Recent scrolls on eBay, Vinted, Vestiaire and Depop have led me to an eclectic lineup of vintage party bags. Jangling with beads, sequins, tinsel and other embellished tropes of a “party bag”, some of the best styles I’ve found, amidst the classic Fendi Baguettes, Chloé Bracelet bags and Louis Vuitton Pochettes, are unbranded or hail from under-the-radar, archival brands. More accessible in their price-points than the designer greats, these are bags that’ll see you through party season (and any weddings you may be attending) without breaking the bank.
Read more: The Best Vintage Designer Bags Available Now
One thing I’ve learned about shopping for party bags over the years is that they’re pretty difficult to find. Some people consider them an afterthought – either they land on a quick-fix that they scrambled to find or don’t bother carrying one at all. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with that, but a unique vintage party bag will always reap compliments.
Like any vintage purchase, it’s best to go in with at least a loose brief of what you’re looking for. Safe bets include: sequinned bags, black satin/silk clutches, beaded pouches and leather shoulder bags. Some sellers might even mark their item as a “party bag” in the description, so you can even try using this or “evening bag” as a broader search term. If you’re in the market for a colour, meanwhile, (and you’re not shopping in person) make sure it works with your outfit – you don’t want a special vintage bag to arrive only for it to feel slightly off. For this reason, metallics and black are sensible choices.
In need of inspiration? Look to some of the best styles I’ve come across, below.
