It’s in the Bag

You all have a pre-going out ritual. You spray your signature scent, put on your sky high heels, give your a hair a flip, and of course, pack your “going out” bag. This bag consists of all of the essentials for a classic night out at Emory: your ID, cash for the cab ride to Maggie’s, cell phone, room key, lip gloss, possibly your ATeL ticket, etc. While we all bring the same things before heading off to pregame with our friends, the types of bags we like to use differ. Every bag has its pros and cons…
 
The Clutch

While I personally never use a clutch, I can see the appeal to these handle-less handbags. A colorful clutch is a great way to accent an all-black ensemble, and can be used as a flag to wave down your friends in the crowd at a club or at Maggie’s. However, there are definite downsides to this choice. First of all, dancing with a guy while holding a clutch can be super awkward. It will look like you are using your clutch as a prop to wave in the air while you dance, and the bag will really just get in the way and become annoying (to you and the guy). Also, if you have too much to drink you risk losing your clutch altogether. And let’s be honest, after it winds up on the floor of a frat or club do you really want it back anyway? Not to mention that holding a clutch on the stroll back to your dorm the next day just screams walk-of-shame.
 
The Cross-Body
The cross-body bag is the polar opposite of the clutch.
It stays strapped across your body all night like a pageant sash, and as long as your bag stays zipped it is totally fool-(or drunk) proof. However, I never use a cross-body for a couple of reasons. I spend a significant amount of time putting together cute “going out” outfits, and I sometimes feel like a cross-body bag can hide how fabulous an outfit is. While there is a fine line between being responsible and being uptight, the cross-body bag is a good option for those of us who tend to get carried away on these big nights out. By securing your bag to your body, you’re (almost) sure to keep track of all your belongings. That being said, though, we are going into the likes of Mansion, not into battle (although if you waited in the line for 3lau it probably felt like you were in a war). Sometimes the outfit-spoiler that can be a cross-body bag just isn’t totally necessary. Fear not ladies, there is a happy medium between careless clutch and cautious cross-body….
 
The Over-the-Shoulder Bag

This is my bag of choice, and the one I see most often at Emory social events. They come in all different shapes, sizes, lengths, and colors, and they are safer than clutches and much more conducive to outfit-preservation than cross-body bags. Some are fancier for a club night, and others are more casual for a frat party. These bags are the perfect accessories for any outfit and don’t overshadow the clothing itself.
 
Ultimately the type of bag a girl chooses to wear when she goes out is based on personal preference, the outfit she is wearing, and the venue(s) you’re planning on hitting. Whatever bag you decide on, be sure to have it complement your outfit, as well as your personality. You wouldn’t let an ugly guy hang on you all night, so don’t let an ugly bag hang on you either!