It's the Year of the Clutch—These Are the Best Ones You Can Buy
No doubt about it: 2021 has been the year of the clutch. At least, it’s been the year of clutch appreciation. The bag style became incredibly popular in 2019, when Daniel Lee at Bottega Veneta bestowed us with The Pouch—undoubtedly the reason clutch bags became a fashion staple once more. Spotted on celebs and street style stars alike, it was the trending bag of choice for so many of the fashion people we love. And now that weddings and party season are back on the agenda, there’s never been a better time to invest in a fresh clutch style. However, don’t feel the need to reserve yours for fancy occasions—whether worn with jeans and tee or a printed midi dress, the clutch reached new levels of outfit possibilities.
As an aspiring fashion writer in my teens, I remember thinking of women holding clutch bags as the pinnacle of chicness. Tucked under one's arm, maybe with a coat hanging off one's shoulders, probably holding a glass of prosecco… To me, there was nothing cooler. I pictured myself embodying the likes of Carrie Bradshaw when I would tuck one under my arm for a school party. Now, here I am a decade later, and they've come back, and I’m going to make the most of it.
It's not just The Pouch (with its investment-level price point) that we're loving when it comes to clutch bags, either. There are so many to love—from quilted versions through to second-hand treasures. Keep scrolling to discover how the fashion set have been styling their clutch bags recently, and shop my edit of the best ones—from designer to high-street to vintage.
HOW TO STYLE CLUTCHES
Style Notes: Rosie is the original champion of the Bottega Veneta clutch bags. She wears them day or night, but we love when she pairs it with an everyday look we can copy.
Style Notes: We keep seeing people pair beige and cream outfits with bright blue, and we're here for it.
Style Notes: Small clutch bags work so well with structured pieces like workwear trousers and white blouses.
Style Notes: Prada nylon is always a good idea. We love how Jeanette chooses a pop of colour.
Style Notes: Clutch bags can also work with minimal outfits, just like Sylvie’s.
Style Notes: Matching your accessories (like shoes and a bag like Linda's) is such an easy styling trick to elevate any look.
Style Notes: Queen of Scandi cool, Pernille opts for double leathers, and it looks so chic.
Style Notes: Ellie of Slip Into Style uses contrasting hues to such good result with this red-and-pink look.
Style Notes: Blanca's Anya Hindmarch clutch is the perfect addition to this maximalist look.
Style Notes: Rich hues like burgundy and navy are such a great colour alternative for a classic bag.
Style Notes: Keep it simple with your outfit and let your accessories do the work.
SHOP CLUTCH BAGS
Up Next: 6 Ways to Spot a Fashion Classic, From a Net-a-Porter Buyer
This article was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.
Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.
Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.
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