Skip To Main Content
my favorite icon

8 SMALL BUT MIGHTY CLUTCH BAGS + STYLING TIPS

Clutches are a dependable choice when you need a handbag that adds an effortless touch of elegance to your ensemble.

The traditional clutch bag was developed as a streamlinedcarryall to complement a woman’s sleek look and hold only her essentials. The most recognizable version of the bag is the thin envelope; however, modern styles extend far beyond this classic rendition. Today, clutches have more imaginative designs but stay true to their original hallmarks of being small, compact, and hand-held.

The clutch’s design makes a clear fashion statement. Clutches are always an elegant pairing with evening gowns, but they can also elevate casual outfits into something far more chic. The best designer brands embrace this versatility, creating clutches in various fabrics and forms to suit any setting.

Ready to find a clutch to call your own? We’ve collected some of today’s top designer clutch bags and found foolproof ways to style them.

8 MUST-HAVE DESIGNER CLUTCH BAGS

Luxury labels continually craft striking designs, ensuring a clutch for every look and season. Adding a clutch to an outfit instantly adds sophistication, whether the bag is made of solid leather or coated in sequins. Here are eight luxury labels that reimagine the clutch purse through a modern lens:

Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen Shiny Croc-Embossed Flat Knuckle Clutch Bag

Alexander McQueen delivers a powerful take on the clutch by including the label’s signature skull four-ring knuckle duster. The shiny croc-embossed bag accentuates a woman’s strength and gives elegant formalwear a distinct edge. The sharp lines pair well with sleek sunglasses, tailored suiting, and stiletto heels.

TOM FORD

TOM FORD’s designs never shy away from enhancing a woman’s daring side. The Ava Satin Clutch Bag comes in a deep crimson-pink color that complements sophisticated eveningwear. The bag features a convenient tubular front handle that keeps the design practical without sacrificing elegance.

Christian Louboutin

The iconic Loubitwist clutches are among Christian Louboutin’s most coveted designs. Offered in numerous striking colors, the bag’s cool design, which consists of overlapping leather panels, balances fluidity and structure, allowing it to pair well with form-fitting bodycon dresses, sharp blazers, and voluminous skirts.

Judith Leiber Couture

When an event calls for extravagant accessories, Judith Leiber Couture’s clutches are showstoppers. Some are even permanent fixtures in several of the world’s most prestigious art museums. The collection features bags shaped like everyday objects adorned with brilliant crystals. Enjoy exciting shapes, such as the brick phone, click camera, and million-dollar check clutch.

Jimmy Choo

Jimmy Choo Emmie Flap Metallic Leather Clutch Bag

Jimmy Choo’s Emmie flap clutch bags ensure a design to suit any look and come in numerous materials, including textured fabric, metallic leather, and spiked brass. The tan metallic leather clutch is perfect for giving outfits a vintage spin, pairing well with trench coats, button-up shirts, straight-leg trousers, and silk scarves. The clutch comes with a detachable chain strap, converting it to a shoulder bag if desired.

Bottega Veneta

Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato leather clutches are an attractive option to elevate casual outfits. The designs are made from premium leather in an approachable shape that adds color to relaxed ensembles. Try a Bottega Veneta clutch with a long-sleeve knit dress or a smart-casual shorts outfit.

Serena Uziyel

Grab inspiration from the flapper-inspired clutches of the 1920s with Serena Uziyel’s Alessa Tassel Pouch Clutch Bag. The elegant snap closure and pouch design make an excellent evening bag to complement flirty, lace-trimmed slip dresses and floor-length gowns.

Loro Piana

Loro Piana Alba Leather Clutch

Loro Piana’s warm tan Alba Leather Clutch is a charming addition to any wardrobe. Featuring contrast stitching that beautifully showcases the brand’s artistry and attention to detail, the bag comes with a strap that instantly converts it into a shoulder bag. Try styling the design with fall-weather garments, such as tan corduroy pants, checkered blazers, and suede Chelsea boots.

HOW TO STYLE CLUTCH BAGS: FROM CASUAL TO FORMAL

Leather, rhinestone-embellished, acrylic, or beaded—countless materials and accents ensure you’ll find the perfect design to complement your look, mood, or the season. Whether searching for a stylish wristlet to wear daily or an elegant evening clutch for weddings and special occasions, these outfit ideas reimagine the handbag for various settings.

Create a seaside ensemble

Staud Bean Wood Beaded Clutch Bag

Create a breezy summertime outfit with a linen dress or matching twinset alongside a white mother-of-pearl or wooden beaded clutch. This relaxed look goes well with sandals, sunhats, and pearl or wooden jewelry.

Match a clutch with leather gloves

Coordinating a pair of gloves with a clutch is an excellent way to draw attention to both items while staying warm and looking chic. Select a monochromatic palette to emphasize the sophistication of formal attire, or choose contrasting colors to showcase your playful side.

Add a clutch to a casual outfit

Take a simple outfit consisting of an oversized sweater and jeans and elevate it with a streamlined leather clutch. Try a sweater in a colorful knit, and tuck it into the front of the jeans to evoke an effortless attitude. Add a brown leather clutch and raffia platform sandals, and complement both items with a gold watch and hoop earrings.

Pair an evening clutch with heels

Allow accessories to shine by pairing a classic LBD with a crystal-embellished box clutch and shimmering heels. Then add diamond jewelry to amp up the sparkle.

Wristlet and tailored shorts

Upgrade a casual shorts outfit with a compact vegan leather wristlet. Start with a crisp button-up shirt layered over pleated shorts. Add a woven leather belt to accentuate the waist, and then choose fun, cool sneakers or tall leather boots. Lastly, select your finishing touches, such as a colorful leather wristlet and matching sunglasses.

Match with a pleated maxi skirt

Style an envelope clutch with an elegant pleated maxi skirt and a crewneck for a carefree spring look. Complement the outfit’s femininity with simple ballet flats and a bold ring.

Add a statement clutch to an all-leather look

When the event calls for something a little rebellious, dress head to toe in black leather and add a bold, colorful clutch. Another option is to coordinate a vibrant red bag with red-soled Louboutin heels or a bright magenta clutch with Valentino Garavani’s pink PP pumps.

Pair with a blazer and tights

An oversized blazer can double as a mini dress. Cinch the look with a modern corset belt that matches your elegant clutch, then top it off with ruched leather boots or sleek heels.

MAKE A STATEMENT

No matter the occasion you’re dressing for, the easiest way to display your personality and inject fun into your styling is with accessories. Neiman Marcus offers a wide variety of bold jewelry, hats, jackets, and trending handbags that are sure to stand out in a crowd.

For more inspiration, visit the editorial archives, where we feature informative details on the latest trends and how to wear them. Now that we’ve introduced clutch bags, discover some of the best shoulder bags and the top wallets for women.

Book a one-on-one in-store or virtual appointment with a Neiman Marcus style advisor for personalized styling tips and recommendations to build a great wardrobe for the season.