Clutch Purses

Clutch purses are the ideal accompaniment to evening apparel. Whether you are dressing up for an evening at the opera or simply headed for cocktails at the bar, the sleek design of these purses is at once both classic and contemporary. Often, a good clutch is all you need to transition an office outfit to an after-hours ensemble.

Back to Basics

The beauty of the clutch purse resides in the lines it creates. A tiny bag without a handle, it must be grasped with the hand or tucked discreetly under the arm. Unlike its capacious cousins the satchel and the tote, it can never be slung over a shoulder or schlepped about town with all your belongings in tow. It is a ladylike design that promotes elegant carriage.

It also promotes a certain kind of efficiency, as it does not allow you to carry everything you own in one single bag. A clutch will force you to strip down to the basics, typically accommodating only a wallet, a phone, some keys, and a bit of makeup. You can leave your Blackberry at home and ditch your hairbrush and nail file with this one, missy.

It's all about the basics. With a clutch purse, it's about creating a simple, elegant line and an understated look. Choose your clutch bag carefully and you will find that it stays with you for years, a timeless design that is always in step with current trends.