Enter the clutch bag: What to carry in it and how to wear it

So you're all dressed up, makeup in check, finally convinced your dress doesn't make you look fat and you're ready to grab your clutch bag and dash out the door for a good evening; did you take stock of what you put in there? Clutch bags, aside from how pretty they tend to look, are normally used to carry those extra bits you will need when you're out when you don't really want to carry a big handbag. Because of the lack of real estate in your clutch bag, the consideration of what you carry and what you leave behind is essential. So we're going to try do you a solid in that regard.

It's quite difficult to pick out item by item what each lady needs in there, but knowing what to pack in your clutch bag and how to wear it shows you're more than just a woman who likes pretty things. Just like your clutch bag is unique, so are you and your needs on a regular evening. In light of that it makes sense to approach the decision on a needs basis, the essentials you should consider should cover your hygiene, beauty, medical and financial needs.

Medical needs

If you're on some medication you can't do without, include it. A night time pill, inhaler or whatever it may be. Beauty must never come at the cost of your health so carry with you what you need to.

Beauty Products

Every once in a while the classy lady will excuse herself for a quick look in the mirror just to ensure she looks as amazing as she did when she left home. A tiny makeup kit/makeup essentials, your eyeliner, lip gloss and/or lip stick. Your beauty is your arsenal when you go out feeling that good, include what you need to keep it that way.

Hygiene

Let's face it, not all places are clean and smell good, and no matter what, you

have to be cleaner and smell better. Carry a small bottle of body spray, some hand sanitizer, your favourite perfume, some tissue and the all important sanitary tampon/pad. If you use dental floss a lot, include some in there. Some mints to keep your breath fresh wouldn't kill you neither. Your hygiene as a lady can never be sacrificed, include everything you need.

Money and ID

Card/Cash and ID. Carry it. Emergencies happen, no options on this one. Period.

How to wear your clutch bag

How you wear your clutch bag would depend on the size of the bag and the contents, how heavy it is and such. But as a rule of thumb, the smaller bag can be held in your hand for the chic look. The larger clutch bag can be neatly tucked under your arm for that lady-like look, but not too close to your armpit. However you feel more comfortable carrying it in these two ways should be perfectly fine. Here's a little clip we found and like that teaches you how you would hold the smaller clutch bag with a few extra tips. However you physically carry it, typically you'd want a clutch bag that doesn't match with the rest of what you're wearing, this will give your clutch bag that "stand-out" effect.

The wristlet option

Wristlet clutch bag by Lady Targaryen from La Pochette Collection

Should you prefer to have your hands/arm not very preoccupied with carrying your clutch bag then go for the wristlet type of clutchbag. With this type of clutch bag you can easily slip your hand through a small strap and let the bag when you want to dance, free up your hand or simply don't feel like holding the bag.