When it comes to elevating your look for a special occasion, the right handbag is more than just an accessory. A well-chosen designer handbag can enhance your outfit, reflect your personal style, and be the epitome of chic. From weddings to gala dinners or garden parties, the perfect designer handbag seamlessly blends beauty and practicality, becoming an essential part of your ensemble.
Selecting the perfect handbag requires careful thought. From choosing the ideal size to match the event’s formality to selecting the right colour and material that complements your outfit, every detail matters. A timeless, elegant design can be the ultimate finishing touch, while functionality ensures it serves your needs throughout the occasion. Our style guide will walk you through the key considerations ensuring your handbag not only enhances your look but also becomes a cherished piece in your wardrobe.
Click on a section to find out more:
Discover the best handbag to choose if you are attending the wedding or are a member of the bridal party
Choose the perfect designer handbag for an array of evening occasions
If you need a new handbag for the office, consider our options here
Find your next casual outings handbag at Jasper Conran London
Choosing a Handbag as a Bride, Bridesmaid or Wedding Guest
When attending a wedding—whether as a bride, bridesmaid, or guest—choosing the right handbag is an essential part of completing your look.
Who Needs a Handbag at a Wedding?
Everyone attending a wedding can benefit from a handbag. Brides often opt for sleek, neutral clutches, such as those in the Francine top handle and clutch collections, to enhance their bridal style while keeping essentials like tissues, lipstick, or a phone close. Bridesmaids can match their bags to their dresses with timeless choices in cream or silver, while mothers of the bride or groom might choose vibrant styles, like pastel blues or reds, to tie their outfits together. For guests, compact evening bags, like the Giavanna sequin clutch, are both elegant and practical, doubling as accessories for other formal occasions.
What Handbag Should You Bring?
The ideal handbag should reflect your personal style and the event’s tone. Smaller evening bags are popular for weddings due to their practicality and elegance. In our handbag collection at Jasper Conran London, we offer a variety of designs to suit different preferences:
Francine Top Handle Grab Bags: Perfect for summer weddings, available in versatile cream, black, or vibrant green. They offer a mix of functionality and style with secure compartments.
Gabriella Clutch Bags: Lightweight and refined, these clutches feature bespoke golden hardware and detachable straps.
Bee Mini Cross Body Bags: Combining practicality and flair, these bags are available in blue, cream, or red, with ample space and a detachable strap for versatility.
For those who prefer larger handbags, the Bee Mini Tote Bags offer a polished look suitable for weddings and everyday wear.
Does Your Handbag Need to Match Your Dress?
Your handbag doesn’t need to exactly match your dress but should complement it to create a cohesive look. Pairing lighter bags with darker dresses or using bold colours like red for a striking ensemble can elevate your appearance. Neutral options, such as cream or black, offer timeless versatility, while daring colour matches, like pairing a red handbag with a red dress, can make a bold statement.
Brides are often drawn to handbags that harmonise with their gown. Neutral tones in clutch designs, such as silver or cream, add an extra touch of refinement to bridalwear. For second weddings or vow renewals, consider matching our Filomena silk full skirt shirt dress with our Francine chain clutch in cream for an unmistakably chic bridal look. You can find out more about bridal wear in our previous guide here.
What Do You Need a Handbag for at a Wedding?
A wedding handbag serves both aesthetic and practical purposes. Whether it’s a sleek clutch or a slightly larger tote, it’s invaluable for carrying essentials like makeup, a phone, or tissues. The style should align with the wedding setting—elegant clutches for evening weddings and vibrant or casual bags for outdoor ceremonies. The Francine top handle and Gabriella collections offer versatile options suited to both formal and casual settings.
Choosing the perfect wedding handbag involves balancing style, functionality, and the tone of the event. Whether you’re seeking a polished clutch for a formal evening wedding or a versatile tote for a relaxed outdoor celebration, our collection provides options for every role. Explore our range of designer handbags to find one that enhances your look and adds elegance to your wedding ensemble.
You can find out more about designer handbags for weddings in our previous guide here.
Choosing a Designer Evening Bag
Selecting the perfect designer evening bag is key to elevating your style and ensuring functionality for any occasion. Whether you're attending a formal gala, intimate dinner, or festive celebration, the right bag can make a striking statement while serving as a practical accessory.
Jasper Conran London's evening bag collection blends timeless elegance with contemporary design, offering versatile options from embellished clutches to structured top-handle grab bags.
Key Considerations for Choosing an Evening Bag
Evening bags are characterised by their compact size and statement appeal, designed to carry essentials like keys, a phone, and makeup. Features like internal compartments and detachable straps add versatility, making them suitable for both casual and formal settings. Materials such as leather and velvet are popular choices due to their durability and luxurious feel. Neutral tones like black, silver, and cream are timeless and versatile, while bold colours like red or green can add a vibrant touch for seasonal events.
For example, our Gracie A Frame Shoulder Bag in black is a classic choice, pairing well with a range of outfits for year-round elegance. Similarly, the Francine Leather Chain Clutch, available in black, cream, and silver, offers hands-free functionality and a chic design perfect for theatre outings or autumn drinks.
Exploring Evening Bag Styles
The Jasper Conran London collection includes a variety of styles to suit different occasions:
Clutches: Options like the Giavanna Sequin Clutch in black and gold or the Gaby Velvet Clutch in rich colours like purple and red provide an elegant touch for formal events.
Top-Handle Bags: The Francine Top Handle Grab Bag exudes sophistication with ample internal space, making it ideal for winter weddings or charity galas.
Versatile Pieces: Bags like the Gabriella Leather Clutch offer detachable straps and external compartments, combining style with practicality.
Choosing the Right Colour
Neutral colours like black, tan, and cream are go-to choices for evening bags due to their ability to match effortlessly with various outfits. Black bags, such as the Francine Top Handle, add sophistication to both casual and formal looks. For a subtle yet standout option, silver bags like the Gabriella Leather Clutch can brighten an outfit, while bold colours like green or red can make a statement during autumn and winter months.
Pairing Bags with Outfits
The key to a polished look lies in balancing your evening bag with your outfit. Match a red Gaby Velvet Clutch with our Celia red silk maxi dress for a striking monochromatic ensemble, or pair the Gabriella Leather Clutch in black with our Celia blue silk wrap dress for a refined contrast. As the colder months approach, thicker fabrics and layered outfits can be complemented with structured bags like the Francine Top Handle or versatile clutches in darker tones.
Jasper Conran London's collection also includes separates and dresses designed to pair seamlessly with their evening bags, ensuring a cohesive look for every occasion. From formal galas to casual evenings with friends, their handbags offer enduring style and practicality.
Choosing a designer evening bag involves balancing aesthetics, functionality, and versatility. Our curated selection caters to diverse styles and events, featuring timeless clutches, chic top-handle bags, and bold statement pieces. Whether opting for classic neutrals or vibrant hues, the right bag will enhance your ensemble and exude effortless sophistication. Explore our designer handbag collection to find your perfect evening accessory and elevate your wardrobe.
You can find out more about designer handbags for evening occasions in our previous guide here.
Designer Handbags for Workplace Settings
Selecting the right handbag for the workplace is an essential part of building a polished, professional wardrobe. Combining style and practicality, your work handbag should complement your outfits while offering functionality for daily use. Our extensive collection features designer handbags that meet the needs of the modern professional, from spacious totes to compact options suitable for various occasions.
Key Features of an Ideal Work Handbag
When choosing a work handbag, functionality and style must go hand in hand. Four key factors to consider are:
Size
Security
Comfort and Durability
Style
A spacious handbag is crucial for carrying essentials such as laptops, documents, and personal items. Jasper Conran London offers options like the Gigi leather hobo bag, ideal for larger storage needs, and the Darcey leather hobo bag, which provides a medium-sized alternative for lighter daily loads.
Handbags with secure compartments, zippered pockets, and card slots ensure that personal items are both organised and protected. The Bryn leather tote exemplifies this with its structured design and multiple secure sections, ideal for busy professionals.
Durable materials, such as premium leather, are essential for work bags that face daily wear and tear. Our handbags, crafted with high-quality leather, maintain their style and structure even with frequent use, offering comfort and longevity for commuters and office-goers alike.
Professional yet personal, the design of your handbag should align with your aesthetic and work environment. The Bee leather tote provides timeless elegance in various colours, while the Gigi suede hobo bag adds a touch of refinement for a more formal workplace setting.
Work Handbag Styles at Jasper Conran London
Jasper Conran London’s collection includes versatile designs for every professional need:
Spacious Totes: The Bryn tote bag offers ample storage for documents and laptops, making it a staple for professionals who require functionality without sacrificing elegance.
Medium-Sized Bags: The Darcey hobo bag strikes a balance between space and portability, ideal for daily essentials.
Compact Handbags: For lighter loads, smaller options like the Darcey dome crossbody bag provide a minimalist yet stylish choice.
Choosing the Right Colour
Colour is a vital consideration in ensuring your handbag complements your wardrobe.
Classic Black: A versatile staple, black handbags like the Bee leather tote or Darcey bag seamlessly pair with professional attire.
Warm Tones: Shades like tan or camel, as seen in the Darcey hobo bag, add depth to autumnal outfits while remaining versatile year-round.
Statement Colours: Bold hues like red inject personality into your look, offering a stylish contrast without compromising professionalism.
Smaller Handbags for Professional Settings
While larger bags are practical, smaller options also work well for professionals who carry fewer items. Compact designs such as the Beatrix scoop bag or Darcey double flap crossbody bag are lightweight and chic, offering versatility for both workdays and after-hours events.
Our work handbags at Jasper Conran London blend practicality with sophistication, catering to diverse professional needs. With a variety of sizes, styles, and colours, these handbags ensure a seamless transition from office hours to after-work engagements. Explore the collection to find a timeless, functional piece that elevates your work wardrobe.
You can read more about handbags for workplaces in our previous guide.
Daytime Handbags | Choosing the Right Handbag for Daily Use
A handbag is more than an accessory; it’s a blend of practicality and style, serving as both a functional tool and a statement piece. At Jasper Conran London, we offer a range of elegant handbags tailored to modern lifestyles.
Selecting an Everyday Handbag
When choosing a handbag for daily use, look for a balance between practicality and timeless appeal.
Size and Elegance: Opt for a bag spacious enough for essentials like a wallet, phone, and notebook. Designs like the Gigi leather hobo bag provide ample storage while maintaining sophistication. For lighter needs, the Bee Mini Cross Body offers a compact yet stylish option.
Compartments for Organisation: Internal and external pockets are invaluable for keeping items organised. Bags like the Darcey leather hobo combine thoughtful design with functionality.
Adaptability: Adjustable and detachable straps allow you to carry your bag in multiple ways, ensuring versatility for both professional and casual settings.
Quality and Durability: Materials such as leather and robust hardware ensure your handbag withstands daily use while retaining its aesthetic appeal. Our designs prioritise both craftsmanship and style, making them lasting investments.
Handbag Styles
Different handbag styles cater to varying needs and occasions:
Hobo Bags: Casual yet polished, these crescent-shaped bags offer roomy interiors. The Gigi hobo bag, available in black and chocolate, pairs effortlessly with relaxed or semi-formal outfits.
Tote Bags: Perfect for carrying larger loads, tote bags like the Bee Leather Tote combine spacious design with a structured, elegant finish. Ideal for work or shopping trips, they complement both office attire and casual ensembles.
Scoop Bags: Compact and contemporary, scoop bags, such as the Bee leather scoop shoulder bag, are perfect for day-to-evening transitions. Their sleek design suits both casual and formal looks.
Top Handle Grab Bags: Epitomising sophistication, these structured bags are ideal for professional and formal settings. Options like the Gigi leather top handle bag transition seamlessly from day to night.
Choosing Colours
The colour of your handbag is crucial to its versatility. Neutral shades like black, tan, and navy remain timeless and effortlessly complement most outfits. Bold colours, such as red or cobalt blue, create striking accents against neutral ensembles. We also offer metallic finishes and textured details for added individuality.
Versatility for Day and Night
A versatile handbag transitions smoothly between settings:
Bee Leather Tote: Spacious and polished, suitable for workdays and casual outings.
Bee Mini Cross Body: Compact and elegant, ideal for light essentials and evening wear.
Darcey Dome Bag: Structured and durable, perfect for professional and formal occasions.
Styling Tips
Match your handbag to your wardrobe for a cohesive look. Neutral-toned bags pair well with classic coats and tailored pieces, while bold-coloured or metallic bags make excellent statement pieces. Coordinate handbag hardware with jewellery for a polished finish.
At Jasper Conran London, we offer a diverse selection of handbags designed to meet the needs of modern women. With a focus on quality, durability, and timeless elegance, our collection includes spacious totes, chic cross-body bags, and sophisticated grab bags. Explore our range to find the perfect accessory for your lifestyle.
Find out more about designer daytime handbags in our previous guide here.
