After a hard day’s work, there’s nothing more fun than hitting the town. Put on an elegant Outfit, throw on your stilettos, grab an evening bag and head out the door. But don’t just grab any evening bag.

The right evening purse completes an outfit, and holds everything you need at the same time. But the wrong look can ruin an outfit, and the wrong size can fail to keep your belongings convenient when you need them.

For whatever occasion you’re attending it’s important that you match your evening purse with what you’re wearing. You wouldn’t want to carry a bag that doesn’t go well with your dress. It’s all about the right combination.

You could always go for the classic evening bag—black, shiny, and small—and be done with it. There’s nothing wrong with that. It is a safe choice, although perhaps not always the right one. If your outfit is already black to begin with, you run the risk of looking too low-key and fading into the background. Remember, you’re on a night out to relax and have fun! Why not let your bag reflect your high spirits?

On the other hand, if you put together a very flashy or funky bag with a busy outfit, you’re bound to catch everyone’s attention – for all the wrong reasons. You’ll end up looking like you’re trying too hard.

The key is in finding a balance, and here are some easy tips:

Accent a low-key outfit with a brightly colored bag. Yes, you have the license to carry an eye-catching bag if your outfit is austere. A classic black dress comes to life with an evening bag decorated with colorful accents.

Conversely, go for a plain and sleek bag if your outfit has loud prints or bright colors. The bag will tone down the busy design of what you’re wearing, and you can look trendy and classy at the same time. If you’re wearing a wild print dress, a suede evening bag in a solid, neutral color can complement your outfit.

Don’t match the texture of your outfit with your bag. For example, going metallic from head to toe is just overdoing it. If you’re sporting a metallic top, carry an bag with a matte finish. The same goes for other textures.

Size matters. Evening bags are small to start with, but they’re still meant to carry all your essentials. Be sure your bag is large enough to carry the basics: lip gloss, compact, cell phone, keys, credit card, driver’s license and some cash. More than that is overkill.

Consider function as well as form. Some bags have straps or handles; others don’t. Deciding which kind to carry depends on the items you’ll bring and the activities you’ll engage in. If you’re concerned about losing things, a bag with a strap is your best choice. You can keep your bag close and still have your hands free. If you’re going to hit the dance floor, go for a convenient clutch that you can easily leave with friends.

Your bag should be a beautiful and unique piece in its own right. Designer bags made of the finest materials provide any outfit the added sophistication an ordinary bag just can’t give. Your bag represents you in an intimate way, so above all choose one that makes the statement you wish to make.

So with that in mind, go and pick out that perfect evening purse. It’s totally worth it.