Whether you're going out for cocktails or headed to the club, party dressing is all about letting yourself have fun. Even if you're going for a sleek all-black look, accessories are a great way to add a touch of whimsy to what you're wearing. A great party bag should be large enough to hold everything you need for a night out, but the focus here is less on practicality and more on accenting your outfit. Look for bags with little details that will make people do a double-take, with bonus points if it can be worn a few different ways so you're not stuck holding a clutch on a crowded dance floor. There's something on this list for every kind of party, including an iconic 90s novelty bag and a great little black shoulder bag.
A chic shoulder bag
As far as a perfect party bag goes, Coach's Teri Should Bag checks all the boxes. It’s small enough that it won't distract from your outfit, but can actually hold a little more than the basic phone, keys, and lipstick combo. The classic black pebbled leather with gold-toned hardware means you can wear this with virtually anything, and it has a removable crossbody strap so you can use it as an everyday bag, too.
A statement clutch
This envelope-style clutch from Alexis Bittar has a fun 14-karat gold-plated scissor accent that makes it an especially good pairing with a more understated evening look. It comes in both burgundy and silver leather, and you can either carry it by the handles of the scissors or wear it as a crossbody bag using the removable strap.
A sweet Moschino classic
If you're looking for a playful investment piece, you can't go wrong with the Love Me bag. Moschino's cult classic heart-shaped bag was made famous by 90s style icon Fran Drescher and was reintroduced by the brand in their Spring 2024 collection, so you know it has serious staying power. It's made from padded Nappa leather for a soft feel, and has both top handles and a crossbody strap.
A metallic cloud clutch
Mansur Gavriel's sculptural Cloud Clutch is a great choice to add dimension to a going-out look. It's made from ultra-soft lambskin, comes in seven colors, and can be worn four different ways. It has a single long strap that you can adjust to style as a crossbody, shoulder, or belt bag. Simply remove the strap, and you can carry it as a clutch.
A minimalist crossbody bag
Sometimes you need a little more space in a party bag, and perhaps a few compartments so you can keep your makeup essentials separate from your keys and wallet. This convertible bag from M. Gemi is a bit roomier than some other options on this list, but it's no less elegant. The knotted handle keeps the bag securely closed and lets you carry this as a wristlet or clutch, but the longer strap lets you style it as a shoulder or crossbody bag.
A clutch with chunky hardware
Cuyana's Ola Bag has a chunky, wavy gold-toned handle that makes it feel like a piece of statement jewelry that can also hold your important stuff. It comes in black, cherry, and jade color options and is made from sustainably-sourced Italian leather. There's also a crossbody strap in case you want to wear it to run errands after a night out.
A cylindrical shoulder bag
This barrel-shaped shoulder bag shows that you're in on the revived East-West bag trend, then ups the ante with pretty gold-toned hardware and soft curves. You can fit a surprising amount of stuff inside the suede interior, and it has a double magnetic closure to keep everything secure.
A sleek leopard-print bag
Staud's Ollie bag is a great way to add an understated animal print element to your outfit. The classic mini shoulder bag shape is easy to style, and the interlocking gold and silver hardware make it a great choice for a mixed metal jewelry look. If leopard isn't your thing, this bag comes in twelve other colors.
A slouchy clutch
A large envelope-style bag is a great option for nights when you need to bring more than just the essentials with you, but you don't want to carry a tote with your evening gown. This one from Radley London is made from metallic olive-toned leather with a flat base and origami-style folds that make it easy to carry a lot of stuff while still being small enough to carry as a clutch.
A blinged-out crossbody
Kurt Geiger's signature crystal-covered Kensington bag is the perfect blend of sparkly and practical. It can hold a seven-inch phone plus keys, wallet, and a few other things, and the chain-style strap can be worn either on the shoulder or across the body. It has a secure magnetic flap closure with an additional internal pocket, and comes in eight colors and patterns.
A fun food-themed bag
If you wear this Puppets and Puppets bag for a night out, be prepared to be stopped constantly and showered with compliments. Made from smooth black leather with both top handles and a detachable strap, it has a handmade resin chocolate chip cookie on one side that will have everyone asking where you got it. Wear this one for more casual hangs, or to bring a touch of whimsy to an elegant affair.
