Fashion editor's picks...

4. Dionysus

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Gucci Dionysus

Reasons to buy

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Bright and bold colors
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Smart and structured silhouette 

The tiger head clasp that adorns this design takes inspiration from the Greek God Dionysus who according to Greek mythology crossed the river Tigris on a tiger sent to him by Zeus. The structured design will add instant polish to any look from your best jeans to your Christmas party outfit. As part of the Gucci Beloved line - a collection of classic designs revamped by Alessandro Michele for a more contemporary take, the Dionysus now comes in an array of iterations, from Crayola colors to the brand’s signature monogram print.

Fashion editor's picks...

5. Diana

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Gucci Diana

Reasons to buy

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Iconic bamboo handle
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Roomy size

Another nod to nostalgia is the Diana bag reinvented by Alessandro Michele from the original 1991 design, which was popularized and then named after Diana, Princess of Wales. Defined by the bamboo handle, the new design features vibrant neon bands - a fun reference to the bands used to keep the handles in shape. In a structured tote design, it also features a longer strap for ease, so you can carry it crossbody too. largely available in easy-to-wear neutral hues, as well as a more zingy green to jazz up your camel coat.

Fashion editor's picks...

6. Ophidia

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Gucci Ophidia

Reasons to buy

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Roomy totes
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Inlay web detail

The Ophidia made its debut in the Cruise 2018 catwalk and features the iconic inlay Web detail for a pop of color and a shiny GG Marmont tab for that sought-after designer stamp. While these remain consistent through the line, the shapes and silhouettes are ever-evolving - from some of the best backpacks for working women to roomy bucket bags to a more classic crossbody style, the Ophidia is the look that can adapt to suit your needs.

Fashion editor's picks...

7. Sylvie

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Gucci Sylvie

Reasons to buy

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Smart, minimalist structure
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Archival design

The Sylvie bag dates back to 1969, created during a monumental time in history, coinciding with astronauts' first landing on the moon. Sylvie is a sleek and pared-back design, defined by its distinctive gold-toned chain and buckle closure. Perfect if you’re after something a bit more minimalist, you can snap it up in a boxy silhouette epitomizing ladylike styles of the '60s and '70s or a softer shoulder bag design.

Fashion editor's picks...

8. Padlock

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Gucci Padlock

Reasons to buy

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Lots of different prints and colors
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Structured silhouette

The clue is in the name with this timeless design. Known for its distinctive key lock closure with a detachable leather key case, it has a structured silhouette and features the GG logo canvas. Whilst the padlock design gives a nod to the archives, it comes in a variety of styles and prints from small shoulder bags to larger totes, with fruit and veg prints giving it a playful update for the season ahead. Borrowing elements from some of the other best Gucci bags, we love the use of bamboo handles and chain detailing for a fusion of some of our favorite styles.

Fashion editor's picks...

9. Blondie

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Gucci Blondie

Reasons to buy

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Newest design
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Elegant and refined

The newest addition to the Gucci family, the Blondie is already gaining momentum, spotted on the likes of Dakota Johnson and Elle Fanning. Inspired by archival 1970s designs, its most distinguishable feature is the interlocking G hardware. With a selection of silhouettes that can be worn crossbody, on the shoulder or as the now much-coveted belt bag. The Blondie will easily become your new everyday staple.

Fashion editor's picks...

Are Gucci bags a good investment? 

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Yes, much like other big-name designer bag brands, Gucci bags are a worthy investment. If you take good care of your handbag - our handbag clinic review will help you with that, then your Gucci bag could potentially increase in value if you can ever bring yourself to part with it. Learning the basic principles of how to sell clothes online will help with reselling for the best price.

“The Gucci Marmont has definitely been the breakout star in the last few years and we’ve seen a huge appetite for these on the preowned market – mostly for their smaller size with the zip, rather than the flap. I bought a Marmont back in 2017 for around £650 and the same edition is now worth over £1,000, says Charlotte Staerck, CEO & Co-Founder, Handbag Clinic

Thanks to films like The House of Gucci, we’re having a huge nostalgia trip at the moment so vintage designer handbags are becoming incredibly sought-after.

“There’s been a big emphasis on nostalgia pieces in recent years,  hence we’ve seen the revival of the Dior Saddlebag and Prada’s Re-Edition Nylon bags - and Gucci has followed suit by bringing back their vintage bags with the iconic Horsebit from 1955 and the Jackie, from 1961,” explains Charlotte.

While we're big fans of the latest handbag trends, it’s best to stick to classic styles if you want your Gucci bag to stand the test of time. Not only will you get plenty of wear out of it yourself but if you keep it in pristine condition, it will remain a valuable wardrobe piece if you choose to sell it.

“The Jackie has been a hero Gucci item for years but, after being relaunched with a bit of a makeover in their AW20 collection, it very quickly hit cult status. This works so well for the preowned market given lots of the originals are still in circulation.  Demand on the preowned market usually hots up just after an item has started its incline to popularity. So it’s pretty instantaneous,” says Charlotte.

“The other key Gucci must-have is the Dionysus. I would recommend picking one up in the small or mini size in either the classic GG supreme or black leather - these styles really hold their value so make the best investments.”

Charlie Bell

Charlie is the Deputy Fashion Editor at Future plc across multiple women’s magazines including Woman & Home, Woman and Woman's Own.

She bagged her first magazine job in 2009 and has previously written for titles including Stylist, Closer and Dare. Over the years Charlie has embraced anything that was thrown at her from styling celebrities to testing out the best jeans on the high street to writing about must-have beauty buys.

With a weakness for a printed midi dress, Charlie is on a mission to shop more sustainably and loves finding new ethical brands and second-hand buys.