Clutches

Clutches are meant to be carried in the curve of the hand or nestled into the nook of the arm, so as not the ruin the lines of a dress or interfere with the neckline of an outfit. Most bags have a rectangular shape, similar to an envelope, although they can also be round, square, oblong or even heart-shaped. Closure designs on clutches include the fold-over flap, top zipper, all-over zipper, snap and metal clasp.

Fabrics tend to be dressier, like silk, satin, suede and patent leather, and are often embellished with beads, sequins or rhinestones. Colors range from neutrals like basic black, beige, brown, navy, cream and white, to shiny metallics in tones of gold, silver and bronze, to bold shades of red, yellow, pink and green. Many clutches provide the option of a decorative chain-link shoulder strap that can be detached or tucked away inside the bag, while others have tiny hand grip or wristlet strap.