Style Hunt: Evening Bags
Festive-Not-Formal Evening Bags
Our holiday celebrations tend to be more relaxed these days, but I still like to wear something that feels festive and a little special. I’ve begun assembling some holiday party outfits, and have realized that my evening bag situation needs some attention.
I still love how my leopard print clutch looks in an outfit, but would really prefer something with a shoulder strap. I want a bag that serves up a little glam, but isn’t so flashy that it fights with my jewelry. Size-wise, I need something bigger than a minaudière, but not larger than my Gucci camera bag.
Above: an eye-catching gold and velvet number.
Evening bags don’t have to be formal. This little gold circular bag is fun, and sticks a landing in the Festive-Not-Fussy zone.
If you prefer silver-toned or subtler metallics, this quilted flap shoulder bag with a muted pewter finish is worth a look. I’ve seen this bag up close, and the finish is much prettier than it looks in the photo. (Also available in gold.)
I love how a red bag makes an outfit pop. Here’s another one for Team Festive-Not-Fussy. It’s small enough to work for evening events, but deep enough to hold more than just a phone and a lipstick. Also available in black.
The velvet trend hasn’t skipped over the bag department. Here’s a budget-friendly, pretty mauve foldover clutch with a removable strap . Also available in Berry and Slate Blue..
Another velvet option, this one in a quilted cobalt blue. The chain strap is long enough to wear crossbody. Also in black, pink and purple.
Circling back around to leopard print, I’m really tempted by this one. I like the slightly retro vibe of that hard-framed style, and I know that print will work well with my wardrobe. Decisions, decisions…
Do you have a favorite style of evening bag?
(Click arrow at right to see more selections.)
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It depends on the event. Theater/concert: something that can go in my lap. A cocktail party: something with a strap so my hands are free, because I don’t like shaking hands, holding a drink and also squeezing a clutch under one arm. Dancing: something extremely small that can get out of the way–I had a tiny velvet bag on a pretty chain that just held my key and a little cash back in my Argentine tango days because my dancing dresses never had pockets.
I lean towards clutches if we’re not venturing far, but a walk requires a cross body strap or chain. Love your bag selections and think the circular gold would look terrific against your FK medallions. And perfect with that blue velvet jacket you showcased a little while ago. The gold quilted MK is whispering my name though (is it too early to buy myself a Hannukah gift?)
I’ve found so many beautiful vintage evening bags in thrift stores and I can never pass them up! I don’t even have many occasions to use them, but there’s just something so charming about a delicate beaded or velvet clutch with a history!
Kathleen, I know what you mean. I have a collection of clutches and like to think they hold memories of a gentler time, of grand parties, theatre, dancing….I was thinking I should display them in a bookcase in my office to enjoy instead of wrapped in tissue.
I like a bag that slips over the arm, usually I remove any shoulder strap. For me , a shoulder strap is a time bomb, waiting to slip off my shoulder, and down onto my arm, causing me to spill whatever beverage I am carrying. Klutz much?? Why yes!!
So the ideal bag is big enough for two Iphones, hubby’s wallet, car keys, house keys and my tiny little card case which I use to conserve space instead of my wallet. Add a lipstick or two, and a throat lozenge. Done and done! I would love to find a luscious patent leather bag, sculptured enough to stand up by itself if needed on the floor by my chair. Sleek and simple.
Something like this? https://www.therealreal.com/products/women/handbags/clutches/alaia-patent-frame-clutch
Do you know anything about Cuyana? Have you ordered from them previously? Love that red bag; my current red clutch is showing its age due to its inexpensive nature. Thinking it is time for a better piece to replace it.
Hi Deborah, I purchased a Cuyana bag at the beginning of the year (see post HERE) and was very happy with the quality.
The leopard print!! I don’t even care for animal prints but, this is too cute!
I love antique or vintage wicker bags. Only problem is that they’re usually too small. But I like something unusual.
I love that Tory Burch blue bag, but it’s a skosh (or two or three) over my budget. I have a black satin wrist bag I bought years ago in Chinatown in San Francisco that I use as an evening bag. I think it was intended to be for jewelry, but it works as a bag just as well.
I bought a great bag for “occasion dressing” at a museum gift shop a few years ago. It is a sort of tapestry fabric and has a shoulder strap but can also be used as clutch. Lots of colors in the fabric so goes with most things that aren’t a wild print. Big enough to hold my reading glasses along with a few essentials. I have a quilted black leather bag bought in Italy that is very nice but has a chain strap that can get heavy/uncomfortable after a couple of hours of standing, so use depends on the occasion.
That Clair V leopard has my name all over it!! It’s fabulous! I like shoulder straps for evening events which leave my hands free for cocktails etc.
This is a little unusual if a navy bag is on your list: https://www.hobbs.com/en/Blue-Megan-Clutch-Clutches-Bags/w5m4k/?productID=0118-1223-337600&refpage=new-arrivals
So many nice ones…. great selection, but you always have been able to pick the right bags.
Greetje
Your hair looks amazing in these photos!