As well as finding the perfect summer occasion outfit, you need the perfect accessories - and the bag can make or break an outfit. Whether it's a summer wedding, a trip to the races or a hen party you're shopping for, we've got the clutch bags to elevate those carefully curated outfits.
Personally, it's not always been plain sailing with me and a clutch bag. Some I've bought have been too small (there wasn't even room for my phone!), and some too heavy (it isn't the time to be doing your weight training). But you'll be pleased to know that I've learned from my past mistakes which is why I want to find the best clutch bag for all the parties you have coming up.
And clutch bags aren't just for weddings and christenings or Ascot. I love a holiday clutch - you know, the one that you use on vacation when all you need to carry with you is your hotel room key card and a lipstick? The dream.
- Crystal: Reiss 'Adaline' Embellished Clutch Bag, £148 / $265
- Novelty: JW Pei Fish Shaped Clutch, £170 / $229
- Bridal: Phase Eight Pearl Clutch Bag, £99 / $200
- Minaudiere: M&S Hard Shell Clutch Bag, £40 /
- Raffia: Cos Folded Straw Clutch Bag, £55 / $99
How I chose the best clutch bags
- Style: I kept to the trend-led clutch bags. From designer inspired at Marks & Spencer to the blingy clutch bags worthy of a red carpet.
- Budget-friendly: I have tried to include some budget-friendly bags because buying an outfit for a special occasion can be costly, and a bag shouldn't have to cost the earth.
- Multi-use: I don't want you to buy a clutch bag and wear it with one outfit, I'm hoping this edit will have clutch bags you can see yourself wearing multiple times.
Experts in this article
- Ellis Ranson, celebrity and fashion stylist, with over a decade’s worth of experience. With over 113k followers, all eager to find out her fashion top tips, Ellis will share with us her guide to choosing a chic clutch.
Best clutch bags for summer events
1/9
Mango Pearl-Effect Clutch Bag
© MangoWhy we love it:
Everyone needs a glam evening bag in their diary. It can seriously amp up any outfit, and this one is ideal because it'll be worn all the time come as it'll go with everything.
2/9
Reiss Embellished Clutch Bag
© ReissWhy we love it:
This pouch style clutch bag would be dreamy for a hen party and probably would go with every single outfit. The sparkly embellished design makes it look stylish, and the roomy clutch means you can travel with all your essentials.
3/9
JW PEI Fish Clutch Bag
© JW PEIWhy we love it:
Everyone needs a fun bag and this one is fun with a capital F. The fish novelty design is made even more fabulous thanks to the fun, metallic colours.
4/9
Cos Folded Straw Clutch Bag
© CosWhy we love it:
An elevated take on a beach clutch bag, Cos' new clutch bag is perfect for all the summer soirees in your diary.
5/9
Phase Eight Pearl Clutch Bag
© Phase EightWhy we love it:
While this is definitely in the 'bridal clutch bag' territory, it could also be worn with other summery items in your wardrobe, whether you're walking down the aisle or not.
6/9
H&M Silver Clutch Bag
© H&MWhy we love it:
The asymmetric shape and minimalist vibes make this look designer.
7/9
Anthropologie Leather Drawstring Clutch Bag
© AnthropologieWhy we love it:
How sweet is this gelato-inspired pouch bag?
8/9
Accessorize Polka Dot Bag
© AccessorizeWhy we love it:
If you find carrying a clutch bag a little bit annoying, this bag's a perfect mix of a mini bag and clutch. And spot on trend with the polka dots.
9/9
Dune Embellished Bow Clutch Bag
© DuneWhy we love it:
An embellished bow clutch is always a good idea, and this comes in gold, silver or bronze.
Which clutch bag to choose - tips from fashion stylist Ellis Ranson
We asked Ellis to give us her top tips...
Let your clutch do the talking
"If you like the look of a new trend but not quite ready to dive fully in, you can dip your toes with your accessories and the perfect place to start is with your clutch bag. Whether it’s a bright red, the maximal quilted buzz or full-on diamante embellishment, it’s the perfect way to test out new styles while still wearing your fail-safe wardrobe staples AND elevating your look."
© Getty ImagesGo big or go home
"Lucky for us, the overstuffed bag trend has arrived and this works out perfectly with all of our beauty products, our change of shoes and our phones & laptops which seem to be growing in size by the minute. Our organised chaos finally fits! Opt for a super-size size clutch for this trend to really work its magic. This trend is great as it means the clutch bag to be a hero in daytime dressing, not just for your evening looks."
© SpotlightHave fun with novelty
"With summer quickly approaching (although the weather states otherwise!) the rise of the seashell clutch has returned with full force. This style is perfect for holiday dressing, although they might not fit much, they will transform your look. Think about matching ocean-inspired accessories to complete your outfit. The Little Mermaid effect is still making waves (excuse the pun) in the fashion world and this a trend to start looking out for in more than just our accessories."
© Leonie HanneMake the most of what you have
"Many of your favourite handbags may already be a clutch in disguise, with many bags having removable straps, and even if they don’t, it’s just all about how you hold it - let your handles hang loose for a relaxed look yet chic look."
© SpotlightGo retro
"The envelope clutch bag is a major throwback for me as it takes me back to my first nights out, teaming a simple clutch with every single look. YSL have always championed this classic shape, keeping it as one of their staple bag offerings and I am excited to see the return on the high street as it really is the staple that never goes out of fashion Keep it tonal and match the colour of your bag to your outfit so it doesn’t distract or take away from your look. Less is more sometimes!"
