If you've been paying the slightest bit of attention the last 12 months, you'll know that when it comes to fashion trends, everyone's been largely banging on about quiet luxury. Oh sure, we've enjoyed poring over sculptural silhouettes, sumptuous textures and endless celebrities wearing The Row, but let me tell you this: not even fashion is immune to a good party look. And that's why you can ditch your gloriously understated tote bag (for now) in favour of something altogether more fun: an embellished bag.
You must have seen this coming; embellished bags are everywhere. Crystal-studded, made of sequins, decorated in rhinestones – as long as it's sparkly, it's invited to the party. There's something rather funny about this bag's current dominance after months of being told that, to truly be fashionable right now, you must be quieter: quieter in colour, silhouette and much quieter in ostentatious displays of wealth. And yet, clearly nobody is exempt from vaguely losing their mind as they start grappling for glitter.
Proof we're all crystal crazy? SKIMS' recent partnership with Swarovski– a collection of embellished shapewear and body-contouring jewellery – which sold out in hours, if not minutes, when it launched. Then there's Emma Corrin dressed in Miu Miu's finest sparkles for the brand's Holiday Campaign, and Kim Kardashian (again!) drenched in crystals for Marc Jacobs Resort 2023.
And then there's the prevalence of these embellished bags, winking at us all through shop windows (and our screens). From celebrity-endorsed JW Pei's incredibly pleasing (and entirely impractical) mini bag to COS' coveted oversized clutch, there's a whole world of glistening accessories out there just waiting for you to carry them around.
From Fendi's high-shine Baguette (hi, SJP!) to Bottega's jaw-dropping Jodie, you don't have to be a magpie to recognise the mood-boosting benefits of these twinkly treasures.
So, whatever your budget, whatever your plans, one of these embellished bags is the +1 you need this season. And unlike most dates, they come with a lot less baggage.
SHOP: The Best Embellished Bags
www.net-a-porter.com
Searches for Cult Gaia's 90s-inspired shoulder bag have increased massively in the last couple of weeks. The best thing about this bag other than the sparkle? It will fit all of your essentials without getting in your way.
stone-and-mason.com
The most genius thing about Stone & Mason's bags? Each comes with its own survival kit, which are all themed according to occasion. Given that this glittery bag was made for nights out, it's no surprise that the Disco Ricky kit includes a portable phone charger, lip balm, chewing gum and even spare earring backs.
www.jwpei.co.uk
If you ever needed encouragement to travel lightly, this is it. The brand, which only uses vegan leather, is loved by everyone from Gigi Hadid to Emily Ratajkowski – expect this style to sell out in the sale.
www.cos.com
If you thought clutch bags just reminded you of naff accessories you used to take out in the noughties, COS just make them oversized and a hell of a lot cooler. For maximum impact, wear black tailoring and make this the focal point of your outfit.
www.zara.com
This also features a longer strap if you wanted to wear it as a cross-body bag to keep your arms free for dancing. Or buying drinks.
www.kurtgeiger.com
For those in need of a party bag with space for more than just a lipstick, this is the dream. In multicoloured crystals, you can carry it as a top handle bag or wear as a cross-body.
www.jigsaw-online.com
When I first saw this bag, I assumed it had a luxury price tag. But in fact, it's from Jigsaw, and is less than £200. It's an excellent shape, has room for more than just your phone and will jazz up any outfit. Ideal.
www.katespade.co.uk
This may be small but it's perfectly formed. It has interior pockets to keep things extra-safe, can be worn in different ways and is just very fun to look at.
www.reiss.com
If you're looking for a more traditional clutch, this one from Reiss is one of the best I've seen. Available in silver. or gold, it's a real party piece and even comes with a detachable shoulder strap, too.
www.miumiu.com
Few designers do accessories quite like Miu Miu. While this bag is certainly the perfect partner for after-dark, you won't want to save it just for parties. Instead, add a little sparkle to your everyday outfits.
www.arket.com
What's not to love about a rhinestone shoulder bag, quite frankly? This one has an adjustable strap and an inside pocket to stash your most precious of essentials.
www.net-a-porter.com
The ultimate finishing touch to any party look – whether you're a pared-back dresser or an all-out glam girlie – Self Portrait's mini bag is the ideal safe place for your lipstick and credit card.
www.matchesfashion.com
A mini version of DeMellier's Tokyo bag, this satin bag is subtle enough in its sparkle that you could use it for day or night, depending on your plans.
www.fenwick.co.uk
Another glittery number from JW Pei, the Gabbi is the bag you've likely seen all over social media thanks to the plethora of celebrities who own it in a range of bright colours. The crystal finish somehow makes it even more appealing.
www.mytheresa.com
Well, a girl can dream. The price may be eye-watering but you could always rent this out to the millions of friends you'll have asking to borrow it. Consider this a collector's item for the most serious of fashion fans.
redirect.viglink.com
This is so glitzy you could pair it with jeans and a T-shirt and still look like you're ready for the Christmas party.
17.
Fendi Baguette
www.fendi.com
Fendi's iconic Baguette is even more alluring when it's embroidered all over with sequins. This is certainly a piece of fashion history that's a modern heirloom in waiting. Well, if it's good enough for SJP...