The Best Going-Out Bag Is Not an Actual Going-Out Bag
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It started off as a joke in the Strategist-staff Slack channel: Marni Kids purses, which are often marked down on Ssense, might actually be better than Marni purses for adults (in no small part because they have amuchlower price tag). That led us to look at other retailers’ kids’-purse sections, where we found that J.Crew Crewcuts offers plenty of coin purses that could double as clutches. And soon we discovered that there are a lot of things — like pencil cases, cosmetic pouches, and so-called lunchboxes — that aren’t technically going-out bags, but would make nice going-out bags all the same. Plus they’re cheaper than what’s branded as an “evening bag,” usually. I hunted down a bunch here, from the little “lunch bag” that’s made with the same lace as Catbird’s window curtains to Boy Scout sash from Sandy Liang that comes zippered.
Updated on May 15, 2025
We checked to make sure all of these bags are still available (and removed a few that sold out). Several of our picks are on sale right now, including theValentino Cosmetic Bag, theBembien Pouchette, and theVera Bradley Cosmetic Bag.
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As seen in actressAnnabelle Dexter-Jones’s tour of the nearly century-oldUpper East Side pharmacy.
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The striped velvet feels right out of an Italian furnishings store.
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… Or there’s a Valentino one on sale at the RealReal (the satin’s in good condition).
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In lieu of apen, put youreyebrow pencilin there.
[Editor’s note: Seletti lists its prices in euros, so this is an approximation to dollars.]
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It’s available in manyMy Little Ponycolors: cotton candy, banana, periwinkle, grape, peach, flamingo, avocado, or bubblegum.
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Channel your inner Jane Birkin (before theBirkin).
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As the brand says, a “home for forest-dwelling creatures and little animals”… or your credit cards.
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During every Ssense sale, the Strategist team marvels at the Marni Kids purses, which might be better than the Marni Adult ones …
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… As are J.Crew Crewcuts coin purses, which will fit your phone and an ID.
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The measurement of “sunglassessize” comes out to about the same as AirPods, breath mints, and a wad of cash.
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Technically fortravel-size toiletries, it should fit your tubes oflip glossjust fine.
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Because of the carré weave, it seems like a regular ol’Bembien bagat half the price.
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If you hadn’t heard, a Vera Bradley comeback is in the works. (But who would ever guess this is a Vera Bradley?)
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Strategist senior writerLiza Corsillowalked down the aisle carrying this little “lunch bag” (which is made with the same lace asCatbird’s window curtains).
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It comes with a traditional kiss-lock closure that your grandmother’s handbag has.
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Bring it to barre class and then aBalanchine show.
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There’s a tulle-trimmed “tutu” at Bloch for tiny dancers — and big dancers.
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Everything in here should beverysecure with the zippered compartments, grosgrain lining, and glittered ribbon. (You can get itmonogrammedfor an additional fee.)
[Editor’s note: Thejewelry roll Ambar originally recommendedis currently out of stock, but this bag is a similar style from the same brand.]
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Courtesy of Zara Kids comes something seemingly from a deleted scene of Greta Gerwig’sBarbie.
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Charlottewould’ve been carrying it to a brunch with Carrie, Miranda, and Samantha.
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The official Boy Scout sash doesn’t even come with a zipper!
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This shouldn’tonlybe sitting pretty on your bathroom shelf next to thetoothbrush.
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You can check if there’slipstickon your teeth with a mirror on one side.
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It’s in the same family as the Mini Rodini satin dachshund fromlast year’s print Strategist Gift Issue.
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If you missed out on theTarget x Lego collaboration.
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Much cheaper than are-edition Prada Re-Nylon. Plus you can clip it onto a belt loop to keep your keys close.
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So say the designers behindBrigitte Tanaka: It’s a commentary on our consumer society, playing on the plastic shopping bag (by way of a caviar tin).
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It’s alighter holder-cigarette case that’ll “pocket your smoke-break necessities,” too.
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There’s aminiature versionthat fits inside foranotherpocket.
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Laila Gohar’s grandmother sewed those bows, supposedly.
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Atrick-or-treat basket, a wine tote for an after-hours Halloween party, or a cauldron for yourtarot cardsand sage sticks.
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The Strategistis designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read abouthere. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
