Last Updated on August 31, 2024 by Eve Dawes
From the new Sex and The City to the Princess of Wales ‘Spencer’ movie The Lady Dior Bag is the bag du jour
Lady Dior bags have always been and will always be a classic. However, it’s gained increasing popularity over the past few years as top handle bags made a comeback and I predict that the trend’s only going to get bigger. From the 1st episode of Sex And The City (Charlotte York) to the Lady Diana movie ‘Spencer’. If Charlotte York and Princess Diana wore it, we tend to all want it. They’re basically doing the same for Christian Dior bags that Carrie Bradshaw did for Manolo’s and Fendi. Then there’s the New Look TV series. Which shares the really interesting and harrowing life of fashion designers Christian Dior and Coco Chanel. Which brought about more awareness, compassion and love for Dior. Here’s a lot of choice of Lady Dior colors and sizes so I’ve broken them all down from the largest tote to the Lady Dior medium to the micro in this Lady Dior review. As well as the best Lady Dior colors and the best places to buy them. It’s such an elegant and classic style but is the Lady Dior handbag worth the heavy dent to our wallets?
This Lady Dior review post contains affiliate links.
Lady Dior Review | Is This Classic Worth it? Watch Before You Buy
Time for a Lady Dior bag review now that I’ve had my Lady Dior since Spring’22 and had time to figure out the pros, cons and whether I think it’s worth it or not. Plus some tips for choosing the right Lady Dior handbag for you, caring for your Lady Dior, where to buy it and how to style it.
Keep scrolling for everything you need to know about the Lady Dior bags and my thoughts after buying the Lady Dior medium. As well as the best places to shop for your Christian Dior bags from their boutiques to other specialist retailers and resellers.
How did the Lady Dior bag get it’s name
After Princess Diana was gifted her 1st one of this style in 1995 by the First Lady of France, Bernadette Chirac at the Grand Palais in Paris she famously bought it in every color. Which is why Christian Dior renamed the bag Lady Dior in 1996 and why Princess Diana’s so connected to the Lady Dior bag.
She was subsequently photographed clutching the bag many times including on the Met Gala red carpet in 1996. Thus the bag eventually earned the name ‘Lady Dior.
Grazia
Originally named ‘chouchou’ (French for ‘favourite’) this Christian Dior bag was given its current moniker as a tribute to the princess – who was known as Lady Diana Spencer before her marriage – in 1996 after she fell in love with it. She faithfully carried it for years.
Elle
Shop Your Lady Dior Bag
Prices are going up quickly right now on designer brands like Chanel and Christian Dior bags. So the sooner you buy any Christian Dior bag you’ve had your eye on the better.
The Lady Dior micro bags are obviously the cheapest of the sizes but it’s XL bags that are trending. So the bigger the better this year, plus they’re more practical. If you want a style that lasts, I suggest going for a solid color leather versus a trendy print or fabric style.
Is the Lady Dior handbag worth it?
Whether something’s worth it or not is so personal, it really comes down to how much you can afford to spend and how much you’ll use it. However, for most of us, investing in a new handbag that’s on the pricier side is a big decision.
No one wants to have buyers remorse or end up with a bag they don’t want to use. Yes, there’s reselling it or somewhere like Fashionphile or The Real Real but you rarely get back what you paid for it.
Even if they sell it for more than you bought it for, you’re only going to get a percentage back from the reseller not the full amount. Which is why I’m picky about what I buy and did a ton of research before buying the Lady Dior medium bag in a neutral color I thought I’d use the most.
Chanel bags also tend to hold their value better than Dior so it’s worth considering picking up a Lady Dior second hand. Especially if you’re not worried about your Dior depreciating more or planning on selling it later on.
So, is the is Lady Dior worth buying? It depends on your budget and how much you’ll use it. If you’re worried it’ll go out of date, there’s little chance of that given its long history and classic style.
Which style should I get?
The Lady Dior bag is one of Dior’s more classic styles and a bit more affordable than Chanels quilted flap bags. I also love Dior’s Caro bag with the gold CD logo which looks a bit more current and modern. As well as the Dior Jolie top handle bag which is ever so pretty and feminine with the central pearl detail.
Whereas the Lady Dior is more classic and elegant and I love the top handles which is how I tend to carry it rather than by the shoulder strap. Which is one of the reasons the stylists picked it for Charlotte York in the new SATC.
However, it’s also more staid than some other styles. In my opinion, the Dior Caro, Dior saddle bag or Chanel 19 flap bag would be better if you’re looking for a more modern style. Although the saddle bag tends to go in and out of fashion. If you prefer more classic styles the Lady Dior bag is perfect and worth buying.
Lady Dior Vs Lady D-Lite
Dior released a new version of this bag in 2020. The new version of the Lady Dior, the Lady D-Lite bag is softer and more modern. The D-Lite Christian Dior bag is embroidered with the signature black cannage motif but also features the ‘CHRISTIAN DIOR’ signature on the front which isn’t on the Lady Dior handbag. It’s also material not leather.
Personally I prefer the more elegant, refined and low key original leather Lady Dior bag without the name across the front. It’s more quiet luxury and less logomania.
What sizes do the Lady Dior Bag come in? How much does a Lady Dior cost?
This Lady Dior bag comes in several different sizes and in a wide variety of solid and patterned colors. They’ve also started adding embellishments and custom embellishments. Like the ABCDIOR Dior bag which you can personalize with a choice of charms and letters.
Lady Dior sizes in cm and inches
Lady Dior sizes and prices as of June 2024 but they’re going up like most things right now. For example the Large Lady Dior was $5600 2 years ago vs $7000 today!
- Micro Lady Dior : 12 x 10 x 5 cm / 5 x 4 x 2 inches. A tiny bag for just the essentials like your lipstick, credit card and keys Dior $3900
- Mini Lady Dior Bag 17 x 15 x 7 cm / 6.5 x 6 x 3 inches | Calfskin $5500.
- Small Lady Dior Bag 20 x 16.5 x 8 cm / 8 x 6.5 x 3 inches. Black calfskin $5900
- Medium 24 x 20 x 11 cm / 9.5 x 8 x 4.5 inches a great size for a day to night bag. $6500 black cannage lambskin.
- Large Lady Dior 32 x 25 x 11 cm / 12.5 x 10 x 4.5 inches. This bag’s big enough for an everyday tote Dior $7000.
Why I chose the beige Lady Dior medium size
I’m always considering which material to get bags in and what I’m going to use it for. Lambskin was the only material it came in when I was looking so that’s how I ended up with it as it’s not normally a leather I’d buy but know that it’ll scratch and that I need to take care of it. I also went for a matte leather as I personally don’t like patent.
I was looking for a neutral day to night bag when the Lady Dior handbag ended up on my short list. The small, mini and micro Lady Dior bag are very on trend right now but they don’t fit a phone so that ruled those out for me. The large was too big and drowned me.
I ended up with the Lady Dior medium which is still big enough for my phone and keys. I chose gold hardware as I tend to wear more gold than silver jewelry.
What material should I get the Lady Dior bag in?
This Christian Dior bag also comes in satin, lambskin, calfskin, bullskin leather and microfiber. I know from past experiences how easily lambskin leather gets scratched.
So if you’re looking for a more durable, long lasting bag, even though the calf and bull leather is the more expensive option, it’s the best bet for this style if you want it to last.
What color Lady Dior bag should I buy?
There are so many beautiful colors and patterns for the Lady Dior it’s hard to decide which is the best Lady Dior color and a lot will come down to what’s right for you. I was torn between getting the beige, pink or black quilted version. I love pink, have a lot of it in my closet that it’d go with and it’s more of a statement piece. The black quilted Lady Dior is such a classic that will go with everything and feels like more of an evening bag.
I ended up with the beige Christian Dior bag as I wanted it for the Spring/Summer and because I’m holding out for a black Chanel bag (update: which I just bought) and don’t need 2 black day to night bags. However, beige or white might not be the most practical for a lot of people and will definitely get dirty the quickest. I often wrap a twilly/mitzah around the handles to protect them (from dirt, grease, self-tanner, etc).
Colors are so personal so find one that feels like you and that will go with a lot of your outfits.
Lady Dior Review | What color hardware should I get? Gold, silver or black?
Then there’s the choice of gold, silver or black hardware which comes down to personal preference. I personally think the gold looks more luxe and I’ve been wearing a lot more gold jewelry the last few years. Plus it’s the color Lady Diana and Charlotte wore.
Is Lady Dior a classic bag
Absolutely it’s a classic style and will always be a symbol of elegance! It’s been around for 25 years and still one of Dior’s best sellers. The non patent styles are more classic than the shiny patent versions or one’s with artwork. Dior bags don’t hold their value quite as much as a Chanel classic flap bag but it’s a bag that won’t go out of style and you can use year after year.
Where to buy a Lady Dior Bag
There are a couple of options when it comes to buying a Lady Dior bag. Whether it’s brand new from a Dior store or pre loved from a luxury consignment store. I’ve shared some of my fashionphile favorites below. With everything from Christian Dior lambskin cannage micro Lady Dior to XL sizes in fabric, exotic skins, leather and patent leather.
One of the fun things about Fashionphile is that you can find some vintage styles no longer available in store. Lady Dior bag’s don’t hold their value like a lot of Chanel bags do. So a great way to find a bargain is to shop for one second hand.
New or Pre Loved Lady Dior Bags
The best place to shop for a new Dior handbag is either directly from their stores or website. If you’re not worried about having the latest color, you could also shop for a pre loved Dior.
Dior bags don’t normally hold their value or appreciate like like some other designer brands so the prices are a lot lower. Just be sure to get them from somewhere like The Real Real or Fashionphile where they’re authenticated.
Pre loved tend not to be as shiny and new as brand new ones. You also miss the whole in store experience but you do save a decent chunk of change. Which is why this was the route I went. It’s not in pristine condition but it’s still super pretty and beige will get dirty quickly anyway.
Lady Dior Review and Unboxing
My pre owned medium Lady Dior bag purchase from Fashionphile. Thoughts and tips for buying pre-owned and the highlights of this bag size, color and style. Let me know in the Lady Dior review video comments if you have any questions I didn’t answer in the video.
Street style stars and fashion insiders with the Lady Dior handbag
The Lady Dior handbag has always been a classic bag to wear but is now in the spotlight. It’s one of those investment bags you don’t really have to worry about going out of style. As seen on:
- Rihanna with a blue Lady Dior medium bag.
- Nicky Hilton with a large red Lady Dior.
- Emma Roberts with a small silver Lady Dior.
- Sarah Hyland, Emma Rosum, Kristin Davis, Lady Diana and Sarah Jessica Parker with medium black Lady Diors.
- Paris Hilton with a python Lady Dior.
- Priyanka Chopra with the small black Lady Dior handbag in Paris.
- Emma Roberts with a painted small Diorin Beverly Hills.
- Meghan Markle with the black Lady D-Lite bag in Central Park.
Top tips for buying the right Lady Dior handbag for you
If you want to play it safe and have a Christian Dior bag that won’t date, go for a classic color and material. If it’s just your bag for this season then have fun with the print and materials.
My one last shopping tip before you buy is to make sure the size works for your lifestyle and body type. I love the micro but I need something that will fit my phone. I also love the large for an everyday bag but being petite it looks a bit disproportionate.
How to tie a twilly on your bag
Once you’ve got your beautiful lambskin Dior handbag, the next step is looking after it. I love tying a twilly on Dior Mitzah scarf on mine to help protect the handles but there’s tons more ways you can use it besides just on your bag.
Trend watch & things to shop for now
Dress like a lady. With movies like Spencer coming out, the ladylike trends are going to be seen more and more. So whether you want to take style inspiration from Princess Diana with her Lady Dior or from Charlotte in SATC, here’s how to complete your look.
Starting with a chic hair bow as seen at Chanel. Here’s how to wear it think more Hailey Bieber and Chanel and less playground.
Plus the hottest bags, fashion trends and Sex And The City news.
Follow for more daily fashion & style inspo
Follow for daily style, tips and sale alerts or to send me any questions about this Lady Dior review.
