I would consider your age group, where you live, and how people in your age group at your intended social gatherings dress.
I’m mid-20s, living in NYC. I see a lot of people go out with certain bag styles, in settings and situations that don’t make sense, if you ask me. The YSL bag you posted at that size looks comical at a casual bar, and in formal settings too. I don’t care for any of the LV wave products, but I do think they lean more casual than formal.
The Gucci one you posted, if it’s the small, is the best option imo. I love Gucci horsebit. It’s understated, and those who know Gucci will know it’s Gucci. You don’t always need the whole room to know who/what you’re carrying.
Whichever bag you choose, I think size is the most important thing to consider. Casual bags can be small, or tote sized. Formal bags are almost always on the smaller side, and are rarely ever crossbody (usually clutch, or short/top handle).
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My casual and dressing-up bags for a night out with friends (my age) are a Forever 21 black bucket, and a
Coach Alie camera bag. Forever 21 is really just casual, but the Coach can be dressed up or down. Most of my friends that are my age don’t care about luxury brands, so I prefer not to use anything with heavy or obvious branding. I’ve been snubbed by friends of friends for not carrying luxury at some social gatherings, but I’d consider that a good thing, to be honest.
I’ve been eyeing the LV Speedy 20 in black empreinte or the Keepall XS in black taurillon as other bags to pick up though. I want my bags to be durable, and I like LV quality and the after-purchase care too. Since I purchase bags with the mindset of “forever,” I want something I can keep for years, and send in for evaluation and repairs.
My friend has a Chanel diamond bag. Not sure of the exact style code or of the price of it, but I really like it . It’s not a “in your face Chanel” at all, and it’s easy to dress up or down. Linked to show the style and size.
Buy your leather crossbody bag Chanel on Vestiaire Collective, the luxury consignment store online. Second-hand Leather crossbody bag Chanel Black in Leather available. 25481720
www.tradesy.com
If I really need something for a formal situation that isn’t a function/event, like going to the opera or ballet, then I’ll use a small and structured luxury crossbody that can be converted to a clutch or top handle. I would prefer no heavy branding. My dream casual and formal bag would be the Hermes Cinhetic in dark green alligator/croc… like this
I believe repairs are free for the first 2 years, and then after that there is a repair fee. But for bags that are still in production, I think it won't be too costly.
