5 Summer Evening Bags to Add to All Your After-Dark Outfits

Imagine this: you’re in (*inserts dream holiday destination), you’ve spent a whole day at the beach and now you’re on the balcony with a bag of Lays and a Fanta limón about to get ready for the evening ahead. Life. Is. Good. And sometimes, when you’re just heading out for dinner or a few drinks, a switch of shoes and bag is all you need to take a look into after-dark territory. So it’s important to make sure your holiday packing list includes your favourite carry-everything supersize straw bag, a crossbody for exploring and come evening, you can forget about the functional need and just wear styles that look fun with your summer looks.

Not just for holiday, either, evening bags have a place in your wardrobe even if you’re just popping out for after-work drinks with the girls. Not sure which summer evening bags to try for 2024? I’ve narrowed it down to five styles I’ve already spotted everyone wearing this season––from pretty beading to mini woven styles.

Shop the Best Summer Evening Bags:

1. Beaded

Style Notes: Pretty beaded bags are a favourite for summer, wedding guest looks and party season. So, if you get one now, it’s a guarantee you’ll wear them all year round. Not the most function of choices, though, these are best left for special occasions like Amy’s evening holiday look.

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2. East-West

Style Notes: Alaïa put the skinny East-West bag on the map with its Teckel bag worn by everyone, including Marilyn. Polished, sleek and big enough to hold the evening essentials, it’s a summer favourite to wear with everything from capri pants to slip dresses.

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3. Mini Woven

Style Notes: Straw, raffia, crochet or leather, any material goes, as long as it has that summery woven look. Make like Lucy and leave your supersize daytime styles at home, for evening, it’s all about the mini versions.

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4. Classic Clutch

Style Notes: A night out in the early ’00s wouldn’t have been complete without a clutch (most likely envelope) bag. While these are firmly in the past, clutch bags in box or squishy form have made a return. Sasha proves they’re still the perfect companion to a black dress.

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5. ’90s Shoulder Bag

Style Notes: If you prefer to be hands-free when heading out for dinner or drinks, a simple shoulder bag is the answer. Emili opts for a vintage Fendi baguette, but any style goes this season.