Need the Perfect Bag for a Holiday Party? Here Are 20 Elegant Options

best evening bags
Photographed by Steven Meisel, Vogue, June 2011

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You’ve found the perfect holiday party dress and a pair of earrings to match. But the last item on your shopping list is the ever-elusive, all-important evening bag. How else will you tote around your lipstick, keys, and iPhone? It should be generous enough to accommodate all those things but small enough not to weigh you down. Luckily, there are so many options, from a small satin tote in glam jewel tones to a luxe emerald lunch bag to a silky rose-motif top-handle.

Or for a more maximalist spin on holiday style, pick a supermodel-approved going-out shoulder bag in diamanté, ’60s inspired paillettes, or rich velvet. It will look perfect under your arm or tucked beneath any puff-sleeve dress, blouse, or suit.

If you’re wearing something textured, sequined, or printed, consider a pillowy clutch or wristlet pouch in smooth metallics. One in gold, silver, or pink will add just the right amount of understated shine to an already decked-out look. Meanwhile, a purse dripping in crystal fringe or dusted in glitter will act as the perfect adornment to transform any old outfit into ultimate party attire.

Below, shop 20 of the best evening bags to carry you through the rest of the holiday party season.

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Photographed by Steven Meisel, Vogue, November 2003

Satin Touch

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Alexander Wang Lunch Bag embroidered satin clutch

Prada flower-embellished Raso mini top-handle bag

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Cult Gaia Gia bag

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Staud Rose bag

Dripping in Diamonté

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Gucci Broadway crystal-embellished velvet evening bag

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Area crystal fringe phone clutch

Les Petits Joueurs satin fringy crystals shoulder bag

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Susan Alexandra Bianca bead and crystal handbag

Adorned Shoulders

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Mango sequins baguette bag

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Loeffler Randall Marleigh beaded baguette bag

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Paco Rabanne sparkle 1969 bag

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By Far Uma crushed-velvet shoulder bag

Diamond Dusted

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The Row flat bag in embroidered silk

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Simon Miller Bonsai 15 bucket bag

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Hayward glitter mini chain bag

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For the Ages Ineva baguette bag

Liquid Metal

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DeMellier Florence gold lizard-effect bag

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Bienen-Davis 5am metallic textured-leather tote

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Attico metallic leather pouch

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Rejina Pyo Nane bag