These Bags are Ready to Party

By Suzanne Singer
December 14, 2010

Holiday party dress? Check. Heels? Check. Party makeup and hair? Check. Now that your holiday soiree look is almost complete, it's time to add the finishing touch — a stylish handbag. But with so many trends to choose from (and so many ways to go wrong!), it can be hard to decide where to put your money—especially during a time of year when there's a lot competing for it.

To help aid you in your pursuit for the perfect evening bag, we identified the season's most popular handbag styles—from shiny to sparkly to rich textures — and found trendy bags that incorporate these textiles. Now go forth and be festive!

Velvet Evening Bags

Roll over items for details

Velvet and Lizard Clutch

(buy it now price, $300)

New Velvet and Rhinestone Cocktail Handbag

(buy it now price, $22)

Brown Velvet Handbag

(buy it now price, $600)

Though the velvet trend goes in and out of style, this wintry fabric proved to be a major presence at the fall fashion shows of designers including Givenchy, Dolce & Gabbana and Giorgio Armani. So why not attempt this fashion trend in the form of a stylish handbag? There are plenty of options on eBay, where online listings of items in the Clothing, Shoes and Accessories category with the term "velvet" are up 118% and sales are up 169% in a recent week (11/28-12/4) vs. a week-long period six months prior. The rich texture of velvet is great for mixing with shiny sequin dresses or matte leather. Choose a handbag style with extra embellishments in the form of skins, rhinestones or crystals to keep it modern and special. Givenchy (Photo by Victor Boyko/Getty Images)

Sequin Evening Bags

Vintage Sequin Bag

(buy it now price, $11.95)

New Black Sequin “Lips” Bag

(buy it now price, $350)

New Multi Crossbody Sequin Handbag

(buy it now price, $105)

Nothing screams merry more than sequins. So if you are feeling extra flashy this holiday season, this is just the right kind of evening bag for you. Because sequins are a more in-your-face choice, be sure that your sequin handbag is the only item you are wearing that is shiny. Matte clothes in solids are the best choice to complement your sequin bag, as they will make it the sparkles pop even more. Check out all sorts of options on eBay, where online listings of items in the Clothing, Shoes and Accessories category with the term "sequin" are up 18% and sales are up 120% in a recent week (11/28-12/4) vs. a week-long period six months prior. Ralph Lauren (Photo by Fernanda Calfat/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz)

Patent Leather Evening Bags

Vintage Patent Leather Evening Bag

(buy it now price, $35.50)

New Patent Leather Evening Bag

(buy it now price, $625.20)

New Patent Leather Clutch

(buy it now price, $580)

Patent leather is quite versatile; it can be used for day in a structured handbag style or a smaller clutch version for night. To make patent leather bags more party-appropriate, make sure to keep colors festive. Winter whites, blushes and of course reds in this glossy leather will certainly make the right impact, especially in evening shapes like clutches and chain-handle crossbody bags. Valentino (Photo by Dominique Charriau/WireImage)

Metallic Brocade Evening Bags

Vintage 1940’s Brocade Evening Bag

(buy it now price, $175)

New Multicolored Brocade and Jeweled Shoulder Bag

(buy it now price, $1200)

Vintage ‘50s Brocade Handbag

(buy it now price, $75)

Overdone and ornate home décor items like curtains and sofas used to be our primary association with brocade. But thanks to fashion designer Christophe Decarnin at Balmain, who showed metallic brocade jackets and suits on the catwalk, Alexander McQueen who in his last collection designed metallic brocade dresses and Marco Zanini at Rochas who created gold brocade pants and dresses, this holiday season your brocade attitude is bound to change from a fashion no-no to cutting edge. Take a cue from these edgy, must have fashion collections and channel this vintage style while still being up-to-date. Balmain (Photo by Eric Ryan/Getty Images)

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