Help me choose a bag for nice dinners and work events, etc.

[Berengeria]

Hi! I'm looking for a bag that will be appropriate for evening work events (such as holiday parties), nice dinners, cocktail parties, and that sort of thing. Preferably it would work at any time of year and be the bag/purse I wear on fancy or formal occasions. I'm thinking a clutch or possibly top handle, but I don't really know the finer points of what bags should be worn on what occasions. I have a few pictures below of items I'm considering, but if any of these are not right for what I've mentioned, please let me know.

At these types of events I usually wear colors like navy, burgundy/deep red, black, cream/winter-white, jewel tones like royal blue, ruby red, or emerald green. I'm thinking either black or a natural snake-print would work with most of those colors.

Also, if you have any ideas that would work better than the ones below, I would love to hear your thoughts. I'd rather stay under $5,000 usd.

Bulgari cocktail clutch:


Serpentine mini top handle:


One of these Fendi Firsts:


Chanel clutch with chain:


Saint Laurent:

 

[Maria333]

That's exciting! I love thinking through bag choices
I think you selected some lovely options. I would also add the following considerations to your thought process:
- Branding. Since those bag is primarily for work events, potentially a bag with no obvious branding would be preferable (depending on the corporate culture).
-Capacity. Do you need to have your phone + mirror/ lipstick+ keys etc.? While Saint Laurent Church looks beautiful and elegant, I'm not sure it'd fit the essentials. I would choose a bag that can easily close with all my essentials without looking overstuffed. A visibly overstuffed evening bag can ruin the entire look
- Comfort. Are you typically standing/ mingling or sitting these events? Depending on the answer, you might want to look for bags with a strap, especially if you need/ want to hold a drink while mingling.
- Versatility. If you only plan to have one bag, it's better to look for an option that works for day and evening events equally well. E.g. I love the Bvlgari clutch, but I think it's better suited for evening occasions.
- Color. While neutral colors work well in theory, there are so many neutral shares and undertones that don't necessarily work with other neutral colors. Black is the safest choice and is easiest to style IMO

I really like the black Fendi clutch from your selections, I think it comes with a chain strap too.
Here are some additional options to consider: Andiamo clutch BV, mini capucines LV, Chanel small classic flap

 

[MiniMabel]

Out of the selection you have mentioned, the Serpentine mini top handle gets my first vote, with the BV Andiamo clutch mentioned by @Maria333 as second choice.

They don't have obvious branding which I think is classy but you can still see the quality and know that you are carrying a beautiful accessory.

Another consideration is whether you need, for example, a glasses case to be put in your bag.....in that case a flat style clutch may not be suitable, but one with a gusset would be ok.

 

[Berengeria]

Thank you both for your insightful comments. To answer the questions: at these types of events I only carry car keys (house has keyless entry so I don't need those), lipstick, and a few cards such as drivers license, credit card, and insurance card (just in case).

I 100% agree about minimal branding. I was on the fence about even putting the Chanel bag on the list for that primary reason. The other reason I don't like the chanel bag is that there is too much gold. My style is not that flashy and I do sometimes wear silver/white toned jewelry (white gold or platinum).

Thinking about that aspect of the hardware, I would also eliminate the serpentine top handle and the Saint Laurent. The hardware on the bulgari cocktail clutch seems to be a very pale gold, but the color of the bag itself almost reads silver, so I would probably feel okay wearing any jewelry with that one. I'd have to see it in person though. But be honest, is the style a bit much? Does it read fun and sassy or just tacky? I suppose that's a matter of opinion, but I would love to hear the opinions of you folks who are into purses.

If I did get a snakeskin bag, that would be the primary statement piece of my outfit though, as I don't like pieces to compete for attention. Since I tend to wear very simple, classic outfits for these events, that might be okay.

The Fendi First is one of my favorite bags of all time, but the black one does have gold on it, which could limit my jewelry choices.

I think something like the Saint Laurent without the gold hardware would have the most staying power, but would have zero statement or interest.

If I spend less on each purse, I could perhaps get 2 different ones.

 

[OgeesLuv4Lux]

Nice options you've got there. I would suggest the Demelier Vancouver - comes with the top handle and also has a chain strap, so versatility if you want that.

 

[Christofle]

How about a mila clutch? You can pick the leather, lining, stitching and it’s all saddle-stitched. Could be nice in black box calf/goat or even barenia.


Depending on how “dressy” the cocktail events some might require a silk bag but I feel like these days you’d be fine with a leather clutch or even a small top handle. (People are a lot more casual these days)

 

[girlfriday17]

The serpentine gets my vote. It feels so classic but interesting at the same time.

 

[chanellover333]

The serpentine gets my vote. It feels so classic but interesting at the same time.

Agreed. Serpentine is also lowkey enough to wear to work events (I don't like being flashy in work settings)

I like the fendi first but i think it looks much better without the strap on, but without strap at work events would probably get annoying functionality wise. The chanel option is cute!

 

[onlyk]

That's exciting! I love thinking through bag choices
I think you selected some lovely options. I would also add the following considerations to your thought process:
- Branding. Since those bag is primarily for work events, potentially a bag with no obvious branding would be preferable (depending on the corporate culture).
-Capacity. Do you need to have your phone + mirror/ lipstick+ keys etc.? While Saint Laurent Church looks beautiful and elegant, I'm not sure it'd fit the essentials. I would choose a bag that can easily close with all my essentials without looking overstuffed. A visibly overstuffed evening bag can ruin the entire look
- Comfort. Are you typically standing/ mingling or sitting these events? Depending on the answer, you might want to look for bags with a strap, especially if you need/ want to hold a drink while mingling.
- Versatility. If you only plan to have one bag, it's better to look for an option that works for day and evening events equally well. E.g. I love the Bvlgari clutch, but I think it's better suited for evening occasions.
- Color. While neutral colors work well in theory, there are so many neutral shares and undertones that don't necessarily work with other neutral colors. Black is the safest choice and is easiest to style IMO

I really like the black Fendi clutch from your selections, I think it comes with a chain strap too.
Here are some additional options to consider: Andiamo clutch BV, mini capucines LV, Chanel small classic flap

Great points! Highly recommend Capuchines BB, fits phone, wallet, key pouch etc, can be day bag also can be evening bag, work and special occasions appropriate, Chanel classic medium double flap is a bit “serious “, WOC perfect for day and night and special occasions but not work appropriate.

 

[elzi]

My fav is the Fendi first!

 

[880]

I think the serpentine is my personal favorite but the YSL is probably the safest (work) choice. I don’t think I would pick a brand like Chanel, LV, or something with a major logo for a work event. And, I think while the fendi is lovely, an asymmetrical style might not last the test of time if you only have one evening bag.

@textilegirl once mentioned a brand that looked interesting as an evening clutch. . . It looked like a Kelly pochette. I think it was this brand (I’m not personally familiar with it, but it seems nice and comes in different leathers and suede finishes). I think it’s very modern to mix metal hardware and jewelry tones, for example, gold jewelry and phw, but that’s just my preference.

Symmetry Pochette in Saddle Leather

The Symmetry family celebrates geometry in its purest forms: parallel and perpendicular lines. The Pochette is simultaneously our most elegant style, and our most pared back. It features our signature Symmetry turnlock, one interior pocket, and a leather handle. Materials: 100% Calf...

www.savette.com

 

[Love Of My Life]

The Serpentine gets my vote as well.
Another suggestion would be the BV knot.. in either the stretch or just the classic which comes
in an array of colors, if you are interested in vintage, the BV from years ago had a fabulous tassel
& this evening clutch fits in with any type of event & will likely hold what you need to carry
If you like Hermes, the Medor is a great clutch as well & likely available on the secondary market
if that has any appeal to you..
Happy hunting & let us know what you decide as you are working with a nice budget

 

[inverved]

I'm a fan of the Bottega Veneta Mini Wallace, as it can be dressed up or down. Just not sure if it meets the fancy/special occasion criteria though...

 

[Maria333]

I've commented earlier on the thought process, but I wanted add my thoughts on the bag options too. These are just my opinions if I was choosing a work event bag for myself, obviously super subjective.
1. Bvlgari Serpenti - I wouldn't choose this bag for work events. It's a beautiful clutch, but too me it's not classy and doesn't project a perception of a serious person. It is a hot girl clutch. It's great for dates, restaurants, fancy bars.
2. Serpentine mini top handle - I think it's so fashionable, that it will seem dated. In most work environments the majority of people are not that into fashion and to them this bag might seem like something that you inherited from your grandmother IMHO. The design is not easy to appreciate, it's best suited for something like a night at the opera.
3. Fendi clutch - same as #2, I think it's a little too fashionable for work. Not to the extent of the Serpentine top handle, but it's still a complicated design that might become dated soon as @880 noted above.
4. Chanel - too logo-y for work and too much gold.
5. YSL clutch - looks perfect, classy, will never look dated. Versatile, however outside of work, I think it may look a little bit boring and plain, depending on the rest of the outfit. If it fits your essentials, it's a great choice.
6. Bottega Andiamo - I love it, I think it looks very chic and classy, just a touch fashionable - kind of if you know, you know. Versatile, will work great for work, can be dressed up or dressed down easily, and will add a woumph to any super basic outfit. Intrecciatto leather has been around for decades, so definitely staying power. Additionally, you mentioned leaning towards a snakeskin bag, because that would be the primary statement piece of your outfit. I think snakeskin does not look classy, it's sexy, it's interesting yes, but not business. Intrecciatto leather can play the same statement piece role, it will add texture and interest to an outfit, but will do in a more subtle and classy manner.
7. Bottega Knot clutch - another great option, classy, chic, interesting, staying power. A little more conservative vs. Andiamo.

 

[lill_canele]

I've commented earlier on the thought process, but I wanted add my thoughts on the bag options too. These are just my opinions if I was choosing a work event bag for myself, obviously super subjective.
1. Bvlgari Serpenti - I wouldn't choose this bag for work events. It's a beautiful clutch, but too me it's not classy and doesn't project a perception of a serious person. It is a hot girl clutch. It's great for dates, restaurants, fancy bars.
2. Serpentine mini top handle - I think it's so fashionable, that it will seem dated. In most work environments the majority of people are not that into fashion and to them this bag might seem like something that you inherited from your grandmother IMHO. The design is not easy to appreciate, it's best suited for something like a night at the opera.
3. Fendi clutch - same as #2, I think it's a little too fashionable for work. Not to the extent of the Serpentine top handle, but it's still a complicated design that might become dated soon as @880 noted above.
4. Chanel - too logo-y for work and too much gold.
5. YSL clutch - looks perfect, classy, will never look dated. Versatile, however outside of work, I think it may look a little bit boring and plain, depending on the rest of the outfit. If it fits your essentials, it's a great choice.
6. Bottega Andiamo - I love it, I think it looks very chic and classy, just a touch fashionable - kind of if you know, you know. Versatile, will work great for work, can be dressed up or dressed down easily, and will add a woumph to any super basic outfit. Intrecciatto leather has been around for decades, so definitely staying power. Additionally, you mentioned leaning towards a snakeskin bag, because that would be the primary statement piece of your outfit. I think snakeskin does not look classy, it's sexy, it's interesting yes, but not business. Intrecciatto leather can play the same statement piece role, it will add texture and interest to an outfit, but will do in a more subtle and classy manner.
7. Bottega Knot clutch - another great option, classy, chic, interesting, staying power. A little more conservative vs. Andiamo.

I resonate a lot with @Maria333 's post. So there isn't much for me to say.
For my work dinners, I either bring 1 of 3 bags: black saffiano prada re-edition as a shoulder bag, coach hampton bag in black, or my YSL black on black envelope bag.
I went to a work gala and chose a non-logo YSL mock croc clutch but that was one of the few times I saw many chanel bags. However, that's probably a bit different since there were many donors at the event.

Btw I have heard that Bvlgari aftercare service for bags is terrible.

Something to note about the YSL black clutch. If it's some kind of patent leather, it'll be easier to see finger prints on it. That may or may not bother you.