In the world of designer purses and fashion for women, the clutch purse is often forgotten until a need arises for it. These smaller members of the purse and handbag family are really not very practical if you live a lifestyle that involves getting to a hundred different places and carrying around accessories for every possible situation. If you are used to carrying something extra large like a backpack purse, a clutch will take some getting used to and some editing of what you carry with you. The larger purses get all of the glory until you have to go somewhere like a wedding or some other event that requires more proper evening attire. With their tiny profile and sometimes fabulous and glittering good looks, the clutch can really shine in these spots. Larger purses and totes on the other hand, look terribly out of place in many formal settings.

Clutch bags are not as small as wallet purses.  They generally have enough room to carry essentials for an evening out.  Some makeup, keys, a cell phone and not a whole lot more unless you start stuffing your purse full and making it look unacceptably frumpy and clunky. 

The first clutch bags originated in the 1800s believe it or not.  As fashions changed, the lost some of their popularity for a while around the turn of the century.  World War 2 put a severe strain on all areas of American society.  What used to be common supplies had to be rationed, and anything frivolous was eliminated by necessity.  Shortages of material and other supplies during the war led to ladies moving back toward the more minimalistic clutch purse again as a way of coping with having less of pretty much everything, including materials for purse making.

A modern clutch purse will often have a removable strap or chain that be used or shunned depending on your preferences. Without the shoulder strap, it can be carried in one hand easily, much like a book. With the chain, the right clutch purse can really help to complete a look with a formal outfit. Examples of this would be white bridal clutches and evening bags meant to be very dressy. Clutches can be carried in one hand, worn over the shoulder or across the body. You will have to decide what look works best for you and your outfit.

If you are considering buying a clutch purse, you pretty much have your choice of designers to go with today. Styles can vary quite a bit. Depending on how organized you are, you may or may not want to go with a purse that has built in compartments, pockets and zippers. Of course because of the relatively small size, you will still be limited in what you can carry, but compartments can make it a lot easier to keep the inside of your purse from becoming a jumbled mess.Larger purses may be more popular and seen more often, but clutch purses are an efficient and fashionable addition to a woman's wardrobe. With a little bit of imagination and a removable strap, this petite purse can play many roles for its owner.