Today’s woman has a wide range of handbag options. She can stuff everything she could possibly need into a large tote, scale down a bit to fit fewer items into a satchel or hobo handbag, or adopt the minimalist approach and carry a clutch. Gone are the days of having one clutch option. Choose from a variety of styles to hold your lipstick, mirror, key, credit card and loose cash.
Clutch bags were once the style of choice for evenings out, but they’ve gone mainstream for everyday wear. The clutch is small, so it doesn’t interfere with lines of the outfit. It can be carried alone, tucked into a briefcase for business purposes, or for the busy woman on the go tucked into a tote or diaper bag.
Wallet Clutch
The wallet clutch is ideal for women who require more of a utilitarian carryall than a bag filled with grooming items. Designed for credit cards, cash and even a checkbook, you can find wallet clutches with or without straps.
Find wallet clutches by these designers:
- Coach
- Giani Bernini
- Fossil
- Barr & Barr
- Falchi
- Sharif
Top Closure Clutch
Women who need a secure closure on their bags can choose from a zipper, snaps, magnets, push button or kiss latch. Top closure bags come in a variety of shapes – from round or oval to rectangular in either north-south or east-west styling.
The top closure option is ideal for an everyday bag. You can find them in all fabrications, including leather, suede, silk, canvas or manmade materials. Look for a durable lining and a closure can withstand frequent use.
Envelope Clutch Bag
The envelope clutch has a fold-over top with a snap, button and loop, or buckle design. These bags often come with detachable shoulder straps. When selecting an envelope clutch, make sure the closure is secure and that all your essential personal items will fit without creating a bulge that detracts from the lines.
You can find envelope clutches by these handbag designers:
- BCBG Maxazria
- Rolfs
- Inge Christopher
- Nine West
Evening Clutch
The traditional evening clutch is typically designed for use with formal and semi-formal wear. Most evening clutches are made from a luxe fabric, beaded or embellished with sequins and stones. You can find them with or without straps.
Designers known for evening clutch bags include:
- Whiting and Davis – elegant metal mesh fabrication with unique designs
- Moyna Handbags – known for elaborate and intricate beadwork
- Jessica McClintock – moderately priced and available at most upscale department stores
- Xhilaration – inexpensive line for Target
A clutch handbag is an essential item in the wardrobes of many of today’s trend-focused woman. Not only are they ideal for evening events, they are handy to toss into a tote and a lightweight option for daily use. You can find them in major department stores, discount stores, vintage shops and thrift stores.
Debby Mayne - Debby Mayne is a published author of more than 30 novels and novellas and former fashion writer for the Home Shopping Network.
