When it comes to your going out clutch, size is no indication of practicality. Within a mere 6×6 square inches, you arm yourself each weekend with your phone, lip gloss, your ID and extra cab money — so that little one has got to pack a punch in terms of both fashion and function. Here are 20 of our favorite going out bags!
Under $30
Back To Basics
Mini Faux-Suede Crossbody, $7.99, Old Navy
The best thing about a basic bag is that it can easily be dressed up or down, chic or… well, frat party-approved. A soft suede never goes out of style, and crossbodies are the best for nights out on the town — sling it around your neck and shoulder, forget about it, and by the end of the night, it’ll still be there.
Into The Wild
Grybel Clutch, $24.98, Aldo
Leopard print is in style, so play it safe by getting wild with this animal print clutch. The best thing about leopard print is that though the pattern stands out, the color combination is a neutral one, meaning it compliments any look. Try it with a daring red outfit to make the fierce print even more fiery.
A Little Goes A Long Way
Patent Leather Quilted Messenger Bag, $24.99, Zara
Add a little shine to your neutrals and just like that, you have an evening bag. This bag may appear too small for your nighttime goods, but the double compartment gives you extra space for all your late-night essentials — a necessity for any going out purse.
Seal The Deal
Fliplock Envelope Clutch, $27.27, Asos.com
This fuchsia faux-leather envelope clutch makes a bold statement that gives your outfit an extra oomph, but is simple enough to tuck under your arm from night to night. Use it to play up this year’s color-blocking trend by wearing other bold colors, or wear it with your favorite LBD so your look has a classic feel.
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Under $50
Blue Crush
Deena & Ozzy Chain Strap Crossbody Bag, $38, Urban Outfitters
No matter what color scheme you wear it with, cobalt blue always looks good — try it for yourself. This crossbody is casual enough to wear for an everyday outing, but detailing like the subtle fringe zippers and metal chain strap make it an ideal bag for a night out, too.
Oh So Flighty
Feather Clutch, $45.45, Asos.com
For once, a feathered item that doesn’t scream Ke$ha! Go all out with a feathered clutch, but be careful not to overdo it. Keep the rest of your outfit simple and avoid over-accessorizing so you can let your bag make a statement of its own.
All Of The Lights
Neon Satchel, $48, Shopnastygal.com
You’ll never get lost on a dim dance floor again with this bright number. Neon is in, but while a highlighter yellow dress may not look great on many (any?) skin tones, such a loud color serves to be a great accent to any outfit. Wear it with other bright colors to really be a showstopper, or pair it with darks or neutrals to make it your outfit’s single statement piece.
Wear Your Heart On Your Bag
Patent Heart Cross Body Bag, $50, Topshop
Share the love with this heart-emblazoned leather bag! Quilted leather is always a classic, and the leather-woven chain is to die for. With such a youthful bag, you’re sure to have a night of fun times.
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Under $75
Rocker Chic
Jessica Simpson ‘Morgan’ Clutch, $58, Nordstrom
Whether you’re a rocker chick or simply rocker chic, this studded black leather bag gives you a look of edgy confidence. The pleated ruffles make the clutch more feminine than your typical studded accessory and can be dressed up or down with a sexy mini or a pair of skinny jeans.
Colors Are The New Black
Cooperative Mixed Media Neon Bag, $59, Urban Outfitters
If you’re the type with a designated going out bag which you take out every weekend, this bag is the one for you. Its numerous colors and textures make it more interesting than a match-all black bag, and lends itself to work with multiple colors so that no matter what you’re wearing, your purse is bound to match.
Take A Bow
State Your Case Shoulder Bag, $69.99, ModCloth
You heard it right: it’s a going out bag that’s functional day-to-night, and professional doesn’t always have to mean plain. The gold hardware against black leather makes this flap bag one that matches any outfit, and the bow gives the bag just enough of a fun, feminine flair to take out with you wherever you go.
Havana Nights
Carrie Crossbody Bag, $69, Chico’s
Gold accents make any bag appropriate for a night out — not that this orange faux ostrich leather bag needs it. The textured leather is unique and the bright color is bold and fun!
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Under $100
Shine On
Oryany Turn-Lock Crossbody Sequin Bag, $80, Last Call by Neiman Marcus
The aquamarine sequins on this bag give it a dreamy feel, and the fleur de lis-shaped clasp speaks to elegance at its best. When worn incorrectly, sequins can look a little amateur, so be careful not to over-accessorize. Lightly-colored sequins work best with black and other dark colors, and vice versa, dark sequins shine brightest against light neutrals.
Tweed After Hours
Juicy Couture After Dark Metallic Tweed Mini Bag, $88.99, Zappos
Couture As it turns out, tweed isn’t just for your grandmother anymore. Incorporate it into your late night look with this aubergine-colored flap bag. A black chain strap offers a dark twist on the usual gold chain, making this bag different from what one might typically expect from an evening bag.
All That Glitters Is Gold
Kate Spade New York Missy Glitter Crossbody Bag, $93, Lord & Taylor
The holiday season may be over, but there will always be a place for all things glittery. Whether it’s just another girls’ night or you’re going all-out glam, this bag can help any outfit go from drab to fab.
Vintage Velvet
Ivanka Trump Crystal Clutch, $95, Zappos
Whether you’re dressing up as a flapper for a ‘20s party (or any other theme party, for that matter), or you just want to add an old-fashioned flair to your attire, velvet provides the perfect vintage-y touch to your look. Velvet can look outdated, but mixing it with other textures, like the leather flap on this bag, is so 2012.
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$100 and Up
A “Furry” Good Night
MICHAEL Michael Kors Flurry Rabbit Fur Messenger Bag, $150, Macy’s
Late nights can get chilly, so keep it cozy with a furry crossbody. The silver-toned bag makes it fit for the winter season, but don’t be afraid to wear it once it’s warm, too! Pair it with a little black dress and gold pumps for a red carpet-ready look.
Stay Hooked
Tory Burch ‘Robinson’ Envelope Wristlet, $183.90, Nordstrom
Cross-hatched patent leather gives a new texture to leather goods, making this envelope clutch stand out. Though slim, this clutch even features a slot for your lip gloss, and with a key ring and wrist loop, you’ve got all your necessities in the palm of your hand.
Oh You Fancy, Huh?
House of Harlow ‘Harley’ Clutch, $195, Neiman Marcus
This exotic gold-tone, snakeskin box clutch complete with a jaguar-head closure will make you feel like an exotic princess, the kind you yearned to be while growing up. Accessories can be accessorized, too: carry this elegant clutch with a hand decorated in cocktail rings for an even greater wow factor.
Black and Gold
Lauren Merkin ‘Diana’ Bag, $206.50, Shopbop.com
Metallic is so luxe, so don’t be afraid to get your glitz on with this eye-catching gold clutch. The multi-toned metallic is what makes this clutch unique and a detachable chain strap gives you many ways to wear this evening bag, so even if you carry it night after night, it can be adapted for any occasion.