As any girl can tell you, getting ready to go out is a massive undertaking that requires an effort of epic proportions. But once we’ve selected our clothes, shoes, makeup, and accessories, the biggest dilemma of all appears: what bag should we bring? Which one best matches my outfit? What if I need to carry a lot of stuff tonight?
Sure, finding the right going-out bag is hard, but you actually have a lot of easy solutions for every budget. Here are 20 bags and purses for all collegiettes to gaze over and consider next time you go for a night on the town!
$30 and Under
Nothin’ wrong with a bit of shimmer
Want a bit more room with a little extra sparkle? If so, think about investing in a bag like this shimmery silver one from H&M, whose mid-sized body makes it easy for you to carry all your things without looking like a bag lady!
À la Little Bow-peep
Forever 21 Metal Bow Clutch, $27.80
It’s flirty, it’s cute, and it’s fun! Let this light Forever 21 piece add a feminine touch with its tiny bow and cream-colored surface.
Playing with quilts
If you love quilted patterns and textures, this Steve Madden bag is perfect for you! A smaller bag, its sweet surface and quaint buckle are perfect for small outings with the girls.
From 500 days of Summer to Autumn days
One of the best things about the fall is finding gorgeous summer pieces that will still work, and at a reduced price! This red Nine West clutch matches perfectly with all your black leggings and dark-colored fall sweaters, so don’t be afraid to look through some summer items to find jewels for the fall.
Keepin’ it chic in satin
Jessica McClintock East-West Satin Clutch, $30
Jessica McClintock has no shortage of elegant, versatile clutches, as she shows with this lovely East-West satin clutch. While you may want to save it for slightly fancier occasions, definitely use the clutch to dress up a simple outfit!
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Under $50
Heavy metal
Don’t get rid of your metallics just yet! Shiny silvers are still in, making this Aldo clutch totally season-appropriate. Glam up your look by pairing this with dark bottoms and a simple top. Want a little more bling? Throw in a silver pendant or some bangles and you’ve got yourself a shining, powerful look.
Keep it cool, keep it casual
River Island Messenger Bag, approx. $40
If a laidback look is what you want, pick up a messenger bag! Messenger bags like this one from River Island go great with the most casual outfits, like tee and jean combinations.
Stud-ly selections
Studs are a big part of this fall/winter season, so why not invest in some interesting accessories? This new clutch from Aldo combines the classic, demure evening bag with a surprisingly bold pattern, making it a must-try with your little black dress.
Go bold with orange!
Nasty Gal Alexa Crossbody Bag, $48
If you’ve been shopping lately, you’ve probably noticed that orange is a very, very popular color this fall. While darker oranges are more common, don’t be afraid to experiment with different shades since they can also give you stunning results! For example, this bright orange Nasty Gal bag would be a perfect match for the brown, copper, and white pieces you have at home.
Back to basics
Zara basic leather clutch, $49.90
For all the fun and fabulous things you have in your closet, it’s good to go back to basics every now and then. Pick up a black clutch like this one by Zara, and have fun mixing and matching pretty much anything you want!
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Under $80
Go for gold, stride for silver
SR Squared Blocked Metallic Clutch, $58
You love your golds and silvers, so why not color-block them, too? This clutch combines them surprisingly well to give you a bag that’s perfect for a party. What’s more, it gives you enough shine that you can forgo the fancy top, go for something more basic, and still look trendy.
Weavin’ in and out
Elliott Lucca 3-Way Woven Convertible Clutch, $78
Whether you choose to wear it as a bag or hold it as a clutch, this woven piece by Elliott Luca is a beautiful copper shade that is actually quite versatile. Carry this around to make your outfit pop just a little bit more.
Under $100
Big Bow, Bigger Style
Deux Lux Heidi Girl Stripe Box Clutch, $86
Little bows may be the norm this season, but who says you always have to follow the rules? Indulge with this big-bowed clutch by Deux Lux for a more outgoing and eye-catching look!
Bejeweled and Beautiful
Sondra Roberts Pleated Clutch, $88
Deep, dark jewel tones are still a big part of fall fashion. Experiment with a dark ruby, emerald, or more with this Sondra Roberts clutch that’s also so easy to pair with light or dark colors.
Black and white and fab all over
Elliott Lucca Cordoba Clutch, $98
Black and white’s always been a classic combination, even on a bag! What’s great about this Elliott Lucca piece is that you can either pair it with your classic, elegant dinner party outfit, or you can explore the opposite spectrum for an ultra-modern look.
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Over $100
Just Bead It!
Moyna Beaded Flat-Top Clutch, $109
Who says you can’t play around with texture? The beads on this simple clutch by Indian designer Moyna Singh have an eye-catching effect, especially with a little bit of color. Pair any dark outfit with this demure yet fun clutch to lighten up your look.
Lovely Leather
Introduce a bit of leather into your wardrobe with this signature Fossil piece. The pattern and small key detail make the bag more interesting, which gives your own outfit more life. Because the Maddox comes in black and brown, it’s also a highly versatile bag that can go with most casual outfits.
All that glitters
BCBG Max Azria Matte Sequin Clutch, $138
Wristlets are still in, so why not have one for your going-out wardrobe? This stand-out sequin piece by BCBG is not only stylish, it also weighs so little that you can easily carry it around with you all night.
Arts and Crafts
Ted Baker London ‘Origami Folds’ Clutch, $145
Aside from colors, patterns, and a variety of textures, keep an eye out for interesting shapes that give your going-out bag character as well. Ted Baker’s ‘Origami Folds’ clutch is a perfect example of how changing a classic fashion item’s shape and structure can go a long way in making a statement.
Flip those tassels
Rebecca Minkoff Five-Zip Crossbody Bag, $195
Tassels are back this fall, with Rebecca Minkoff extending the popular trend beyond clothes and shoes. What’s great about Minkoff’s bag is that she doesn’t overdo the tassels. The result? A light piece that gives your outfit more flair instead of a heavily-embellished piece that bogs it down.
No matter what kind of night you’ve got ahead of you, know that there’s always a purse for the occasion! Whether you’d like a simple clutch or a cross-body bag, the options are endless and versatile. So if you’re looking for a new bag for a great girls’ night out, keep the latest trends in mind, and realize that there IS a stylish bag (or 5) for every budget!