If you think about it, getting dressed for party season is something of an art that needs to be perfected. We want our lipsticks and we want to feast, so we need to find the perfect lip colour that will stay on until morning. We want to pile on the metallics and glitter on our eyes, but we don’t want to be held back by the transfers they leave under our eyes. We want to carry the tiniest of bags because nothing ruins a carefully selected party look than a big, clunky bag. Yet, we still want to be able to hold a canapé in one hand and champagne glass in the other – that means no clutches – and still have all our necessities on us. Ah, we always want our cake and eat it it too, don’t we?

As such, there truly is no party bag better than the hands-free bag, whether its something that allows you to hook your arm through at the very least, or better, wear it across your body. They have to be just right in size, look great and continue to be a part of your wardrobe after that New Year’s Eve party. Look, we’ve got nothing against clutch – if they come with a chain, you’re good – but unless your dinner party is a sit-down one, you’ll be grateful that you made a decision to go with a hands-free bag. We found the perfect one for the practical party goer, but in case you want something just a bit smaller, we’ve got 15 below – 15 reasons to go completely hands-free this par-tay season.

Alexander Wang Roxy Mini Paillette-Embellished Bucket Bag

Chloe Nile Mini Shoulder Bag

Eddie Bargo Chet Minaudiere Twill Shoulder Bag

Fendi Mon Tresor Leather Bucket Bag

Gucci Broadway Embellished Shoulder Bag

Hunting Season Tula Velvet Shoulder Bag

Mark Cross Grace Pebble-Leather Box Bag

Off-White Mirrored-Leather Belt Bag

Prada Cahier Box Velvet Shoulder Bag

The Row The Ascot Small Satin Clutch

Saint Laurent Tuxedo Box Clutch

Miu Miu Crystal-Embellished Velvet Shoulder Bag

No. 21 Knot Satin and Leather Shoulder Bag

JW Anderson Pierce Mini Velvet Shoulder Bag

Fendi By The Way Embellished Leather Shoulder Bag

What To Read Next: The Do-Everything Bag You’ll Be Thankful For This Holiday Season, KULALA Holidays Part III: Win A Gift Box Set of Fresh’s Cult Favourites! and 10 Unconventional Sweaters That Take The Boring Out of Winter Dressing | Cover Image: Natalyn Chan, featuring the Tuxedo Box Bag from Saint Laurent