Bags so nice, you might RSVP twice

Every festive season brings with it a checklist: the right outfits, jewellery to go with them, and a statement bag to match every invitation. Between Diwali soirées and wedding weekends, these accessories are the unsung heroes of your celebration wardrobe—small in size (though some of them in fact, do fit more than a phone and lipstick), big on sparkle.

For those looking to jazz up a plain outfit, 431-88’s Sequa clutch is an eye-catching piece with sequins and tassels that swing with every step. It’s available in four bold hues—each one capable of hijacking the camera flash. For something heirloom-worthy, Argentum Arts offers a silver clutch handcrafted in real silver (yes, the real deal) with intricate detailing that reflects the Hyderabad-based silversmith’s heritage and craftsmanship. If you want a softer vibe, Dhaaga & Co’s chikankari cutdana potli offers a delicate take in cream, gold, and silver.

Ashdeen has a line-up of gorgeous box bags, clutches and potlis featuring his signature gara embroidery on jewel-toned silks to choose from. But our favourite is the versatile envelope clutch, which comes with a detachable chain strap—an elegant option that transitions effortlessly from Diwali card parties to wedding receptions. The Silver Ripple Hard Clutch by Satya Paul is for those who claim they’re “not into bling” but still want to look like they belong under the moon. It’s structured, sleek, and exactly what you grab when you want to make a quiet statement. Bejeweled Jewels, on the other hand, skips subtlety altogether with its range of boho-inspired bags. Their antique ghungroo batwa, a structured metal bag dripping with shells, beads, paillettes, and ghungroos, is a conversation-starter that chimes with every move.

For those drawn to colour, Ohfab’s Haryali Phool potli, crafted in handwoven silk tissue, is embroidered with dabka and zardozi florals on one side and their signature bee on the other. Then there’s the uniquely shaped Powder Blue Bucket Potli by Raji Ramniq, embroidered with palm tree motifs that feel like they’ve come straight from a postcard-worthy destination wedding—while Ritu Kumar’s Vira potli in black delivers timeless glamour with its dull gold embroidery and chic wrist chain.

TL;DR: this season’s bags are made to be seen, heard, and—if you’re lucky—photographed mid-conversation. After all, isn’t that the point of a festive accessory?