Ah, the clutch bag. A small, elegant purse, designed to hold a few items. However, when you clutch a clutch bag in your hot hand, the accessory is the first thing people notice. There is something about the way a clutch is carried that makes the purse a major eye catcher, even more so than the shoes on your feet.
A true clutch purse is designed to carry by hand, and therefore, will not have a handle or a strap. There are many different styles of clutches, which can vary between brands and seasons.
Whether your clutch is triangular or square, heart shaped or round, nothing works better for a night on the town.
When carrying a clutch bag, there is something about the way the purse falls near the hip/thigh that catches the eye. A true clutch will offset and personalize your outfit like a cherry on a sundae. Clutch purses come in a variety of materials to match any ensemble: leather, vinyl, plastic, fabric, and can be decorated with beads, pearls, stones, fringe, tassels and loops, to name a few.
Are you going to a special evening event and not quite sure what purse will do? A clutch bag will work beautifully. For a more dramatic effect, have the bag match your shoe.
Clutch Bag Fun Fact: The history of purses dates back to the Babylonian era. The clutch purse went out of fashion in the early 19th century but came back with full force popularity during World War II. With rationing, the smaller clutch required less material for the manufacturer and fit in well with a wartime mindset.
A true clutch can be defined as a strapless purse that is carried in the hand. Clutch also means to seize with or as if with the hands or claws, to snatch, hold tightly. Hence, the name!
Clutch Bag Fun Fact: Clutch bags are typically evening bags used to carry minimal items (i.e., driver’s license, credit card, lipstick…oh yes, the lipstick)! May I fancy you in the prospect of carrying a fancy bag?
Clutch Bag Fun Fact: The modern clutch came about in England during the Industrial Revolution and the increase of travel by railway. Small cases were needed for travel that could hold women’s particulars.
Being fashionistas, women wanted particularly appealing cases to hold their particulars!
Clutch Bag Fashion Tip: Since the clutch is gripped in your hand, people notice the bag right away. This little purse holds a powerful punch! Often times a bright colorful clutch will be just the touch needed for a dark colored outfit. Or, go the opposite route. A black clutch held against a flowered or pastel ensemble creates a cool contrast.
For someone like me who loves sparkly and bedazzled items, here is a never miss fashion tip for rocking results: If you are dressed in a casual pantsuit or skinny jeans and t-shirt, and you need one item to pull the ensemble together with pizzazz, carry a rhinestone or jeweled clutch. It’s the perfect leather and lace mix, so to speak.
The Clutch Bag: A small purse that draws major attention!
What is an item no closest should be without? Hint: It goes along the realm of the little black dress or the black patent leather pumps. Why of course, a black patent leather clutch! It is the constant answer for I need a purse that works with everything and anything, and I need it now!
Nancy Mangano is an American beauty/fashion/style influencer, fashion journalist, screenwriter and author of the Natalie North murder mystery book series. Visit Nancy on her global online fashion/style/beauty magazine Nancy Marie Mangano at https://nancymariemangano.com, her Facebook page Nancy Mangano at https://www.facebook.com/nancymmangano/ Twitter @https://twitter.com/nancymangano and her author website http://nancymangano.com
