THE BEST GOING-OUT BAG TRENDS TO NAIL THIS PARTY SEASON
THE PARTY EDIT:
From East-West icons to silver splendour: the shapes and styles to know now.
This season we are going out out. Plans set: dinner, drink, dancefloor. Outfit sorted. Now find the bag that makes the night.
Consider this your invitation to the season's key styles. Think sleek leather East-West shapes with that low, horizontal profile everyone's talking about. Or silver minis that make statements from every angle. Ft. Acne Studios, Vivienne Westwood and Saint Laurent, these are the bags that stay out as late as you do.
Skip the queue. Slip behind the velvet rope. Slide into the members-only area. Your night? Unforgettable.
1. EAST BY EAST-WEST
We're calling it now: East-West bags are back. And they're not going anywhere. Once a '50s favourite, they've been on our radar again in recent seasons. These horizontal icons are built to sit under the shoulder or in the crook of your arm. Either way, they're all about impact. We rate Acne Studio's Multipocket Bag. There's room for all your evening essentials and the shiny, crinkled finish catches every light in the room. Perfect for the dancefloor. If you're as head over heels for the style as we are, look to Fendi's Baguette Continental Wallet on Chain for a hit of Italian polish. Or channel the original feel with Magda Butrym's floral take.
From first drink to last orders, an East-West Bag earns its place in your party season edit. Slip one on and let the shape do the talking.
2. SOMETHING ABOUT SUEDE
Suede has staying power. Season after season, we come back to its rich colour and soft feel. Nowhere is that truer than on a bag you reach for on repeat. A suede bag is for life, not just for Christmas, but it shines in party season. This year, look to warm brown shades. Saint Laurent's Solferino Shoulder Bag comes in a deep caramel tone. Worn on the shoulder or tucked under your arm, it softens tailoring and adds depth to denim. The YSL monogram does the talking. The brushed finish does the rest. If the dress code reads formal, switch to a clutch. Bottega Veneta's Andiamo is an easy pick. Suede gives the house's Intrecciato weave a softer feel that still looks crisp.
Think of suede as the ideal festive plus-one, you'll still carry into the new year.
3. TEXTURED TREASURES
There are bags that look good. And then there are bags that look and feel good. The ones that satisfy that need to touch. A plush velvet hobo that feels like a soft caress. A quilted leather mini with cushioned folds. Pieces you want to pick up and don’t want to put down. This Christmas, it’s not only about how your bag looks, it's how it feels in your hand. Leading the pack: Gucci's GG Emblem Shoulder Bag, embossed with the house's iconic motif on supple calfskin. Understated, but effective. The chain link shoulder strap is smooth in your hand or over your shoulder. Meanwhile, Prada takes its Re-Edition bag and finishes it in swooping crystal embellishments that feel cool under your fingertips. And that saffiano leather key ring? The ridged surface is a full sensory moment, every time.
When you're about to head out, grab your bag. If it feels incredible hold, you're good to go.
4. A CHARMED LIFE
If you're anything like us during party season, you're taking selfies all night. Your bag is front and centre in every shot. For that extra lift to your edit, go for charms. They're the detail that shows up in close-ups and mirror shots. Chloé has this nailed. Their Icons and Charms bags tell the house story through gold-toned pieces that nod to its legacy. They'll sharpen your look at the bar and, if you're in your best LBD, they'll add a playful twist to your look. On the dancefloor, they'll catch the light with every move. Elsewhere, Balenciaga's Le Cagole is an instant win. That heart-shaped mirror is fun as well as practical. Use it for quick touch-ups, then let it steal the spotlight in your snaps. Easy.
Consider charms your secret styling trick: standouts made to catch the light. In a sea of selfies, they're the detail that sets your look apart.
5. SILVER SERVICE
If there's one colour that we're backing this season, it's silver. Sharp against black, easy with denim and it lifts sequins too . Whatever the base, its pulls together the look. From office drinks to 2am taxis, it stays in play. Think of it as your new neutral. Vivienne Westwood's Yasmine Mini Bag is a FLANNELS favourite. Small but mighty, its profile catches the eye. When it catches the disco ball, it's iridescent. And there's space for your phone, house keys and touch-up essentials. Need a little more space? Givenchy's Voyou is an immediate go-to. Injecting a golden touch alongside the silver, it's a head-turner at dinner and in the members' bar. Structured enough to work for the office, relaxed enough to stay out late- it's the natural choice for those of us short on time.
However you style it, silver does the hard work for you. One switch of bag and the whole outfit will feel ready.
