12 Chic Evening Bags For Every Soirée You Have This Season
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When we resumed our post-pandemic social calendars, there was a natural craving for glamorous dressing, which designers and labels from around the world (i.e. Christopher John Rogers, Atelier Ndigo, Simone Rocha and Aje) have leaned into. Ultra-chic evening styles started populating runways and websites, countering the ubiquity of athleisure and casual wear. While our fancy-occasion wardrobe is now covered, what is noticeably missing is the range of suitable evening bags to go along with it. With the resurgence of the ‘90s, you would think designers would also present fresh iterations of the chic evening accessories.
Evening bags, be it a satin clutch, crystal-embellished top-handle bags or sparkly wristlet, are regularly spotted on celebrity red carpets, yet they are not readily available on the market. On the high end, there are the designer options—this Bottega Veneta style is currently on our wish list—but there’s a real void in accessible styles that work exclusively for say, a holiday party. We’ve often found ourselves wearing our daytime shoulder bags to 7'o clock parties, knowing very well that it’s a fashion faux-pas but not having a better alternative.
What makes a good evening bag you ask? Any discreet accessory built out of a polished material (i.e. chainmail, satin, velvet, acrylic) and designed to enhance rather than eclipse your look. Cult Gaia seems to be the leading brand in that category, but we’ve done some research to unearth a few affordable styles.
Italian luxury label Gedebe is taking the concept of jewel accessories to the next level with its array of shiny bags and shoes. This Bella Embellished Satin Crossbody Bag is a fabulous contender for a wedding or a gala, as is the Maud Satin Clutch by Anya Hindmarch. On the budget-friendly side, the Nina Shoes Wham Clutch or Olga Berg Marbled Oval Clutch look just as elevated. In short, evening bags need to be easy to carry and have more pizzazz than your card holder or leather work tote.
Ahead, shop these party-ready accessories, and if you’re ready to invest in some designer sensations, we also have you covered there.
Best Versatile Clutch
A Metallic Find: Nina Shoes Wham Clutch
A bold and sleek option for a night out, this Wham Clutch ($88) conveys glamour at an attainable price point. The mirrored surface is a cool detail that makes it visually interesting and maybe somewhat useful. It’s lightweight and practical to carry everywhere, but you can also style it as a crossbody to be hands-free.
Nina Shoes Wham Clutch
$88
Best Minimal Clutch
A Polished Bag: Olga Berg Marbled Oval Clutch
With its glossy finish, this marbled clutch will add a chic minimal touch to your evening look. Featuring a statement marble print and a chain strap, it’s definitely worth a double look! You’ll get lots of wear out of it, plus at $85, it’s a keeper!
Olga Berg Marbled Oval Clutch
$85
Best Party-Ready Bag
A Failsafe Night-Out Style: Cult Gaia Mirai Shoulder Bag
It’s hard to argue against a shoulder bag when it’s this practical and versatile. The Cult Gaia Mirai ($498) takes it up a notch with its crystal-embellished exterior and detachable gold-tone chain (a smart feature). Plus it’s designed to carry just the essentials and keep you hands-free as you head to your dinner date that might turn into late-night drinks.
Cult Gaia Mirai Shoulder Bag
$498
Most Unique Evening Bag
A Unique Accessory: Clio Peppiatt Quartz Beaded Bag
An evening bag has never looked so compelling, thanks to Clio Peppiatt’s inventiveness! Designed from recycled beads, the Quartz Beaded Bag ($370) exudes a sense of mystery that would make anyone curious about the person wearing it. The color gradient is also a brilliant detail that lends itself to traditional evening attire.
Clio Peppiatt Quartz Beaded Bag
$370
Best Clutch For Formal Events
A Statement-Making Bag: Gedebe Bella Embellished Satin Crossbody Bag
While being hands-free is always ideal, no one can deny the elegance of a clutch, especially when it’s made in a lovely green satin fabric. Sometimes, it’s just the only style that will match a strapless gown for example. This Gedebe clutch ($347) actually doubles as a crossbody in case you ever decide to pull out the strap, but we love the look of it as a clutch.
Gedebe Bella Embellished Satin Crossbody Bag
$347
Best Classic Bag
A Timeless Classic: Anya Handmarch Maud Satin Clutch
This refined Maud Satin Clutch ($595) is the definition of understated sophistication. The brand has been worn by the iconic Princess Diana, so it clearly knows a thing or two about stealth wealth. This satin number is desirable because of its simple silhouette and easily wearable style. The sculptural golden clasp gives it a regal air, and it sits elegantly on the black satin. Save this one for the next formal event.
Anya Handmarch Maud Satin Clutch
$595
Best On-Trend Bag
A Playful Accessory: Simkhai Bridget Oyster Bag
A fun take on an evening accessory, this Simkhai Oyster Clutch ($495) makes a cheeky addition to any closet. Embrace your quirky side with this gold-plated shell-shaped number. Pair it with a sleek little black dress or tailored suit; you can wear it as a clutch or a crossbody.
Simkhai Bridget Oyster Bag
$495
Best Day-to-Night Bag
A Timeless Day-to-Night Bag: Demellier The Mini Seville
Featuring a gold-plated metal handle, the Mini Seville ($530) adds an element of geometry and effortless cool to a traditional bag silhouette. The croc texture further pushes it into the nighttime category, while perfectly being suitable for business meetings. Wear it as a top handle clutch, crossbody or under the arm for a timeless look. Your accessory lineup simply wouldn’t be complete without a timeless day-to-night bag.
Demellier The Mini Seville
$530
Best Sequin Bag
A Party-Ready Bag: Sandro Mini Yza
For a party-ready look, take the Mini Yza Bag ($320) out for a spin. Perfect for a disco-themed event, this versatile piece will effortlessly match several looks in your wardrobe. You can go full-on retro with a matching sequined look or tame it down with a failsafe little black dress.
Sandro Mini Yza Sequin Bag
$320
A Clear Clutch: Cult Gaia Annika Clutch
Cult Gaia Annika Clutch
$358
Clear bags are what all the cool girls are wearing on night outs, have you heard? This Cult Gaia clutch by Cult Gaia ($358) is yet another addition to this trend. The boxy details and structured silhouette make this purse the perfect hybrid from late night dinner to an impromptu speakeasy rendez-vous. Get you a bag that can do both.
Gedebe Mini Habibi Sequined Clutch
$758
A Holiday Bag: Gedebe Mini Habibi Sequined Clutch
Simple, but make it groovy. This crystal-bedazzled purse purse adds a pop of energy to any outfit, yet it comes in an easily adoptable silhouette. Despite its slouchy look, it has a sturdy structure and features a magnetic closure that makes room for all your necessities.
A Designer Dream: Paco Rabanne 1969 Gold Sphere Bag
Paco Rabanne 1969 Gold Sphere Bag
$1,500
A statement piece on the dancefloor. This Paco Rabanne Sphere Bag needs no introduction. A girl can dream.