Evening dressing is about contrast. Keep the clothes simple — black, ivory, a single deep colour — and let one piece carry the look.
A clutch or micro bag in oxblood, emerald or polished black adds depth without adding noise. Gold or gunmetal hardware catches low light the way jewellery does.
Hold the bag rather than wearing it: carried in the hand, even a small clutch reads as a deliberate choice. Finish with a long coat over the shoulders and the outline does the rest.