By Aemilia Madden - published
Calling all maximalists: If you’re still struggling to get behind the simplicity of quiet luxury, you’re going to want some fun accessories to take your look up a notch. The best beaded bags are just the thing to add a festive feel to your outfit. While you may not think to make a bolder bag your go-to for everyday usage, a beaded bag can do anything that a leather or suede style will. Dressing up for work or a black-tie wedding can be celebratory and fun.
“I think a beaded, sparkly, eye-catching bag goes with literally everything. I wear the same bag to the gym that I wear out to dinner,” says Susan Korn, the founder of popular beaded bag brand Susan Alexandra.
Since bead materials can run the gamut—from glass to pearl to wood and beyond—Korn notes that some bead styles are inherently more casual than others. “I really look at the materials when ascribing a piece to day versus night,” she says. “For example, the bags made from pearls feel specific to a fancier occasion, and our fringe and crystal-laden bags do lend themselves to a sexy evening out.”
With so many colorful and textural options out there, beaded bags also feel particularly appropriate for summer—they’re made for sunny days and festive nights. Shop 15 of our favorite beaded bag styles below.
Related article: Are Beaded Phone Straps The Accessory Of The Summer?
Our Favorite Beaded Bags of 2023
Photo: Staud
THE WORK OF ART
Staud Cote Bag
Start with an artful carryall to tuck into the nook of your arm. If you have a Matisse poster on the wall at home, this bag is for you.
Dimensions: 7.3" H x 9.8" W x 6.3" D
Materials: 100% polyurethane, glass beads
THE ON-THE-GO ACCESSORY
Susan Alexandra GO Bag
“I’m a big summer bike rider and needed a hands-free, active bag, which is how the GO bag came into existence,” says Korn. This playful design is perfect for busy weekends.
Dimensions: 5.25" H x 7.75" W x 2.5" D
Materials: Beads
Photo: Nordstrom
THE “SHINE ON” BAG
Jil Sander Sphere Bag
Some bags are made to make a statement the minute you walk in the room. This style is unexpected—and sure to elicit questions about how anything actually manages to stay inside.
Dimensions: 6.5" H x 8.5" W x 2.5" D
Materials: Metal
Photo: Net-A-Porter
THE BARBIE-APPROVED BAG
Clio Peppiatt Quartz Bead Bag
If rock candy was a defining snack of your early childhood, think of this bag as the arm candy equivalent. It’s an evening style with a Barbiecore touch.
Dimensions: 6.7" H x 9.8" L x 2" D
Materials: Satin, acetate beads
Photo: Moda Operandi
THE BACK TO NATURE BAG
Cult Gaia Nia Beaded Leather Clutch
Beaded does not have to equal bold; there are also options that fall more into the understated category. This wood bead bag is tactile, but doesn’t call too much attention to itself.
Dimensions: 6.1" H x 12.5" W
Materials: 100% cow leather with wood beads
Photo: Amazon
THE PRETTY PEARLS
Uborse Pearl Clutch Bag
Almost as if it were plucked straight from Grandma’s closet, this pearlescent top-handle bag is begging to be broken out for an upcoming tea party or picnic.
Dimensions: 9.45" H 7.9" W x 2.4" D
Materials: Pearl beads
What reviewers are saying: “This purse is so pretty and feels elegant. It’s beautiful and fits all the necessities. Very convenient and also looks amazing.”
Photo: Bergdorf Goodman
THE RISKY BUSINESS BAG
Bottega Veneta Jodie Mini Bag
There’s something distinctly sci-fi about the color and texture combination of this Bottega Veneta bag. It’s a beaded bag for those who aren’t afraid to take fashion risks.
Dimensions: 9.1" H x 11" W x 3.1" D
Materials: Leather with tonal studs
Photo: Ssense
THE EASY BEADS
Ganni Black Beads Bucket Bag
A throwback to beaded friendship bracelets and other childhood jewelry, this compact bucket bag is what you break out to dress up a casual weekend look.
Dimensions: 6.1" H x 5" W x 4.5" D
Materials: 51% recycled polyester, 49% polyester
Photo: Farfetch
THE BREEZY BASKET
Aranaz Bead-Detail Bucket Bag
A beaded bag with Jane Birkin flair, this compact basket is perfect for beach weddings and late-summer getaways.
Dimensions: 5.9" H x 5.9" W x 4.7" D
Materials: Wood, leather
Photo: Gucci
THE EVERYDAY TWIST
Gucci GG Marmont Bag
This is a little different from other beaded bags on this list. Gucci’s candylike beads add pops of color to a more traditional leather silhouette.
Dimensions: 10.2" H x 5.4" W x 2.7" D
Materials: Leather
Photo: Matches Fashion
THE DOWNTOWN IT BAG
Bode Beaded Crochet Bag
In-the-know shoppers flock to Bode for the brand’s vintage-inspired designs. This beaded crochet crossbody bag is the perfect everyday style for carrying just the essentials.
Dimensions: 9.8" H x 5.9" W x 5.9" D
Material: Cotton canvas, beads
Photo: Zara
THE SLIGHTLY OVERSIZE BAG
Zara Beaded Bucket Bag
A beaded bag that’s big enough to carry with you to the office, or on an easy weekend thrift-shopping outing with friends.
Dimensions: 12.2" H x 7.1" W x 2" D
Materials: 100% polyester
Photo: Germanier
THE POP OF COLOR
Germanier Up-Cycled Shoulder Bag
Colours abound! This beaded bag has the textures and colours of a spring garden, emerging for the first time after a long winter.
Dimensions: 5.5" H x 9.8" W x 1.5" D
Materials: 100% recycled PVC
Photo: Farfetch
THE VACATION-READY BAG
Jimmy Choo Bon Bon Woven Bucket Bag
A statement mini bag, complete with rows of red beads, is like the cherry on top of a playful ensemble. Pack it for a tropical getaway.
Dimensions: 7.1" H x 3.9" W x 3.9" D
Material: Beaded raffia
Photo: Farfetch
THE BOLD TOTE
Lanvin Tote Bag
It’s not your average tote bag. This colourful beaded number is one to break out on days when you want your usual jeans and white T-shirt to feel a little more special.
Dimensions: 7.8" H x 9.8" W x 0.8" D
Materials: Viscose with brass and glass beads
This article originally appeared in Harper's BAZAAR US.