Got a formal work dinner, a grand social event or a big wedding? Choosing the right accessories for a black-tie event is critical! The right handbag can take your look from pedestrian to black-tie chic.
Keep it small
Large oversized bags have no place at formal events. Carry a wallet, wristlet or clutch to fit your black-tie dress code. The right evening bag will have compartments for your credit cards, lipstick and phones, but don’t overstuff your evening bag just because you can. Opt for miniature versions of your powder, mascara and lipstick. The key is sticking to the minimum! We like the Kate Studded Wristlet because of its size, flexibility, and great visual appeal. Hint - it’s also got a matching mini handbag, in case you want the set! The Kate Mini Studded Handbag is one of our most favorite mini handbags!! It totally reminds us of the Michael Kors Selma bag, or this Valentino bag without the huge pricetag.
Style it right
Coordinate your clutch or purse with the color of your dress, and use textures to your advantage. If your dress or jewelry has a metallic finish, ensure the bag’s embellishments are in the same color. Keep in mind that you want to keep the styling of your overall look similar. So if you’re wearing a classic dress, your bag needs to be a timeless style too. For edgier modern evening dresses, choose a contemporary evening bag and jewelry. The Allegra Colorblock Clutch (featured in the outfit above) comes in three colors and can match many different styles and themes. This one’s a Handbag Heaven favorite!
Silk or satin bags
Silk and satin dresses go well with bags made from these luxurious fabrics, like this gorgeous faux fur clutch. They look great with so many different dresses (or more casual looks) and can make you look really elegant no matter where you are. The bag above has been a Handbag Heaven favorite since it arrived at our door - click here to see more about the Arielle Faux Fur & Sequin Clutch.
Small clutches
If you want to look really graceful at a black-tie event, lose the bag. Get yourself a nice small clutch, perhaps one with a sequined or beaded pattern in a single color. Or, try a simple silk or satin one. As long as its not leather….. :) We’ve all used this clutch before and love it for its size and sturdy construction. It fits all our essentials and our phones - which, really, let’s be honest IS an essential! See the Serena Studded Clutch here. (also available in pewter)
Envelope clutches
An envelope clutch is useful if you like something larger to hold your things. This is a good option for someone who likes to be practical yet elegant. The Polly Metallic Envelope Wallet easily doubles as a clutch for those events where you want to look sassy and keep things minimalist. Get it here.
Baguette
These long rectangular purses are, again, for those who want more. Large enough to hold more than a clutch does, these bags come with straps. Be careful to choose one that’s not too big. Bigger baguettes are not appropriate black-tie wear. The Carrie is the perfect in-between baguette.
Wristlets
Ending up somewhere between clutches and regular wallets, wristlets have a handy wrist strap and are often slightly larger than the typical wallet. This lets you hold on to it when negotiating steps in your long gown or while balancing a drink. Your essentials and credit cards will always be close by, while still giving you that elegant appeal and hands-free functionality. The Callie Snakeskin Wristlet shown above is such a great accessory and is available in two colors. See it here.
So tell us, what’s your favorite accessory to take with you to black tie events? Well, besides some hot arm candy, that is…
I like the Kate Studded Wristlet. It is small but very classy.