15 luxe little bags to see you through party season

Leave your basic black clutch at home this party season and embrace the new wave of fun little orbs, pouches and wristlets.

Because what better time to experiment with hot hues, tassels and crystals than at Christmas? Just pair a simple dress or trouser suit with an on-trend orb, or for a flash of fun, a trim of brightly coloured faux fur.

For a bit of hard candy sparkle try a Jimmy Choo glitter clutch or a Bottega Veneta studded pouch. Otherwise you can't wrong with Gucci, where decadent reds and greens play into the festive palette (who needs a Christmas jumper when you have a Christmas handbag?)

If you want to follow this season's trend for bracelet shapes, why not try a gold Edie Parker wristlet bag, helpfully leaving you hands-free for champagne. Otherwise, the statement design of this Roksanda pouch (above) will pop against an all-black outfit.

Giving an after-dark twist to the summer's 1970s tassel bag trend, try Susie Cave's cult fashion brand The Vampire's Wife for maximum shape and texture. Or, for an edge of fun, give a silver and black velvet bunny from Hillier London a spin (a good talking point for Christmas parties).

From glittering orbs, to quilted clutches, scroll through some of our edit of the best designer bags (above) for party season.

The only rule? Don't be boring.