Sparkly, glossy, shimmery and bright. As we officially welcome back the holiday party season, it’s time to take stock of the iconic, the new and the trending in party handbags.

Our editors are excited by this season’s offerings. Of course there are plenty of returning classics, but there are also a ton of fun, new contenders that’ll take your party look from pretty to perfection.

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

Remember when winter was all about moody and dark colors? Neither do we. Seriously though, there was a time when pinks, lavenders and light blues were staunchly referred to as ‘spring/summer’ colors. These days, we say wear the shades you want to, when you want to.

Starting with this velvety beauty…

Mansur Gavriel, Mini Cloud Clutch $545

This aqua blue is far to pretty to wait for spring…

The Kooples, Small Emily Clutch $185

Well, hello lovely lilac!

Tous, Mauve Plump Minibag $235

This flirty feathered fellow is just peachy with us…

Mach & Mach, Feather Trim Satin Mini Bag $875

Why settle for one bright when you can have a rainbow?

Nina, Brando Wine Ombre Clutch $54.60

(on Sale NOW from $78)

SHINING EXAMPLES

Metallics, sequins and glittery galore. Of course it’s the holidays! So shine bright like a diamond…

This tumbled, gunmetal metallic wristlet is perfect for keeping your essentials close…

M. Gemi, The Piccola Wristlet $148

Shimmering pearl with plenty of crystal and bead accents make this clutch a stunning choice

Tiramisu, Eva Minaudiere Box Clutch $169.99

A vintage-inspired frame design gets an update in fun, metallic sugar plum…

Hobo Bags, Amour Shoulder Bag $278

Like carrying liquid silver to your holiday party…

Published By, Ruby’s Lost Stone Mini Bag $600

So much opulence in one little bag…

Lulus, Party Date Sequin Beaded Clutch $48

HAUTE-Y HANDS FREE

If there is holiday party dancing in your future, the crossbody is the way to go. Not only do they look fabulous but they allow you to have your purse at your side without needing your hands. So you’re free to hold on to that drink while clicking that perfect selfie.

This patent leather, hot pink cutie is party perfection

Dooney & Bourke, Patent Crossbody Saddle Bag $119

(on Sale NOW from $228)

Our collective Aughtie Obsession has brought many things back into rotation. One of them is chainmail, and nope, we’re not even mad…

Paco Rabanne, Pixel T-bar Crossbody $1,345

This lovely lipstick red definitely has our attention…

M. Gemi, The Anna Mini Crossbody $198

We’re smitten with this golden heart and it’s delicate gold chain strap

Nina, Amorie Gold Metallic Crossbody $54.60

Of course, the classic black and gold crossbody will serve you well, well past the holidays

Karl Lagerfeld, Lafayette Flap Crossbody $165

TEXTURAL DIFFERENCES

Fuzzy, feathered or furry, this season our hands are craving equal interest with our eyes.

Why bother with a feather boa when your bag has one already built in?

Marc Jacobs, The Croc-Embossed Snapshot $425

How about some fuzzy fun in frosty white?

Nina, Falcon F Air Faux Shearling $48.99

Like a pile of delicious pink cheese puffs…

Bottega Veneta, The Pouch Mini Crossbody $1,653.99

(on Sale NOW from $2,350)

From fuzzy to furry…

Tous, Empire Fur Crossbody Bag $279

and finally…back to feathered again

Rosantica, Liquirizia Ballerina Sequined Feather Bag $291

(on Sale NOW from $580)

PILLOW-Y PERFECTION

Blame it on all the comfortwear, but this season it seems we’re dead set on purses that can double as pillows.

Dive into this ocean blue beauty

Valentino, Cara Embossed Leather Crossbody $259.99

(on Sale NOW from $745)

A pretty puffy cloud of pink…

Mansur Gavriel, Twist Mini Cloud Clutch $385

This padded top handle hits boss level Barbiecore

Off-White, Pump Padded Tote Bag $878

This golden quilted cutie contains a surprising amount of space for your items…

Coach, Trail Calf Leather Quilted Bag $480

Consider swapping out your expected black purse for this gorgeous green

Persaman New York, Giselle Quilted Leather Bag $144

BUCKETS OF LOVE

After many years of rotation to the back of the fashion closet, bucket bags are back big time this season.

This little bucket is a bling of beauty…

HB Delia, Satin-Lined Crystal Bucket Crossbody $39.95

For when you want a big color burst, go for this fantastic fuchsia

Ganni, Ruch Top-Handle Bag $117

Celestial inspired accessories are trending hard this season

Lulus, Black Velvet Super Stellar Bucket Bag $62

Forget the 5 golden rings…this bright gold bucket bag is what we’re singing about

Behno Ina, Mini Pebble Leather Bucket Bag $333

Your own go-with-literally-everything, personal LBP (little black purse)

M. Gemi, The Colette $298

MINIATURE MARVELS

The giant bag trend? It had a good run, even making its way into the territory of party bags. Now it seems our love of the mini has returned. And while these smaller versions do require a fair bit of self-editing, there is something playfully delightful in these tiny mighty marvels.

This mini tote may be small in size, but it carries some big bling

Nina, Astaire in Wine Crystals $73.99

Smaller than a travel pillow, but just as comfy…