Every Bag You Need This Party Season

With our calendars filling up with social events and the buzz and excitement in the air, party season is fast approaching us. Crafting the perfect look for each occasion is part of the fun, which is why there’s nothing worse than putting together an amazing outfit and not having the right accessories to style it with. At Strand, we believe it’s those finishing touches that can really take your outfit to the next level. To help you curate the perfect look, we’re sharing every bag you need for this party season.

When choosing the right bag for each occasion, there are a few questions to consider.

The type of event you’re attending will likely have a dress code or give you an idea of what it is. Knowing the level of formality can help determine what bag would be the most suitable. For example, formal events will call for smaller, more sophisticated style bags.

A good bag should complement the elements of your outfit, such as colour, texture and other accessories. Choose a simplistic clutch or mini bag if your outfit is glamorous and sparkly for a NYE party. For outfits that contain patterns or florals, pick a colour that features as part of your clothing to help the bag match seamlessly.

Practicality is just as important as style when choosing your bag. Your bag should carry your essentials, plus anything required for the occasion. Think about what items you’ll bring on the day and whether you need a specific size bag or certain design features such as a shoulder strap or multiple compartments.

If you plan to stay longer, opt for bags that provide comfort and space for essentials. Go for tote bags by Laura Jones and Guess, which have a generous amount of space for your phone charger, water bottle, makeup, and other items. If it’s a short event, a smaller bag or a wallet may suffice.

Outdoor events like picnics, festivals, or garden parties may require a more durable and sturdy bag, like a crossbody or a mini backpack, which are easier to carry and stand the test of time. Indoor events, on the other hand, allow for more elegant or delicate bags like clutches or evening bags.

Black tie occasions range from school formals and university balls to award nights and ceremonies, but all call for a formal look. Small evening bags like a clutch add elegance to your look while carrying your bare essentials like your phone, a cardholder, and makeup for quick touch-ups.

If you want a hands-free option, look for clutches with a detachable chain or wristlet. For styling, we recommend matching your clutch’s hardware to your jewellery. For example, wear a clutch with silver detailing if you wear mostly silver jewellery.

Work Christmas parties are about having more fun with your style than you would on a regular work day. If you’re heading to the Christmas party straight from work, you’ll need a bag that transitions from day to night, and holds your daily items, whether it’s a laptop, lunch, or a spare change of clothes.

Tote bags are a great option for work Christmas parties as they’re spacious and stylish, perfect for achieving a corporate chic look or bringing to an upscale restaurant or bar. Consider a bright-coloured tote to inject more joy into your look.

New Year’s Eve Parties are often associated with getting glam, looking and feeling fabulous as you bring in the New Year.

A mini bag is a statement in itself - think small bags with big personalities. With a range of different colours and shapes available, a stylish mini bag can really elevate your look. If you haven’t considered getting one, we’re here to let you know the micro-bag trend is here to stay.

While dress codes vary depending on the wedding, the ideal bag for wedding guests is small and lightweight. We recommend crossbody bags, which combine style and function to take you from ceremony to reception. Crossbody bags are great for weddings as they have room for your essentials and a shoulder strap to keep your hands free while hitting the dance floor. Stick to structured styles to keep it dressy for the occasion.

Soirées like high tea and garden parties also range in formality and can be open to interpretation. When it comes to accessories, though, you can’t go wrong with a classic crossbody silhouette. For events like these, the focus should be on the colour palette; aim for lighter, more vibrant colours such as a pastel or a floral print. Avoid dark tones like black and tan.

Party season is synonymous with summer. In between the glitzy and glamorous events, it’s all about making the most of the warm weather with picnics, BBQs and sunny beach days. Slouchy bucket bags and summery straw bags are perfect to bring to casual outdoor gatherings as they provide a casual, relaxed look. They’re also great for anyone who enjoys spontaneous adventures, with enough space to simply pack all your things for the day and go.

If you enjoy live music, concerts and festivals are likely part of the party season itinerary. If you like to come prepared, a small backpack is comfortable and has compartments to keep all your things organised. Or, if you’re more of a minimalist, phone bags are a stylish way to stay hands-free while having your phone close to you to capture any memories.

A fanny bag or a crossbody bag that can keep up with the vibe and energy is perfect if you want to carry next to nothing. Aim for a lightweight and secure style, like sling bags from Nere, so you can spend less time worrying about your things and more time living in the moment.

Regardless of the occasion, there are a few must-haves you should always include in your party bag:

• Phone: Always keep your phone handy, not just for capturing memorable moments, but also for staying connected with friends and family throughout the evening.
• Wallet: A compact wallet or cardholder is essential for securely storing your cash, cards, and identification, ensuring you have everything you need at your fingertips.
• Keys: Don't forget your keys; a small keychain can make them easy to find, preventing any last-minute searches when it's time to head home.
• Makeup for Touch-Ups: A small makeup pouch filled with essentials like lipstick, powder, and a mini brush will help you maintain your fresh look as the night goes on.
• Sunscreen: If you’re attending an outdoor event, a travel-sized sunscreen is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful UV rays while you enjoy the festivities.
• Portable Charger: A compact portable charger can be a lifesaver, ensuring your devices stay powered so you can continue to share your experience and capture every moment.

This party season, ensure you're braced with the right bags for every occasion. Get the best bags from Strand online that fit your vibe this party season.