How to choose the right clutch bag

Huge handbags with room for everything from your wallet to a laptop to your gym shoes might be the most convenient for everyday use, but when it comes to special occasions, think small. Clutches may only have space for the basics like money, lip stick, keys and a cell phone, but their petite elegance makes them the perfect choice for special occasions like a formal cocktail party or ball or a night on the town at a club.

How much should I spend on a clutch?

The first thing to consider when buying a clutch is: Where you will primarily be using it? Clutches range from about $20.00 to about $200.00…all the way up to thousands of dollars for designer clutches. Deciding how much you’re willing to spend will depend on the event that you wish to use it for.

Best clutches for formal events

For a formal event such as a cocktail party or ball, it is important to select a clutch that is coordinated with your dress. This is not the time to scrimp: inexpensive clutches are usually not the best selection for matching with evening attire, as they can look cheap. Look for a clutch made from high quality material such as satin, velvet, patent leather or mother-of-pearl. If you’re making an investment in a clutch that you hope to use for years to come, opt for something in black or a neutral metallic like gold or silver. Or, if you tend to wear basic black to formal events, consider trying a clutch in a bold jewel tone like fuschia or purple to add a splash of color to your outfit.

Evening Clutches

Stores like Banana Republic and J. Crew make fantastic clutches that coordinate well with formal evening attire. If you’re not limited by your budget, look for a designer bag (think Kate Spade or Betsey Johnson) at stores like Bluefly, Shopbop and Net-A-Porter. If you are not pressed for time, eBay is an excellent place to look for high quality or vintage clutches at a lower price.

Best clutches for clubbing

In selecting a clutch for clubbing, it is not as important to pick a high quality clutch; in fact, it might even be better to go with a less expensive version that won’t cause you too much heartache if you lose it. Night clubs and bars are often dark, so matching is less important. The clutch should still be coordinated with your outfit – or you can pick one that can be used with multiple outfits. A great clutch in an unusual fabric or bright color can also provide a final kick to an outfit. Target and Forever 21 are excellent places to find clutches in this category.

One more tip: For clubbing or parties, sometimes a wristlet is a better choice than a clutch. If you plan on dancing, a clutch can hinder your abilities to show off your moves, while a wristlet frees you to be more expressive.

Wristlets

Best clutches for daytime use

Clutches are so chic that they are increasingly making an appearance during daytime hours. Without handles or pockets to muss up a look, the streamlined look of a clutch makes a great accompaniment to a sophisticated suit or day dress. Try bringing one along to an afternoon lunch or charity event, or just as something different to switch up your office look.

When looking for a daytime clutch, consider something a little more oversized, as you’ll likely want to fit a few more items inside than you would at night. And stick to more casual or natural fabrics like wicker, rattan, leather or faux crocodile.

Oversized Clutches