The Black Tie Reference Guide

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Imagine this: You’ve spent all day getting ready for the Christmas Gala. Your hairdresser has tamed your curls, your makeup is pristine and your new dress is glamorous and unique. As you leave your apartment, you notice that’s it’s snowy and windy, and you worry your hair and makeup will be mussed by Mother Nature. You look at your tiny beaded clutch. How are you supposed to fit powder, tissues, extra hairspray, lipstick, your phone and your wallet in this miniscule bag?

Also known as the “Black-Tie Dilemma,” bags appropriate for black tie formal events are often petite and intricate, posing a problem for women who need space and functionality for their purse. PurseBop loves her minaudière but what do the rest of us do?

Whether planning to attend a fancy holiday party, a wedding or a gala, how does one choose a purse that fits the occasion and fulfills some practical needs? Does one need to sacrifice form for function at these glamorous events? We are confronting these age-old questions and finally presenting clear solutions.

Below we have outlined a variety of different options for black tie bags that don’t force you to sacrifice practicality for style.

@lnestyle

Clutches

Recently, we presented an extensive guide for clutches that discussed their versatility and importance in your handbag collection (Read: Crazy for Clutches: The Best Designer Clutch Bags). Clutches are the classic approach to the black tie purse, and are frequently eye-catching in their material and design. Check out our piece on eccentric Chanel clutches for inspiration!

Below are examples of clutches that are formal, bold and provide space for compacts, phones, and other practical needs.

Judith Leiber Couture- Yes! No! Airstream Crystal Clutch Bag via Bergdorf Goodman

Gucci Sylvie Wristlet Bag via Neiman Marcus

Givenchy- Mini Infinity Calfskin Leather Bag via Nordstrom

Christian Louboutin- So Kate Metallic Leather Clutch via Nordstrom

Gucci Dionysus Suede Clutch via Nordstrom

Edie Parker- Fame Jean Acrylic Clutch Bag via Bergdorf Goodman

Crossbody Bag

Small crossbodies work perfectly for those times when your black tie bag is weighed down with makeup and other inconveniences. Less of a statement-maker than a clutch, crossbodies nonetheless add interest to your outift. Look for metallic accents and neutral colors for a crossbody bag that will add an elegant touch to your ensemble.

Saint Laurent- Kate Monogram Velvet Tassel Bag via Bergdorf Goodman

Prada- Cahier Pochette Leather Crossbody via Saks Fifth Avenue

Prada- Studded Fringe Saffiano Leather Crossbody via Saks Fifth Avenue

Saint Laurent- Tuxedo Plexiglass Clutch via Nordstrom

Shoulder Bag

Similar to the clutch, the shoulder bag tends to stand out and provide visual interest to your whole ensemble. Spherical and unique shapes work extremely well as shoulder bags since they can be awkward to carry as clutches.

Saint Laurent- Tuxedo Box Minaudiere with Turquoise-Hued Studs via Neiman Marcus

Saint Laurent- Love Box Clutch Bag via Neiman Marcus

Gucci- Super Mini Marmont 2.0 Velvet Clutch via Nordstrom

Judith Leiber Couture- Crystal Egg Clutch Bag via Neiman Marcus

Givenchy- Antigona Python Leather-Lined Mini Bag via Saks Fifth Avenue

Handheld Bags

Handheld bags have the privilege of being among the roomiest black-tie bags. Bucket bags, novelty bags, and roomy satchels all fall under the category of handheld bag. Draped elegantly on your forearm, these beauties frequently have metallic accents and bold textures.

Valentino Garavani- Bebop Ring Loop-Handle Bag via Bergdorf Goodman

Gucci Broadway Pearly Bee Shoulder Bag via Neiman Marcus

Gucci- Broadway Glitter Heart Minaudière via Nordstrom

Fendi- Peekaboo Medium Mink Fur Satchel Bag via Bergdorf Goodman

Bag Check Tote

For those stressful times when you have to run from one event to another, especially from informal to formal, a tote is your most trusted ally. Roomy enough to hold an extra pair of shoes, a change of clothes, and all your makeup needs, a discrete tote held at bag check is a perfectly acceptable accessory to your evening wear.