Dressing Up Bags - Bags to go with your Christmas Party outfits. I absolutely love dressing up. I LOVE going full on dress up and I also like a bit of high low (jeans and a nice top vibes). The bag must always be considered though and never an afterthought. So here are some ideas for which type of outfit to go with which bag. These are not just for Christmas, any dressing up occasion these can apply.

Back to black - An all black outfit is always so chic. It's easy and never fails, whether it's black jeans and a nice top, velvet trousers and a black top, a little black dress or something else. If I am wearing all black I would never put a black bag with it! Shock horror, I know!!! Try this instead... either go for a pop of colour, hello red velvet bag or green velvet. Or crystals look fabulous against a plain black canvas, in gold or silver the crystal handbag is your perfect Christmas party bag for ultra glam. Another great option is the Gold Geometric Bag in either mini or regular size. So fab against all black. Extra glam points if you add a black mongolian scarf.

The Heart Leather bag is a gorgeous little party bag. this one comes in burgundy, red, black or gold.

Jeans and a nice top - I really do love a jeans and a nice top outfit. Understated. High low. How high (or low you go) really depends on your style and taste and the occasion but Christmas is the time to push the boat out. If you have gone for a statement coat with jeans then this is chefs kiss and is going to look fabulous with a velvet bag, a fringed leather bag, a gold Geometric bag or a Crystal handbag. Also if you have gone for a statement coat then don't forget your fur collar or mongolian scarf.

Velvet Pouches below come  in black, green or red. Try adding a brooch or two to your bag.

 Sequins - how you do sequins and what you pair them with may vary, for example if you are going full on sequin dress then you want a simple bag. That crystal bag is going to be too much. A plain bag however is going to be much more suited to this outfit. I am going to say Velvet, either the Quilted Velvet handbag or the little velvet pouch would work well. Depending on your sequin colour you may want to go with a Geometric Bag. For example burgundy geo would look great with burgundy, silver or gold sequins and a black Geo would be great with silver or gold sequins. A Gold Geo would be great against coloured sequins. You could also go for a Silver or Gold leather bumbag. A Fringed leather bag....

I love how Charis Cormack (below) wore her red sequin skirt with the Black Crystal handbag.

Velvet and sequins is always a great option... Quilted velvet bag which comes in black or navy with a gold chain strap. This is perfect with any coloured sequin, black sequins or gold. A classic little evening bag.

The Gold Geometric Bags are a fab choice with sequins. The Mini Gold Geometric (shown below) looks great against sequins in brown or burgundy, or black...

I thought I would share a few more winning combinations when it comes to dressing up. I love the Gold Heart Leather bag over a big wool coat, as seen here on my gorgeous customer Suzie. The fur collar adds a little extra too. This would be great if you are dressing up in the daytime or if you are going to be outside and need to be warm. 

The Heart bag also looks great over a faux fur. Burgundy heart seen here over a brown fur which is a gorgeous colour combintation.

The Woven Leather Handbag is a great option for a handbag that works day to night and all year round... I love it here with Jade's black satin dress and red lace tights. The mix of black textures and fabrics looks great with the pop of red lace.

I love a statement trouser. Pictured below I am wearing leopard sequin trousers with my black fringed leather bag. I loved this look and the fringed leather bag really stands out against the leopard.  I love the fringed bag for a night out, I love how it moves, the versatility of wearing it cross body or as a clutch and it looks great against a contrasting colour. A lovely customer picked up these trousers on Vinted after seeing this picture.  Preloved for party outfits is always a good idea. Most have been barely worn and you can pick them up at a steal!

Velvet suit - The Crystal bag looks great against a velvet suit or jacket, in any colour.  It also looks fab against a faux fur or a wool coat. Lots of velvet kimono style jackets about at the moment, which would also look fab with the crystal bags.

If you have a statement coat or jacket, it's easy to opt for a simple more understated bag, here the Oversized Drawstring clutch is fab with this embroidered  oriental jacket, so it isn't competing. I added a faux fur collar as well.

Here are some more pics... in case you needed any more convincing that a crystal bag is a good idea. Love this of Lauren below in Paris in her navy co-ord with the silver crystal bag.  Also loving the pop of zebra print from her shoes!

Below pic is me on a recent shoot, the burgundy cloud bag looks great against a fringed jacket. Carry as a clutch or wear on the shoulder or cross body. I love the simplicity of this bag and the colour really stands out against the black fringing.

The Quilted Black Leather Handbag is also a fab choice if you are a fan of a bigger bag.  Here I styled it with this Velvet cape and leather trouser outfit. Again this can be carried as a clutch or worn on the shoulder.

Below a Statement coat and fringed bag. This fabulous leopard coat with the mongolian scarf looks great with the Burgundy Fringed Leather Bag

Hopefully that gives you a little bag-spiration! 

Keira xx