Clutches

The unsung heroes of in-transit organization, clutches can work double (sometimes even triple!) duty: first as pouches corralling the odds and ends inside your carry-on, then shapeshifting into an evening bag, crossbody, or shoulder bag once you’ve arrived. When space is precious, something that earns its keep on the plane, and then carries you from a museum to aperitivo hour to going (almost) hands-free wandering through a crowded market is invaluable. These are the ones that would merit a spot in our bag. 

(Top to bottom, left to right)

1. Ferragamo Diana Clutch in gold and patent black – This version of the custom bag they made for Princess Diana in the ‘90s comes in metallic eel leather, which is all the bling you’d really need to bring with you if you’re leaving your jewelry box at home.

2. L/Uniform Large Leather Pouch – A simple shape in supple leather—you can’t go wrong.

3. A.Emery Leather Clutch – We love the structural quality and hand strap on this one!

4. Hunting Season Small Soft Clutch – The rare clutch that can stand up on its own, this one comes in a handful of different sizes and great colors. 

5. Penelope Chilvers Puffball Clutch – Designed in London and made in Spain, this makes a strong case for a velvet clutch in the British or Mediterranean climate. 

6. Sezane Serena Pouch – We’re partial to the chocolate crocodile-embossed leather, but this comes in black vintage leather as well, either of which would look equally great as an evening bag or to stow your passport and cell phone in transit. 

7. J.Crew Portofino Clutch, and Handknotted Raffia Clutch – Raffia is a vacation-mode catalyst in our book, and these options from J.Crew are definitely coming with us on our next warm-weather trip.

8. Hunting Season Opera Clutch – Such an elegant shape that would certainly be fit for the Viennese opera, or just a coffee date in your neighborhood.

9. Il Bisonte Consuelo Bag – Anything in their signature vegetable-tanned leather just gets better with wear.

10. Il Bisonte Esperia Bag – The envelope shape makes this so sleek to walk around with, but also means it’s thin enough to store inside another bag. (Bonus: it’s 50% off right now!)

11. Staud Woven Clutch – If you like the idea of a clutch but realistically need something more capacious, this appears big enough to stash a full bottle of wine on your way to a dinner party.

12. Attersee Satin Brea Bag – This pillowy crescent-shaped bag works as a pouch to store things inside another bag nesting-doll style, or snapped closed to create a loop to slide over your wrist. It comes in really beautiful jacquard, silk and textured velvet fabrics. 

13. Métier Quilted Clutch – Spacious enough for all the essentials—your keys, wallet, sunglasses, and a discreet pocket for your phone—plus it has a detachable and adjustable leather strap so you can wear it a number of ways.

14. Clare V Foldover Clutch – If you un-fold over the top and add a short or long strap strap, this can become a shoulder bag or crossbody—three in one!

15. Loulou de Saison Fringe Bag – For something that doesn’t take up much space, but really packs a visual punch.

16. Comme des Garçons Polka Dot Clutch – Adds a bit of personality, even if you’re averse to a pop of color.

Not pictured: 

Métier Edge Clutch – Has a built-in internal card slot and zip pocket, so you don’t even need to tote around your full wallet in this top handle clutch. 

Suede Aesther Ekme Clutch – Slouchy and effortlessly cool, this comes with a detachable shoulder strap if you need to justify the purchase to yourself as technically two bags.

Savette Symmetry Pochette – They often iterate on this signature shape in fun seasonal fabrics and colors, but the classic black bag with its small top handle can do no wrong.

Eugi Park Sara Bag – Each one of these suede-lined alligator bags are slightly unique, cut to minimize waste and maximize the material’s natural pattern. And the secure magnet closure and interior card pocket make it a great option not just for a night out, but also to stow valuables in transit.