Fabulous party bags for the festive season
Dance the night away with a striking bag over your shoulder
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Party season is here. This means we’re shopping for party dresses that shimmer bright but, alas, come sans pockets. Without pockets to store night-out essentials like your phone, cards, keys and lipstick, handbags become a quintessential part of your outfit. While we love our everyday tote bags and backpacks, they’re quite out of place amid a sea of glitter and sequins. Luckily, designers have you covered with an assortment of party bags that’ll store your party essentials and have you looking effortlessly chic.
Party bags come in all forms this season. For the unapologetic sparkle enthusiast, Fendi’s iconic baguette comes decked in sequins, while Rabanne’s chainmail bag shines brighter than a disco ball. If the theme for the night is a grown-up cocktail party, Clio Peppiat and Manolo Blahnik dish up sleek velvet and satin iterations. Whether you’re toting half your makeup bag around or just need a place to stow your phone, we’ve curated the best party bags for the festive period.
Fendi Baguette leather sequinned bag
Take a page out of style icon Carrie Bradshaw’s book with Fendi’s baguette shoulder bag. The iconic long bag’s party makeover features a blue sequin gradient on a leather base with the signature FF clasp. Wear over the shoulder or with the longer strap as a crossbody bag. The metallic gradient is sure to catch the light as you twirl around the dance floor.
Bottega Veneta Jodie mini knotted metallic leather tote
Named after actress Jodie Foster, Bottega Veneta’s Jodie bag is rendered in a trendy mixed metal iteration for the party season. Crafted with silver and gold textured leather strips knotted at the top handle, the mini bag can easily hold your phone and cards. Pair with a classic black suit and statement jewellery for a polished look.
Christian Louboutin Loubi54 crystal-embellished satin shoulder bag
Reflecting the timeless elegance of Christian Louboutin’s red sole heels, the Loubi54 shoulder bag is crafted from classic black satin with a signature red interior. Adorned with a crystal logo, wear it with the detachable chain-trimmed shoulder strap or carry it as a clutch. The sleek rectangular bag is perfect for a cocktail dinner or a Christmas party.
Clio Peppiatt Eve embellished velvet tote
Clio Peppiatt’s modern romantic pieces are infused with intricate embellishments and the Eve bag is no different. The plush black velvet bag features a crystal-embellished serpent-shaped handle complete with striking green eyes. Pair with a monochrome outfit and high-heeled boots for a sleek statement.
Alaïa Le Coeur crystal-embellished leather shoulder bag
Debuted in Pieter Mulier’s first collection for Alaïa, the Le Coeur shoulder bag has been an It bag since its launch. The sculpted leather crossbody bag resembling a heart is romantic and versatile. This particular iteration sees the black leather bag dotted with shimmering crystals. Roomy enough to hold your phone, keys, lip gloss and cards, this is a party bag that’ll add a touch of shimmer to your everyday outfits as well.
Prada Cleo crystal-embellished shoulder bag
Rendered in a festive green hue, Prada’s Cleo bag makes for the perfect party bag. Roomy enough to hold all your essentials, the bag is crafted from lustrous satin and detailed with crystals and the brand’s triangle logo plaque. The maximalist bag is perfect to add a pop of colour to your little black dress.
Alexander McQueen Knuckle Victorian Jewel clutch
A blend of Alexander McQueen’s punk-inspired roots and romantic elegance, the knuckle Victorian jewel clutch is a bag and jewellery all in one. Crafted in silver-tone lambskin and adorned with beaded embroidery and fringe detailing, the clutch’s top handle is crafted to resemble rings on your fingers as you carry it. Pair with a beaded evening gown and diamond jewellery for an elegant evening.
Manolo Blahnik Capri crystal-embellished velvet clutch
Manolo Blahnik dipped into its shoemaking bag of tricks for the Capri clutch which features the sparkling crystal buckle that shines on many of its heels. Crafted from navy velvet and satin, the rectangular clutch comes in black and gold hues as well. Pair with a slinky cocktail dress and some statement earrings.
Loeffler Randal Violet bow-embellished satin shoulder bag
While all other essentials can be foregone, no party can be attended without a phone. Stash it in this Loeffler Randal shoulder bag when you’re not clicking pictures. The black satin bag is detailed with an oversized bow and features a slim strap to easily throw the bag over your shoulder – keeping your hands free for dancing.
Paco Rabanne 1969 chainmail shoulder bag
Influenced by the label’s Space Age dresses, which debuted in 1969, this silver-tone bag is made using chainmail. The hand-assembled metallic bag features a slinky strap to be worn in multiple ways. While the bag is a sure show-stopper at any party, it’ll also work wonders paired with jeans for a casual stroll around the city.
Coperni mini Swipe tote bag
A Coperni signature, the Swipe bag’s mini silver avatar screams festive glamour. The minimalistic futuristic silhouette is derived from the ‘swipe to unlock’ icon on smartphones and features a circular top handle and a subtle embossed logo on the front. Pair with a ruffled chiffon dress and pointed-toe mules for a Gen Z-inspired date-night look.
Jimmy Choo Bon Bon mini satin bucket bag
Part bag and part jewellery, Jimmy choo’s Bon Bon bag is crafted from black satin to a bucket silhouette. It features metal tassels and is crowned with a crystal-embellished bracelet handle. The dichotomy of the soft and hard materials makes the bag a versatile investment piece.
Miu Miu Wander matelassé shoulder bag
Sparked by the fall 2023 runways, red has become the trendiest colour of the season. Add a pop of the trendy and festive to your party outfit with Miu Miu’s Wander bag. The shoulder bag is crafted from leather with matelassé quilted detailing and adorned with a gold-tone logo plaque.
Gucci small Horsebit shoulder bag
Go classic with a Gucci Horsebit shoulder bag. The elongated bag is made using silver-toned leather and detailed with a maxi Horsebit structure that harkens to the house’s equestrian design codes. The structured bag will complement a sequined dress as well as a wide-leg trousers and blouse pairing for work.
Diesel 1DR crystal-embellished shoulder bag
The Y2K It bag rose to popularity again last year after Glenn Marten’s revamp of the bag, and the nostalgia-fuelled design continues to hold appeal. This chic iteration features crystal embellishments across the denim exterior and a sparkly logo plaque. Wear it with a maxi skirt and waistcoat for ultimate cool points.
Kara crystal-embellished midi leather tote bag
Toeing the line between minimalism and maximalism, Kara’s leather tote bag is crafted from black leather. The structured box bag is offset with fluid crystal fringing along the handles. Complement the silver crystal fringe with matching jewellery.
Versace La Medusa leather mini bag
Bring a touch of Barbiecore to your party outfit with Cersace’s La Medusa mini bag. Made in Italy from metallic pink leather with a crackled effect, the flap bag is adorned with a silver-tone Medusa motif, a house signature. With a chunky chain top handle and a matching pink leather shoulder strap, this bag will look great paired with silver jewellery.
Read more: Dior handbags: The complete buyer’s guide