Choosing a bag for the day is a fairly easy task. Sling an East-West silhouette on your shoulder for a breezy lunch, or grab a ludicrously capacious hobo if you’re spending the whole day out. A bag for a night out, on the other hand? An entirely different ball game. The options are endless, and can be overwhelming— clutches, top handles and minaudières are only three of many styles for your consideration.
Unlike day bags, evening bags aren’t designed with utility as a priority. Only the most essential of essentials are meant to fit—think lippies, credit cards and a case of mints. Small and elegant, they’re meant to elevate semi-formal and formal attire, acting more as an accessory to elevate your look. Even better if they’re dressed in silks, sequins and bedazzling embellishments.
On the runways, bags destined for a girlie’s night out have always caught roving eyes on the runway. Chanel’s minaudières epitomise playfulness and novelty, and have quickly become sought-after collectibles. Down the fall/winter 2026 runway came a pomegranate minaudière, dressed in a glistening red hue. Wearable art aside, slightly more functional clutches followed—particularly striking was a thin, silvery metallic clutch, an accessory easily tucked under the arm or by your side at dinner. Dior made the case for more sprightly, botanical-inspired bags. A light blue embossed crocodile leather clutch made its appearance, adorned with pink fabric flowers, translucent resin lily-pads and clusters of beads. Redolent of a miniature pond, each appliqué was detailed and charming. Not one to miss out on the minaudière action, Jonathan Anderson found inspiration in vintage pin cushions and sent a whimsical, delicate frog minaudière down the runway as well.
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The celebrity set has always known how to zhuzh up their date nights with a bag that doesn’t spell practical. Recently, Bella Hadid stepped onto the streets of New York with a sparkly silver pick in hand, the perfect extension to her equally glittering 2008 Ralph Lauren gown. Meanwhile, you’ll never catch the internet’s favourite It-girl Dua Lipa without a fun little piece of arm candy; an earlier Instagram post revealed a Chloé swan clutch out on her date with her.
With your pragmatic bone left at the door, consider these bags for your next night out in the city—all brimming with a little fun and whimsy.
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Bottega Veneta Andiamo clutch, $5,300
Available at Bottega Veneta.
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Valentino Garavani DeVain small shoulder bag, $3,280
Available at Valentino.
