A clutch is a small handbag in the form of an envelope. This comfortable item was originally used as an evening wear accessory. It is for this reason that every self-respecting fashionista should have a clutch in her wardrobe.
But, as they say, there is discord. Indeed, nowadays there is a wide variety of such models designed for one or another event. There is even a men's clutch specially designed for the stronger sex. This accessory is similar to the women's model, but is made in more restrained colors and shapes.

Clutch - what kind of thing is this?

A handbag that needs to be worn on your hand is called a clutch. Why was she called that? This kind of thing quite rightly got its name. Translated from English, “clutch” means a grasping action. It is with our arms around us that we carry these small women's handbags.

The history of the appearance of an amazing thing

The history of the clutch began not as long ago as it seems. It gained popularity in the twentieth century. The distant ancestors of such a handbag are theatrical cases cast from silver. They were worn in the twentieth century. Another relative of the modern small handbag was the Vanity Case. This accessory was given to Coco Chanel by the Duke of Westminster.

In the post-war twenties, the clutch handbag became popular. During the Second World War they forgot about it. After which we saw a small accessory in the hands of Christian Dior. This clutch has become a classic. It was Dior who made him so. After that, such handbags became popular.

Now this accessory is also popular, but it has changed its appearance. Now a clutch is no longer just a thing that goes with an evening outfit, it is also a companion to business suits. Nowadays, this is no longer a modest accessory, but a full-fledged element of a woman’s wardrobe.

Clutch as it is

A classic clutch is a small handbag without handles or belts. This accessory is worn under the arm, or you can wrap your hand around it. It will include everything a woman needs: powder compact, keys, mirror and lipstick.

Materials and design

When developing the design of clutches, experts do not limit themselves in the choice of materials. Now you can find models made of precious metals. In addition, there are clutches made of transparent plastic. Although for the most part, designers still make classic models using more democratic materials. You can find a patent leather or snakeskin clutch.

The situation with the decoration and decoration of the handbag is much more interesting. Nowadays, a clutch is not a modest classic. Today you can find accessories adorned with amazing things, right down to rocker spikes. Small handbags can be decorated with pearls, rhinestones, gold, crystals, feathers, as well as beads, appliqué, sequins and fur. In this matter, everything depends on the imagination of the master. Of course, clutches and clasps may be different. For example, zippers, magnetized buttons, and kissing locks.

What do you wear with a clutch? Favorable combinations with clothes

A traditional accessory is a lacquered clutch. It will look great with a little black dress. In this image, success is guaranteed.
If you are planning a business meeting, then a simple rectangular leather clutch without playful decorations or frivolous trim will do. Such a handbag will emphasize the seriousness of the outfit and make the business look ideal. Stylists recommend wearing black leather models with classic office suits.

Colorful handbags are suitable for personal meetings or dates. Models decorated with rhinestones, sequins and embroidery go well with going out dresses. Suede would also be appropriate. A fringed clutch will be a great addition to a going-out dress. Silver or gold handbags will also go well with it.

Note that the more luxurious the outfit, the more modest the accessory should be.
For an everyday look, models made of fabric are suitable. The ideal option is a no-frills handbag. This model would look great with a full skirt or sheath dress.

Some designers produce special winter clutches. They are made from fur. As a rule, such handbags are voluminous and soft. A “winter” clutch will go perfectly with a fur vest.

How to choose a handbag for shoes? According to the latest fashion trends, it is believed that you don’t have to match your boots, shoes or sandals. The most important thing is that the clutch is in harmony with the created image. Note that you can choose a scarf, blouse or decoration to match your handbag.

Designers do not recommend wearing clutches with folk-style clothes. Such a handbag (regardless of the material, color and style) will be even more inappropriate in combination with a tracksuit.
A red clutch and a pink dress also don’t look particularly good. This combination looks very vulgar. In general, handbags that are similar in color are not worth it. Such ensembles also look vulgar. It is best if the clutch is the same color as the dress. Another good option is a handbag in a contrasting tone.

How to wear a clutch correctly?

As a rule, such a handbag is carried in the hands. There are models with long straps. There are also handbags with chains. Conservative girls choose clutches with long straps, but models with short ones are also available. Such handbags are hung on the wrist and additionally clasped with the fingers.
Original models - a clutch with a special decor on the front side, as well as with brass knuckles. To hold such a bag, you need to put your fingers through the brass knuckles. It looks very beautiful and quite unusual.

Advantages and Disadvantages

First, let's look at the advantages of these models. These include:
. stylishness;
. light weight;
. compactness;
. huge selection of designs;
. It is possible to free your hands if the clutch has a strap.

Now let's look at the shortcomings of the model. The main disadvantage of this bag is its miniature size. After all, this is what directly affects capacity. If a girl wants to take a large number of things with her, then, of course, such a bag will not work. In addition, all clutch models are not universal, only the classic one. More original handbags will match certain outfits. Therefore, if you like clutches, then it is best to have several options in your arsenal, so that you can more easily combine them with different

Where to buy a clutch?

You can buy such an accessory on almost every corner. Inexpensive clutches are sold in markets. You can find some good models at second-hand stores. Sometimes this is where very original ones are found. Better quality bags can be bought in brand stores. Where else can you buy a clutch? In online stores. Now there are a large number of them. You, like anyone else, have a wide choice of places where to purchase such an accessory.

Conclusion

Now you know what a clutch is, where it came from, and what it goes with. We also learned that such an accessory can be not only for women. Designers annually release men's clutches in different versions.

A women's bag is a must-have accessory that emphasizes the style and character of each owner. Walking through the streets of the city, you can see a wide variety of bags. Some are different in style and tastefully chosen, some are completely incorrectly matched to clothing. diplomats, large leather bags, which have been especially fashionable in the last few seasons - all these are types of one accessory, united under one word “bag”.

But now let's remember about the clutch - a small handbag that holds the bare minimum of necessary things. If a woman is not in a hurry to go to work, or the latter does not involve the need to carry bulky items, then this accessory will become a stylish decoration for the chosen outfit.

If you go back a few decades, a clutch was then called a reticule. This type of handbag combines amazingly with any clothing, turning an ordinary one into an outfit for a stylish lady. However, for this it is necessary to properly consider what the clutch should be in each specific case.

Clutches, like everyday bags, can vary in size and appearance. It all depends on what accessory it is intended for. Undoubtedly, the most beautiful clutches are easiest to see at fashion shows, parties and social events. It is there that designer samples are presented, which are literally artistic masterpieces. For such special occasions, they most often embroider with sequins, beads, small beads, and flowers. According to generally accepted traditions, to create any design, the clutch must be made of burgundy or black material. The combination of such an exquisite accessory with a plain evening dress and well-chosen jewelry will highlight the image of any woman and turn her into an irresistible lady.

Don’t think that being a small accessory, a clutch is very inconvenient. Its design may include a handle and a thin chain that will free your hands if necessary. In addition, special compartments for cosmetics, a mirror and a mobile phone can be provided inside it. But, as a rule, the smallest and most beautiful clutches provide space only for lipstick, a phone and a small ladies’ mirror.

Based on the above, the desire to buy a clutch should be taken more seriously, since small handbags for all occasions are united under one general name. It is also necessary to decide on the material, since the style of the selected handbag will depend on it, and, importantly, its cost. For example, clutches made from python, skins of wild exotic animals, and other things look very elegant and expensive.

Let's look at the most popular models.

Boxing - it is the one chosen to attend social events and star parties. Simple shapes, small sizes, solid, crush-resistant body are perfect for any evening dress.

Envelope-has a clasp characteristic of an envelope and can be of different sizes, depending on the work and time of day. Such python clutches are especially well suited to both the office dress code and a party.

Textile clutches- varied in shape and design, but in some cases they can look much more impressive than their leather competitors.

Original clutches deserve special attention; many designers work hard to create them. Their cost sometimes amazes with the number of zeros, but the product is worth it.

Woven textile or leather fabrics are also great for creating small, neat handbags that are ideal for going out for a walk, visiting an exhibition or visiting a cafe.

To summarize, we can say that a clutch is a universal product that must certainly be present in every woman’s wardrobe and preferably not in single quantities.

Women's handbags are very diverse, as designers never tire of delighting us with new ideas. In fashion collections you can see interesting and original versions of this accessory.

Among the variety of existing bags, clutches occupy a special place. These are flat handbags that look very impressive in women's hands. What types of clutches are there?

Casual models

The most popular option is for every day. As a rule, this is a medium-sized plain bag made of soft leather. The finishing can be decorative stitches and long chains. If you have never worn a clutch before, remember that models with a chain are not usually worn over the shoulder. In this case it is more of an accessory.

Evening clutches

These models provide a lot of possibilities for imagination. Anything that goes with the dress is possible: metal fasteners, sparkling rhinestones, shining silk. If the handbag has rich trim, the design of the dress should be restrained. And vice versa, choose plain models for multi-colored evening dresses. Evening bags are usually tough and slightly smaller than everyday bags.

Decorative models

Such handbags are not designed for carrying a large number of things; keys and lipstick will not fit in them. But such a clutch will enliven the image and give it a unique charm.

Clutch box

This is a small model with a rigid frame base. Such handbags are popular among celebrities and often appear on the red carpet. In addition, they will be a great addition to a romantic look if you are going to a restaurant or on a date. The rigid shape highlights flowing and fluttering dresses, creating a graceful contrast. A clutch covered in snakeskin or decorated with rhinestones looks beautiful. This is not the best option for everyday life.

Envelope clutches

This can be a small evening option, or a large model that can even fit folders with papers. This handbag will be appropriate both in the office and at a party. Models with a wicker texture look original. Moreover, they can be made entirely of woven colored straw or decorated with insert elements. Designers offer fabric clutches in the widest and most varied assortment. Many of them look even more impressive than leather.

Clutch for a business woman

Business-style handbags made of shimmering textiles will organically complement the look with a trouser suit. The summer fashion trend is bright models in rich shades: pink, turquoise, blue, yellow and green. The taste of demanding fashionistas will be satisfied by models of original shapes, colors, materials and design methods. Many couturiers offer extravagant options for brave girls who appreciate high fashion. Such unusual handbags will complement even a simple suit, and if you want to stand out at a party, you simply cannot do without them.

Youth clutches

These models are distinguished by a bright and original design and can be made from almost any material: denim, leather, etc. And there are no strict proportions or classic style. Recently, transformable clutches have become popular - medium-sized bags that bend in half, turning into a small handbag. This multifunctional model is convenient and practical for everyday use.

(English “clutch” - “grab”, “clamp”) – a type of handbag, the characteristic difference of which is its small size.

History of the clutch

Like all handbags, the clutch traces its history back to the first purses, or wallets, as they were called in ancient times. The first wallets were made from scrap materials that were more durable. Such materials included, in particular, leather and canvas. At first, wallets were used exclusively as a small place for money, later they began to put things simply necessary for constantly being at hand. They were usually carried in their hands.

Gradually, the size of wallets began to increase, the reason for this was the desire of people to take more and more things with them. To prevent a handbag with the most necessary items from becoming an easy prey for thieves, ladies tied it to their belt, or even hid it in the folds of their very voluminous dresses.

By the end of the 16th and beginning of the 17th centuries, the art of cutting and sewing masters had risen to several levels, as a result of which products like wallets became a real reason for pride. Now these began to be made from fabrics that are not only durable, but also very beautiful. Rich decoration with pearls, precious stones, and gold embroidery made them a desirable gift for both men and women.

In its most varied forms, the purse-bag existed until the 19th century. Pouches and reticules of that time are already beginning to closely resemble a modern clutch: they have an oblong shape and are equipped with a special strap that is comfortable to wear around the wrist.

XX century

At the beginning of the twentieth century, the clutch existed as one of the options for a handbag, but was not particularly popular. For women in working professions, the number of which has increased sharply due to the industrialization of countries, it turns out to be a completely unnecessary subject. In the 20-30s of the twentieth century, the popularity of the clutch seemed to begin to gain momentum, but the unfavorable political situation in the world pushed fashion issues into the background.

It is possible that even today the clutch would remain in the shadow of an ordinary handbag if it were not for such iconic personalities in the world of high fashion as . The first one introduced the tube handbag into circulation, and also often wore a reticule on an elegant chain on her shoulder. Dior helped popularize the clutch, regularly using it as an accessory in his shows.

Present tense

For quite a long time, the clutch was associated exclusively with evening fashion: it was customary to take it with you to social events, for example, to the theater. But recently it has deservedly become part of everyday fashion. Girls and women carry it with them to work, on walks with friends, on dates.