20 SUMMER OCCASION BAGS WE'RE LOVING RIGHT NOW

A clutch bag is a complete no-brainer as its smaller size and sleek proportions slot in nicely with everything on the party dress spectrum, from mini dresses to floor-skimming gowns. Basically, it's the perfect wedding-guest bag. A good rule of thumb is this: the longer your dress, the smaller the clutch. With less real estate, you can get away with more attention-grabbing details – think sequins, fringe, faux pearls and metallic fabric.

GET THE LOOK:

Topshop Anna angular clutch bag in gold, £28

ASOS DESIGN loop handle clutch in chocolate, £28
Desigual Small bag lips in red, £75

True Decadence embellished sequin pillow clutch in cream, £26

The occasion shoulder bag is best for all-day occasions – the kind of affairs that require more than just a lipstick and a bank card in your arsenal. Thanks to the strap, shoulder bags are also useful for cocktails and canape-style parties, as there’s nothing worse than double-fisting a drink and nibbles while trying to stop your bag from squirming out under your elbow. We love this season’s woven and beaded bags – just make sure to put smaller items like your hair grips in a pouch, so they don’t fall out.

GET THE LOOK:

Topshop Siris medium buckle shoulder bag in cow print, £28

Glamorous mini woven shoulder bag in black, £26

ASOS DESIGN weave shoulder bag in orange, £28

Topshop Jackson embellished small shoulder bag in silver & grey tiger, £34

The East/West bag is the baguette’s more grown-up sister, the one who can talk fluently about the risk-to-benefit ratios of crypto investment and index funds. She’s structured, she’s chic and she makes everything look put-together. Tap into the cool, calm vibes with neutral colours, glossy leather and minimal embellishments.

GET THE LOOK:

Calvin Klein Jeans multi compartment shoulder bag in pink, £140

ASOS DESIGN textured belted shoulder bag in stone, £26

Charles & Keith Hazel bow elongated trapeze shoulder bag in noir, £85

PASQ faux suede minimal long strap shoulder bag in tan, £22

The bright occasion bag is pure, unadulterated fun. It’s joy in purse form. This season we’re into sunset shades of yellow, orange and red, or tropical greens and blues. These ones are perfect for this summer’s bright floral dresses – just pick out an accent shade in your dress and match it to your bag.

GET THE LOOK:

My Accessories sequin shoulder bag in pale green, £28
ASOS DESIGN oversized metal handle clutch in bright blue, £28

Topshop Gregry oversized folded clutch bag in orange suedette, £28
ASOS DESIGN beaded clutch bag in red, £24

Now this is the fun stuff. More is more is even more when it comes to embellished occasion bags – because they’re essentially accents for your ‘fit, you can pile the details high without looking too busy. As previously mentioned, embellishment and clutches are a match made in party heaven. Go for beads and sequins, multicoloured embroidery, piles of faux pearls – the clutch is your best blank canvas.

GET THE LOOK:

New Look tropical embellished grab bag in multi-coloured, £35
Topshop Juno small studded grab bag in tan, £28

ASOS DESIGN embellished scoop sequin and bead bag in gold, £32
ASOS DESIGN zip top pearl clutch bag in cream, £32