The 27 Best Evening Bags for Your Next Night Out (2024)

The 27 Best Evening Bags for Your Next Night Out (1)

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You’ve got the dress, the shoes, and even the beauty look in the cannon, but there’s one finishing touch that no evening is complete without: a nighttime-ready handbag. Clutches have taken a left turn since the days where you couldn’t fit anything more than your lipstick and ID. Now, the best evening bags are roomy, striking, and date-night-ready.

While you can opt for a traditionally formal mini-bag, don’t limit yourself to a hard-case clutch or minaudiere. These days, designers are playing around with the silhouette to include feathered pouches (Valentino), structured spheres (Paco Rabanne), and soft envelope clutches (Khaite). Even Cult Gaia’s fanned-style gold clutch is made from a soft, buttery leather that holds its shape—and all your essentials.

Ahead, 27 stunning evening bags to shop for your next night out.

Cecilie Bahnsen Fryd Ruffle-Trimmed Tote

The 27 Best Evening Bags for Your Next Night Out (13)

Cecilie Bahnsen Fryd Ruffle-Trimmed Tote

Not for the faint of heart (or anyone that fears a feminine touch), the handles of Cecilie Bahnsen's ruffle-trimmed bag drape beautifully when you wear it as a clutch.

Cult Gaia Nala Mini Clutch

The 27 Best Evening Bags for Your Next Night Out (14)

Cult Gaia Nala Mini Clutch

Have you ever seen something so perfect for a night out? This soft-leather shell clutch has a magnetic closure that actually stays closed—so you don't have to worry about losing your credit cards on the dance floor.

Paco Rabanne 1969 Ball Shoulder Bag

The 27 Best Evening Bags for Your Next Night Out (15)

Paco Rabanne 1969 Ball Shoulder Bag

Paco Rabanne's iconic 1969 bag was made for the discotheque and beyond.

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Poppy Lissiman Billie Bucket Bag - Lime

The 27 Best Evening Bags for Your Next Night Out (16)

Poppy Lissiman Billie Bucket Bag - Lime

Now 32% Off

Who says evening bags have to be neutral? This Poppy Lissiman pick stands out without saying too much.

Mach & Mach Samantha Double-Bow Glittered Shoulder Bag

The 27 Best Evening Bags for Your Next Night Out (17)

Mach & Mach Samantha Double-Bow Glittered Shoulder Bag

Now 40% Off

Tbilisi-based brand is the brainchild of sisters Nina and Gvantsa Macharashvili—and their glitzy, unapologetically feminine collections aren't something to miss.

Jimmy Choo Clemmie Crystal-Embellished Clutch

The 27 Best Evening Bags for Your Next Night Out (18)

Jimmy Choo Clemmie Crystal-Embellished Clutch

No evening handbag collection is complete without a Jimmy Choo sparkler.

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Noiranca Althea - Olive Green

The 27 Best Evening Bags for Your Next Night Out (19)

Made with vegan leather, Noiranca's sculptural handbag is made for when the sun goes down.

Loewe Bracelet Leather Shoulder Bag

The 27 Best Evening Bags for Your Next Night Out (20)

Loewe Bracelet Leather Shoulder Bag

Meet Loewe's next cult-favorite bag. Made with soft, pleated nappa leather, it transforms from a regular shoulder bag to a bracelet, worn secured at the wrist.

Mango Baguette Bag

The 27 Best Evening Bags for Your Next Night Out (21)

Mango Baguette Bag

Who says a simple baguette bag should be relegated to daytime?

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Chanel Black & Cream Crystal Minaudiere

The 27 Best Evening Bags for Your Next Night Out (22)

Chanel Black & Cream Crystal Minaudiere

Now 69% Off

Chanel's checkered, structured minaudiere looks just as chic with a black-tie gown as it does with trousers and a blazer.

Simone Rocha Micro Acrylic Beaded Heart Clutch

The 27 Best Evening Bags for Your Next Night Out (23)

Simone Rocha Micro Acrylic Beaded Heart Clutch

Straight from Simone Rocha's Fall 2022 runway, this adorable glossy heart-shaped bag can spice up any nighttime outfit.

The Row Leather Clutch

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The Row Leather Clutch

For something more understated and chic, this easygoing clutch from The Row is it.

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Nanushka Jen Satin Top-Handle Bag

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Nanushka Jen Satin Top-Handle Bag

If you've never worn pink after the sun sets, now's your chance.

Zara Metal Trim Shoulder Bag

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Zara Metal Trim Shoulder Bag

A deep-green shoulder bag is a great alternative to a typical black style.

Givenchy Kenny Mini Leather Shoulder Bag

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Givenchy Kenny Mini Leather Shoulder Bag

If you're carrying a few more things than you usually would for a night out (like, say, a portable charger), this wear-anywhere style from Givenchy just might be the evening's MVP.

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Valentino Garavani Crystal-Embellished Feather Clutch

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Valentino Garavani Crystal-Embellished Feather Clutch

Everyone will stop you in your tracks to find out where you got this yellow feathered clutch—even in the dark of night.

urban Núnoo Pluto Recycled Canvas Shoulder Bag

The 27 Best Evening Bags for Your Next Night Out (29)

urban Núnoo Pluto Recycled Canvas Shoulder Bag

There's nothing wrong with animal print during the day, but it just feels so much more at home in the evening.

Prada Cleo Brushed Leather Mini Bag

The 27 Best Evening Bags for Your Next Night Out (30)

Prada Cleo Brushed Leather Mini Bag

A trusty, timeless Prada Cleo can definitely stay out after dark. Pair it with a sleek, high-necked gown for a fancy night out—then keep it in rotation for brunch the next day.

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L'alingi Eternity Clutch

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L'alingi Eternity Clutch

A crystal encrusted handle that wraps all the way around screams date night-ready.

Clare V. Estelle Clutch

The 27 Best Evening Bags for Your Next Night Out (32)

Clare V. Estelle Clutch

This pearl-fringe clutch may be perfect for a bride-to-be, but thanks to its crossbody chain strap, it can work for any ol' date night, too.

The 27 Best Evening Bags for Your Next Night Out (2024)

FAQs

What makes a good evening bag? ›

Current fashion trends emphasize texture and embellishments, making them ideal considerations for your evening bag. Look for bags adorned with sequins, crystals, pearls, and intricate embroidery. These details add a touch of opulence and create a captivating focal point for your overall look.

What should I put in my evening bag? ›

Essential items to put on your evening bag
  • House keys / Car keys: Your house and car keys are essential! ...
  • Identity Card. The ID is required to get into any club, especially in London where they have a very strict door policy. ...
  • Elastics for Hair. ...
  • Perfume. ...
  • Mobile. ...
  • Phone Charger. ...
  • Nail Polish. ...
  • Condoms.

What is considered an evening bag? ›

An evening bag is a small, elegant handbag designed for formal or semi-formal evening events. It typically features luxurious materials, intricate detailing, and is compact in size.

What is the etiquette for evening bags? ›

Typically, Mummy advised me that the rule of thumb for an evening bag is to place it on your lap, with the napkin placed over it, or behind the small of your back against the chair, but never hanging from the chair! All other handbags may be placed on the floor next to you.

What bags are classy? ›

From age-old classics like the Pochette to modern heirlooms like The Row's Margaux, shop the top trending designer bags below.
  • The Row Margaux. ...
  • Toteme T-Lock Bag. ...
  • Bottega Veneta Adiamo Bag. ...
  • Louis Vuitton Neverfull. ...
  • Bottega Veneta Hobo Bag. ...
  • Hermès Kelly Cut Clutch. ...
  • Gucci Horsebit Clutch. ...
  • Loewe Raffia Tote.
Mar 28, 2024

What are the quality of a good bag? ›

A good bag is one that is durable, functional, stylish, and comfortable to carry. These factors determine the quality of a bag and can make the difference between a bag that lasts for years and one that falls apart after just a few uses.

What color bag goes with everything? ›

White: It's a stylish, classic color that goes with anything and everything. If you're looking to invest in a handbag that will never go out of style and can take you from day to night, white is the color for you. White handbags for women remain timeless.

What should I put in my purse list? ›

  • Sanitary napkins ( I keep this in my bag always. It's also helpful if someone else around you needs it.)
  • Water bottle. I try to avoid plastic bottles as much as I can.
  • Lip balm. ...
  • Pen and small notepad.
  • Pepper spray. ...
  • Sanitizer and Mask.. ...
  • Some dry nuts to eat.
  • Headphones 🎧 and handkerchief.
Oct 28, 2023

What is a small evening bag called? ›

According to The Fairchild Books Dictionary of Fashion, the minaudière is a small, rigid metal evening bag made in oval, oblong, or square shapes and used to hold cosmetics.

What kind of bag to wear with a formal dress? ›

I'd recommend a top handle bag, “Kelly” style. Almost every brand makes their own take on it, I'd recommend something with a more stiff leather to make it feel dressy rather than a smooth/relaxed leather.

What is a womens clutch? ›

: a woman's small usually strapless handbag.

How many evening bags do you need? ›

The best evening bags are incredibly versatile for many different outfits and occasions. That said, you can buy one or two clutches and use them for any special occasion, from a wedding to going out with friends. Whether you're wearing a formal gown or jeans, the right evening bag will suit any outfit.

Where do you put your purse when dancing? ›

GUEST'S ANSWER: Hilarie Blaney, Etiquette and International Protocol Consultant: Yes, you should take the bag to a dinner or a dance. It belongs in one of two places, your lap under you napkin or behind you in the chair under the small of your back.

Where do you put your purse at the bar? ›

A purse, of any size, name brand or not, never goes on a bar or a table in a restaurant. It is placed on your lap, underneath your chair or under the table, between your back and the back of the chair (or bar stool), or, if there is a ledge large enough underneath the bar in front of the bar stool, place it there.

What makes a bag elegant? ›

Many factors go into making a bag look sophisticated and elegant. First, there´s quality. The quality of a bag is in the craftsmanship of the manufacturing, the inner lining, and the stitching. As a woman's bag is her reflection, it´s better to look more at the quality than the price.

What is the best fabric for overnight bags? ›

Sturdy fabrics such as canvas, denim, twill, drapery fabric, upholstery fabric, and outdoor fabric are best for tote bags. Since many tote bags seldom require cleaning, novelty drapery and upholstery fabrics can be fun choices.

What color bags should every woman have? ›

Black is easily the most common handbag color followed by your other neutrals like tan and grey. Sure, these colors are great for day to day. But every now and then, every woman needs to step out of their comfort zone and get a handbag with a pop of color! You can try your hand at a navy blue, khaki green, or burgundy.

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