I am back with a new addition to the ‘ultimate designer bag list‘ and my focus today is evening bags for dinners and night outs.
For some reason, I’m finding myself in more ‘dinners’ than I used to before. I’m talking about a full on 9pm dinner and after party with cocktails in a swanky restaurant/lounge that plays jazz or melodic tech house with tons of amazingly well dressed people. I don’t know how this started, but it just kept happening so I’m rolling with it.
As much as I love the outfits that I put together for these dinners, something about it just feels incomplete. I’d have my heels on then I get stuck. There’s always something about the bag that just doesn’t sit right. Personally, I think it’s just time for a bag refresh.
Don’t get me wrong, I love all my bags but, there are certain occasions where I wish I had something a little bit different, you know?
Anyways, since I can’t stop thinking about it, what better way to get it out of my system than to write about it.
before we start, let’s talk a bit about what I’m looking for in a designer evening bag for my dinners and night out <3
- Versatility: I need this bag to match with everything I own. Specifically, with outfits that I typically wear to these dinners and nights out. Whether I want to wear jeans, or a more formal dress, the bag needs to fit and it needs to complement my outfit. I don’t want to plan my whole outfit around the bag and end up buying more things just to style the bag.
- I want it to be absolutely chic and stylish (ideally unique), but still classic. I don’t want this bag to only work for me in the upcoming 12 months. I want this bag to be a bag I’d pick up in 5-10 years time regardless of what’s trending then.
- It needs to be somewhat practical. Honestly, I don’t expect (or need) these evening bags to be super practical, but at the bare minimum it should be easy to hold & not too delicate that I’d stress if someone spills drinks on it by accident, or if I have to hold it a certain way.
- (kinda optional) I need it to carry what I needed it to. I have accepted that most evening bags won’t carry my phone, but I need it to at least carry the loose things that are super annoying to carry, i.e. my favorite rosebud salve lipbalm, lip liner & tiny pocket mirror, card holder, etc.
Honestly there’s no rule (or that there should be a ‘rule’) as to what can be considered an evening bag, so I will just include what I personally like and want with my evening wear <3
*disclaimer: some of the links below are affiliate links, but I am in no way sponsored to write this.
With that, and in no particular order, here is my ultimate designer bag list with 10+ evening bags that I think would be perfeeeect for evenings, dinners & night outs:
1. the Paco Rabanne 1969 sparkle / chain bag
I loveeeee Paco Rabanne, absolutely love. They exude the ultimate ‘cool girl’ vibe to me and they’re the ultimate staple when you want something a bit more fun and edgier. They’re perfect for dinners but especially for when dinner turns into a little party. Plus, this translates really well to vacation wear. Imagine yourself somewhere tropical, somewhere fun, and honestly, a Paco Rabanne would just complete your outfit. I remember I was in the bathroom at Scorpios and this girl came out looking absolutely amazing and she had the Chain version of this bag and I couldn’t stop thinking about it. She influenced me.
The only thing that puts me off, or that I’m uncertain of, is how functional the bag really is. Especially the chain ones, I love the look but I feel like it’s really not secure. Most of the bags I’ve seen generally don’t seem to have any ‘secure’ closing mechanism so I don’t really know how secure the bags are (especially for when drinks turn into a party). I mean, I’m sure I can figure it out somehow, but to me that’s a little bit of a con.
2. Valentino Garavani Locò shoulder bag
side-note: the picture is clickable – you can click on the bag you like and it will bring you to the page of that specific bag
Fully convinced that Audrey Peters is the reason why I’ve fallen back in love with Valentino. She’s an icon and I just can’t stop thinking about the Locò bags now. These bags are literal artwork. Every detail is so intricate and I want one.
Look, I believe that everyone needs at least one fun bag and for me, there’s no question – that bag would be the Lòco. This bag is the essence of fun evenings captured in one tiny little accessory. It is so extra and fun, I love it. A bit less of a fan of the price, but this does go on sale quite frequently at mytheresa and also matches so don’t get discouraged.
the amazing alternative: the Valentino Small Nappa Rockstud Spike Bag
I know this bag is no longer trending, but I can’t help but fall in love with it again. I don’t know when it started for me, but this bag ended up on my 2024 vision board. It’s such a classic Valentino and it works so well as a day to evening bag. The colors are just perfect and personally, I think this is a timeless bag.
Honestly, I love it a lot and I’m 85% ready to purchase this, just not at retail. This bag has gone on sale before and I actually saw the pink one for 50% off at 24S. But, sadly, I missed my chance, I saw it way too late. For now, I’m religiously browsing the secondhand market for this bag because with the right luck, you can find this at perfect condition with a really steep discount. It’s all about patience.
3. The Row 90s bag
I haven’t stopped thinking about this bag since summer last year, specifically the ivory one. I almost pulled the trigger 10 thousand times but the day I decided to buy it, it went out of stock everywhere. At the time, it felt like a sign but honestly, I can’t stop thinking about it. This bag is giving pencil case, but in the most alluring 90s minimal way possible. It’s not exactly an evening bag, but I think it still works.
Personally, I think it looks so chic and I know for a fact it’ll go with every single outfit I own. Plus, it’s honestly the perfect bag to just grab and go when you only want to carry a few items and you want to dress it down and keep it simple. Also, if the leather and construction of this bag is as good as my Park Three tote (review here), then I know this bag will feel super luxurious at the touch.
What do you think? Should I get it? <3
Other honorable mention:
4. Chanel mini vanity
This is yet another bag (if I can even call it a bag) that I can’t stop thinking about. I’m absolutely in love with the Chanel mini vanity, it is the most adorable thing I’ve seen in such a long time. It’s the kind of bag that doesn’t scream for attention but would somehow become the center of conversation. Justifiably so. Look at it, it’s so cute.
I’ve seen a bunch of different variation, but my favorite is the one that has the button that you can use to adjust the chain length (at least that’s what I think it does). If I’m not mistaken, it’s the one from 2022 Spring/Summer collection.
Anywho, I am so tempted to get the Chanel vanity in either pink, magenta, light blue, black, maybe yellow? Tell me it’s not the most perfect bag to wear in the summer (or winter as a pop of color). Price wise though, I think it’s quite steep for what it is. I believe this retails somewhere between 2,900-3,800 EUR in 2024. Worth it? I don’t know.
5. Bottega Veneta classic pouch (specifically the classic medium/large size)
I have been trying to convince myself that this is not a good buy, but I can’t stop thinking about it. I want it so badly, especially when I think about the way Rosie Huntington-Whiteley or Elizabeth Bennet have styled it. It’s been on my mind non-stop and I’ve made so many TikTok videos just talking about this Bottega clutch.
My boyfriend is tired of hearing about this bag. I just keep coming back to it and he thinks it looks like a dumpling (rude, but whatever) and it’s very impractical. But, I don’t know if I really believe that. From the looks of it, I feel like you can easily hold this underneath your arm and it’ll stay put. Also, because the closing mechanism is this thick metal thing, you’d most likely be able to grab the top part and have it feel like a top handle. Also, who cares about practicality when we only need it to be somewhat practical.
Anyways, the Bottega Veneta classic pouch is so high up on my list. I honestly think I’ll fold and get it this year, but I don’t know. What do you think?
6. Bottega Veneta Long Clutch Andiamo
I was honestly speechless when I first saw this clutch. I’ve been a huge Kelly Cut fan for a super long time and it’s only natural that I also love this one. It’s so stunning and it’s honestly one of the only clutch that I might consider over the classic pouch that I really love and wanted. I love how structured it is — it’s so elegant. This is definitely a clutch I can see myself wearing for years to come. You can dress this up or dress it down and hello, bonus for versatility.
Again, it’s honestly such a good alternative if you want a Kelly Cut and price wise, it’s definitely a lot better.
If you had to pick, would you go for the classic pouch or this long andiamo clutch? Let me know, curious to know your thoughts.
7. Bottega Veneta Turn Pouch
Okay, I know this is another Bottega on the list. But, we really need to talk about the turn pouch for a second here. I don’t understand why this bag gets so little attention while it is so visually refreshing and unique. I mean honestly, it’s practically a work of art. Maybe I’m reaching, but there’s something about the shape that makes me feel like holding it, I will give socialite / actual art collector.
From the videos I’ve seen, you can basically keep this bag in this shape or use it as a shoulder bag. But, honestly, I think this bag is more about form than function. While it does look like it can hold a lot in its shoulder bag form, I don’t think it can hold the same amount in the fortune cookie form. Because the shape is that unique, I don’t think you can put just about anything as it might distort the shape. Do you get what I mean?
Anyways, love this bag. Still high up on my list <3
8. Jil Sander Goji bag
I am surprisingly drawn to this bag. I love the simplicity, the handle, the size. It’s super minimal and it’s perfect for anyone who wants that clean minimalist modern look. It’s super understated and perfect if you want to pull an outfit together but not look too overdone (if that makes sense). The bag is pretty much embodying ‘less is more’ and it is sooooo good. The leather looks soo smooth and it’s such a nice bag.
The Goji bag is really for someone who appreciates luxury that’s not overtly opulent but grounded in quality and simplicity. If there’s one bag I’m confident will survive the different trend cycles, it would be this one. The design is so timeless and I can see this in many different generations. If I find a good deal, I’m definitely getting this.
9. Jimmy Choo Callie, Cloud, Diamond Frame
Everyone knows Jimmy Choos for their heels, but why is nobody talking about their bags? I absolutely love their design, new and vintage. They’re usually so fun and sparkly and it feels like the most complementary bag for any evening wear.
The leather on the Diamond Frame clutch looks divine. It literally looks like the leather has just melted into this luxuriously soft silhouette. Does that make sense or am I seeing things? I love it, it just looks so elegant.
I also really love the Callie. It’s so slouchy and cute. It reminds me of the Bottega Turn pouch, but just the non-structured version. It’s the kind of bag you’d take to that cool rooftop dinner where you want to look put-together but not overdone.
10. Alaïa Rose Marie
I always imagine this bag being carried by someone who’s like a connoisseur of the finer things. It’s someone who spends their weekends browsing art galleries, enjoys intimate dinners at the restaurants that might as well be ultra private, and knows their wine. I love this bag and I really have this so high on my wishlist year after year.
11. Fendi Peekaboo ISeeU Petite
I’ve wanted this bag for as long as I can remember. A few of my classmates in school at the time had this bag and I remembered just being so in awe of this bag. It’s genuinely so adorable and perfect. I remembered back then it also came with the rain jacket and honestly, it was brilliant.
Now, I think they came out with the ISEEU rendition which has the folds on the sides and my crush has full resurfaced. They make this in a ton of different colors and also leathers, including a ton of exotic options. If you’re shopping in the EU section, you’ll be able to find lizard, this stunning stingray, crocodile, the most adorable pink ostrich, but also regular nappa leather. This limited edition canvas one is also so cute, but definitely less evening in my opinion.
All in all, I’m leaning towards the stingray or the ostrich – let’s see if I fold, stay tuned.
12. Hermès mini kelly / kelly cut
I really tried my luck at the Monaco store, but failed terribly. With that, I think it’d be a while until I can get one retail. I don’t even want to entertain buying it secondhand for now – it is way too insane compared to buying it retail. I can’t justify it.
For the time being, it is there on my wishlist and vision board but I just know I have to be patient.
Other honorable mentions of bags I love but I’m not fully sold on:
Jonathan Simkhai
I can’t express just how much I want this. I usually don’t go for super ‘fun’ accessories, but I am obsessed with this clutch. Imagine grabbing dinner at the beach club, the sun’s setting, and you’ve got this clutch in your hand matched with a long black dress—it’s such a vibe. Sure, it’s not the kind of bag you’d sling over your shoulder for a casual day out, but for those evenings when you’re feeling a bit extra? It’s perfect. It’s not trying to be your everyday bag, and that’s exactly why I like it.
Again, picture it: you’re at the beach club, the sun’s setting, and you’ve got that golden hour glow. Ugh.
Sadly, to me, I think I’ll have limited use for this clutch so it’s definitely more on the ‘Save for later’ than ‘Buy now’. Maybe when summer hits, I’ll reconsider.
Fendi first
When the Fendi First clutch came out, I’ll be honest, it didn’t do much for me. Maybe it was the shape or just the whole idea of another ‘It’ bag. But, I just didn’t like it. Somehow, though, this clutch has grown on me. I don’t know, something about it just clicked to me, like I get it now. I especially love the raffia one, I mean imagine it for the summer. It’s definitely less versatile, but if you have the money to splurge, this is definitely a unique option to consider.
Other bags heavy on my mind:
Aand, there you have it. This was such a long post and it took me so long to actually finish it. I was going back and forth on the bags I wanted and I admit, it’s really difficult to put into words why I love these bags without sounding like a broken record. But, I had a lot of fun writing this and I hope I inspired you with the post. As of now, I’m still on the hunt for the ultimate designer bag for my evening and night out, but I do have a very long list as you know. Let me know which one is your favorite and if you have any of these bags, please, please, influence or de-influence me.
Until next time,
Hana x
tag: designer bag evening dinners night
Leave a Reply