7 Tips on Choosing a Clutch Purse to Accessorize Your Outfit

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The right accessories can make or break someone's outfit. From hats to shoes, it is important to strike the right balance with accessorizing; otherwise an outfit might simply turn out all wrong. One accessory in particular is important on both a function level and a fashion level: the clutch purse. A standard clutch purse holds some basic necessary items, including a driver's license, credit cards, cash, and perhaps a cellphone. Women typically hold their clutch purses in their hands, but several styles come with a strap that wearers can remove when not in use, allowing the wearer to sling the purse over a shoulder or slip it onto a wrist. Several factors are important when selecting the right clutch purse, including size, color, versatility, material, structure, and cost.

1. Select the Right Size for Your Body Type

While clutches are by nature smaller purses, they still come in different shapes and sizes, and it is important for accessories to look proportionate to the person wearing them. Petite individuals should consider a small to medium clutch, such as the J. Crew Invitation Envelope Clutch . Taller individuals can sport something a bit larger, one option being the Coach Legacy Oversized Clutch , which comes in different colors such as black and bronze.

2. Select the Right Size for Your Stuff

Aside from looking right with a particular body type, a clutch should also look good holding everything that it needs to hold inside of it. If the purse is bulging at the seams, it may be time to switch to a larger model. Shoppers should keep in mind their own personal tendencies when picking the right-sized clutch: if it is too large, some women try to carry more than they need, which makes their accessory unnecessarily bulky. On the other hand, if a clutch is too small, it can lead to over-stuffing, which can either damage a clutch or simply look distracting. A Marni leather clutchis a good option, as a number of their clutches fit the necessities but still have a slim profile to discourage carrying around too many unnecessary items.

3. Pick an Appropriate Color

The color a woman chooses often relates to the outfit she intends to wear with the clutch and whether she plans to use it often or for one occasion in particular. Some women prefer to carry a clutch around instead of a regular purse or tote during the day, meaning a neutral color might be more appropriate in order to match the clutch to a wide range of outfits. A simple black clutch tends to go with everything, though some women opt for a neutral brown clutch or even a red clutch to add some flair to a dressed-down outfit. Clutches in forest green and dark blue are also surprisingly neutral without being boring.

4. Choose a Versatile Clutch

In order to get the best value for your money, you should select a clutch you can wear with several different styles. Another option is to purchase several different colors in an affordable style of clutch to ensure there is one to go with everything. One example is the Clare Vivier foldover clutch . This longer clutch is available in a multitude of colors, from glitzy gold to a neutral cognac, and even some eye-popping prints. The style is simple, a flat bag with a zipper that folds in half for easy carrying, which leaves it up to the print and coloring to make a statement against the outfit.

5. Pick a Quality Material

A well-constructed clutch lasts much longer than a flimsy one, and ends up saving money in the long run. If the bag is for work and play, then a well-made leather clutch is not only versatile, it is durable and can withstand day-to-day use. Another option that is work-appropriate and classic is a crocodile-style clutch, which also tends to be of sturdy construction.

A number of other materials are available for those with the budget to pick clutches for a few different outfits. They are not all sturdy, but they can stand up to gentle use and look fashionable. One unusual option is a cork clutch, made out of the same material as the stoppers used in several wine bottles. Designers and popular fashion names like Dana Buchman and Hobo International use this material to make unusual and eye-catching bags. There are also many fashionable beaded clutches available, both new and vintage. These clutches dress up an outfit, but need special care to keep them clean and to avoid damaging the beadwork. Owners should store them in a place away from dust and keep them away from things that might snag the beads, and use a soft cloth or pressurized air to remove any dirt if necessary.

6. Consider a Clutch with a Strap

A clutch tends to be a type of purse without handles or a strap, requiring users to hold it in their hands at all times. Unfortunately, this setup can become inconvenient, particularly in locations where it is not practical to set the clutch down. Now, designers make more and more clutches with straps and handles that wearers can remove when they do not want to use them, or slip on when they need them. Fendi makes several clutches with straps, as does Louis Vuitton and Kate Spade.

7. Pick a Clutch with Some Pockets

While clutches notoriously do not hold a lot, if you opt for a larger one, make sure it has a few pockets to organize your belongings. One popular option is a clutch with a cell phone pocket to provide some extra room beyond just enough space for a driver's license and lipstick. Michael Kors also makes several oversized clutches that have organizational pockets inside for phones and credit cards.