I'm a Stylist—5 Summer Evening Bags That Are Chic, Polished and Always Spark Compliments

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.

Shop the Look:

Staud

Timmy Small beaded shoulder bag

£335

Here to brighten up every summer outfit.

MANGO

Beaded Handbag

£46

Brown is everywhere at the moment.

ARANAZ

Lagrima Beaded Top Handle Bag

£215

This would work so well with silver jewellery and denim.

CULT GAIA

Cora Beaded Wood and Linen Tote

£165

Practical? No. Cute? Yes.

& Other Stories

Rhinestone Studded Clutch Bag

£65

This will see you through party season, too.

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.

Shop the Look:

ALAÏA

Le Teckel Textured-Leather Shoulder Bag

£1750

White will work all year round.

MANGO

Braided Cylindrical Bag

£20

Silver accessories aren't going anywhere.

The Row

Abby Small Suede Shoulder Bag

£1350

You'll find any excuse to wear this one, forever.

Massimo Dutti

Mini Leather Bag

£129

This sleek mini bag also comes in black or brown suede.

COACH®

Barrel Bag in Pebbled Coachtopia Leather

£350

The bag charms are ticking off two trends in one.

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.

Shop the Look:

Dragon Diffusion

mini Rosanna tote bag

£375

This mini Dragon Diffusion will also work for weddings, too.

John Lewis ANYDAY

Anyday Raffia Scoop Bag

£35

Add the strap for daytime strolls on holiday.

miu miu

Raffia-effect crochet fabric tote bag

£1150

No doubt this will be a new cult style for summer.

DeMellier

The Mini Santorini | Natural Basket Black Smooth | Demellier

£225

Basket bags aren't just for day looks.

COS

Mini Sling Bag - Raffia

£65£38

Designer vibes. And on sale!

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.

Shop the Look:

Reformation

Vittoria Clutch

£348

I'm seeing this with a pastel pink dress at a beachside restaurant.

Cult Gaia

Gold Nala Clutch Bag | Harrods Uk

£310

A talking point bag will never go unnoticed.

TOTEME

T-Lock Leather-Trimmed Cotton-Canvas Clutch

£730

So sleek.

COS

Cavatelli Clutch - Leather

£135

The removable straps makes this squishy bag a two-for-one buy.

H&M

Straw Clutch

£33

Raffia and a clutch? It's a win-win!

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.

Shop the Look:

Fendi

Baguette Glitter Handbag

£1495

You can always find the best vintage Fendi bags at Vestiaire.

KHAITE

Elena Studded Textured-Leather Shoulder Bag

£2480

Firmly on my wish list.

ZARA

Shoulder Bag

£30

We all know butter yellow is still the colour of the season.

ALAÏA

Demi Embellished Leather-Trimmed Mesh Shoulder Bag

£950

The next It bag? I think so.

JW PEI

Harlee Shoulder Bag

£100

I love this directional shape