This Is the Elegant Bag Style That'll Make All of Your Outfits Look Expensive
No straps needed.
Listen, in my few years of living in NYC, I've found that a bag with straps isn't always the most functional option, and sometimes, it's not even the most stylish option, especially on a night out. I've had too many days of a bag low-key ruining an outfit, and that's why I've been really into the clutch bag. It's a timeless bag style and somehow elevates any outfit. Even the dressiest outfit looks more glamorous with a clutch bag.
I've noticed influencers wearing different styles of clutch bags to best fit their outfits, from puffy, pillow-like silhouettes to sleek, rectangular envelopes to top-handle bags. Truthfully, I hadn't thought much about wearing clutch bags until I saw fashion people styling them with chic going-out outfits. It's an effortless way to elevate a look, whether dressy or casual, so I definitely want to add one to my wardrobe. I scrolled through various sites to find the different styles I noticed on influencers so you don't have to.
Keep scrolling if you're interested in carrying a clutch on your next outing.
Best Designer Clutches
Top-Handle Clutches
Top-handle clutches just look so chic. This outfit above caught my eye because it leans casual, but the bag adds that perfect amount of elegance.
Shop top-handle clutches:
Mini Pouches
Sometimes, you just don't need a big bag to hold your lip gloss and secrets. I'm opting for a mini pouch on those fun nights out in the city.
Shop mini pouches:
Pillowy Clutches
I love a dramatic bag, and this style is just that. If your outfit is plain looking, try a pillowy clutch bag.
Shop pillowy clutches:
Envelope Clutches
This is a classic shape that I always associate with Old Hollywood and my mom. I used to go into her closet and grab her clutch to play pretend, and now, it's still a staple trend.
Shop envelope clutches:
Novelty Clutches
A novelty clutch is another dramatic style, and I just love a bag in the shape of something slightly outlandish.
Shop novelty clutches:
This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Kerane Marcellus is a New York-based writer. She joined the Who What Wear team in 2025 after writing for Essence Magazine and freelancing for a number of other arts and culture publications. Fashion is a form of expression that she encourages everyone to take part in. There is no right or wrong in getting dressed! When she's not writing, she's reading in the park or gallery hopping in the city.