Take it from someone who knows; every good wardrobe needs a small arsenal of ‘going out’ bags. Much like a party shoe-drobe, having a few great options in different colours and fabrics, all ready to grab and go for whenever a party invitation arrives, is game-changing stuff.
You see, absolutely any outfit can be elevated and transformed into something ‘dressy’ with the right bag. Foils, feathers, animal prints and jewels can all work to transform the fashion ordinary into something a bit more special.
I haven’t bought one in years, purely because I have a stock that I turn to over and over again, polishing up everything from jeans and a top, to black tie gowns. Fancy drinks tomorrow night at a new bar? I’ve got just the minibag. Have I got the right thing to take to that evening wedding reception? You bet.
Here are the seven styles that I rotate in my wardrobe on a regular basis.
A mini foil bag
A shiny metallic bag is a forever buy. Silver, gold and bronze foil bags are timeless and will go with everything in your wardrobe, but coloured metallic finishes can also look amazing in a tonal outfit. Model Paloma Elsesser matched this confection of a minibag by Berlin label Ottolinger with her pink and lilac Marni dress.
An embellished bag
You could carry any bag silhouette this season, as long as it was covered with a blitz of diamantes. Across the high street there are options galore with both jumbo jewels and tiny micro gems. Writer Yomi Adegoke carried the ultimate version – Prada’s studded shoulder bag, though there are lots of dupes on the high street – for a red carpet premiere.
A feathered bag
Another easy way to add texture and fun to any outfit is with a feathered bag. TV presenter Olivia Palermo threw everything she had into this ‘going out’ look – a sequined cocktail dress, feathered bag, and dramatic eye makeup. The result looks suitably party ready.
A tiny ladylike tote
The structured minibag is the silhouette of the season. With a dainty top-handle, this vintage-feel shape can be found in endless colours and patterns. Gigi Hadid carried Self Portrait’s must-have version with a stand-out brass bow to finish off the ladylike look.
An ornamental bag
Is it a bag, is it an artwork? It’s both, actually, in designer Amina Muaddi’s case. Unusual, sculptural shapes make for an exciting alternative to the tired party clutch and look especially modern artsy with graphic and colour block dresses.
An animal print bag
Why not go all in when wearing animal prints, matching up your accessories accordingly? Stylist Nana Acheampong understood the brief; the different scales of the print add a new dimension to the whole look.
A puffball bag
Perhaps the most tactile option to carry at an autumn or winter wedding, a fuzzy top-handle or clutch bag makes a real statement. Influencer Polly Sayer has matched her pale pink Loueo London bag to her satin Vampire’s Wife dress causing a perfect texture clash.
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