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 going out with a bag with straps isn't always the most functional. Sometimes it's not even the most stylish option, especially on a night out. I've had too many days of a bag lowkey ruining an outfit. That's why I've been really into the clutch bag. It's a timeless style bag and somehow elevates any outfit; even the dressiest outfits look more glamorous with a clutch bag.
I noticed influencers wearing different styles of clutch bags to best fit their outfits, from bigger, puffy pillow-like ones to sleek, rectangular, envelope-shaped ones to top handle ones. I hadn't thought much about wearing clutch bags until I saw influencers wearing them with chic outfits fit for going out. It's an effortless way to elevate an outfit, whether dressy or casual, and so I definitely wanted to add a clutch bag to my wardrobe. I shopped 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 wearing a clutch for your next outing.
Top Handle Clutch
Top handle clutches just look so chic. This look below caught my eye as it's leans toward casual, but the bag adds that perfect amount of elegance.
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Mini Pouch Clutches
Sometimes, you just don't need a big bag to hold your lipgloss and secrets. I'm opting for mini pouch clutch bags on those fun nights out in the city.
Pillow-y Clutches
I love a dramatic bag and this style is just that. If you're outfit is more plain-looking, try a pillow-y clutch bag.
Envelope Clutch
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. Fast forward to now, it's still a staple trend.
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Novelty Clutches
A novelty clutch is another dramatic style. I just love a bag in the shape of something slightly outlandish. These ones I found a tasteful and chic, though.
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.