Clutch Bag for Daytime? - YouLookFab Forum

As some of you know, I'm on a bit of an accessories kick right now. I was wondering what you all thought of carrying a clutch bag for daytime? I'm not talking about black sequins or heavy beading or anything that really screams, "Dressy Evening." I mean fun or interesting materials like bright patents, cloth, matte leather neutrals, or animal/snake print clutches, those sorts of things. Here are some examples of what I had in mind for "daytime appropriate" clutches:

Is this type of bag in general only appropriate for evening, or does it depend on the bag? I have to carry a huge bag around all week, and sometimes on the weekends if I'm only going to lunch or the movies (someplace I don't need to really "carry" a bag around with me--although some clutches have a wrist loop or a small chain), I think a clutch bag would actually be ideal vs. a shoulder or handbag.

Thank you!

EDIT: I just found this post by Angie from a couple of years ago:

http://youlookfab.com/2007/03/29/the-day-clutch/

I'll make the assumption that this isn't necessarily a season specific trend. I'd still be interested to know what you all thought (since there aren't that many comments on the blog) and also if you some of you do this, how it works for you. Thanks again!

17 years ago

Antje

Veteran

Oh these are so cute! I think most of them would be appropriate for daytime, but it all depends on the outfit. E.g. I find the last one (satin, with the rose) quite evening-bag-like, although even that one could probably be made daytime appropriate if you wear denims and a knit top. If you wear a dress to your lunch then it would look very formal, though. Does that make sense?

I LOVE the Lodis one in Chartreuse, what an awesome color and funky little bag.

Ana

(website)

Thanks Antje! That is a good point--it might depend on the bag AND the outfit. In the case of the satin rose clutch, I would probably go with the golden yellow one (bright, fun color) and pair it with something like my black skinnies and tomato red cardigan. I'm not necessarily planning on buying any of those (although, I think the patched snake clutch is pretty awesome--that one I might keep an eye on for sale time, and the chartreuse one as well, very funky), those were just examples that appealed to me of what I had in my head.

Thanks for the feedback so far!

Patience

Ana, I carry a day clutch sometimes. Antje makes a good point about the outfit and the clutch working together. The one I mostly use is a yellow BR one that somehow just seems day-ish on its own. I've also been considering the jcrew ones but Antje is probably right about the rose one being more evening wear. I thought I would be annoyed with holding a clutch during the day as opposed to putting something over my shoulder but I actually don't mind at all. I think you can only know if this works for you by trying it out though. I recently bought an oversized red patent clutch but I haven't used it during the day yet-- just for going out-- even though I think it would work. It's definitely a good idea to have ideas for outfits to wear with the clutch you ultimately choose. I think this is why the yellow clutch works for me-- I wear a lot of blue. Hope this helps.

yublocka

I've never owned one of these, but I do think they look very cute. Unfortunately I always carry around way too muchcrud to make these practical.

But for on-the-go occasions where you don't need much and you're not likely to need to put them down I think they are a great idea!

Kristen

That blue croc one is my favorite, but I think keeping the rest of your outfit in mind, any of them could be appropriate for day.

Laura

Ana, I love the idea of a day clutch for someone who's unencumbered (i.e. without small kids!). Those of us who can't leave the house without sippy cups and diapers slung over our shoulders in a bag envy you!

Nicole

I like the look of a clutch--(I agree with Antje that the satin one is pretty dressy, but paired with very casual clothes it would be cute--and you could get double duty out of it if you needed an evening clutch). But I aso agree with Angie's blog about clutches being impractical. I suppose if you live in a city and always conscious of your bag being close to your body, it might have some merit to that requirement.

I do have a few small wristlets that I use when I don't want to carry a regular purse. (Which, honestly, isn't very often anymore.) I picked up a robin egg blue Coach wristlet at Marshalls a few years ago. (I don't remember how much I paid, but I'm cheap, so it couldn't have been more than $40). It's big enough to hold my cell, lipstick, cash, and a tiny billfold type holder for my license and debit card. I have another cheaper smaller black one too. I like being able to hook it on my wrist, attach my keys to the strap, or even tuck it in a coat pocket if necessary.

Tanya

I love the idea of the day clutch, and I love a lot of your choices. I personally would never carry them beacuse I find them very unpractical, not so much for the size but for the lack of shoulder strap, I like to have my hands free. But if you don't mind that I can see it working for you beautifully.

Ellen

Active Member

Hi Ana,

I haven't read the other responses (crying baby on lap), so they may have said this already. But anyway...

I just finished reading "Ready to Wear", a wardrobe-organization book by Mary Lou Andre. I found much of it to be outdated, but some of her organization ideas are good. But the one main thought I liked from the book was when she talked about going to lunch with a stylish friend who carried a classic work tote for a meeting, but when they went to lunch she left the tote in the car and pulled a funky clutch out of the tote and carried that. The tote upped her outfit for an outing in a way that may have been too "fun" for a business meeting. I liked that idea a lot - I have done that before and it's also convenient if you need a large tote for part of your day, but want something small for another activity. I think however, I might look for a funky small clutch to go with several of my outfits and try this again.

I see what you guys mean about having your hands free. There are sometimes though when I don't really need my hands free (movies, lunch with a friend, etc.). I like the idea of the wristlet, too. I've carried these and find them really convenient. The patched snake clutch has a chain--that might be slightly more convenient.

Lena

I have a box snake skin clutch with a short chain from BR (got it for $10 on sale). I didn't have many occasions to use it, but I already noticed the chain can get uncomfortable. It's probably trial and error. I'd definitely suggest a wristlet of some sort, especially if you're afraid to lose your things.

I remember catching a Martha Stewart show about oversize handbags, and she suggested having a clutch or a small bag of some sort inside a large bag. Like Ellen said, it's an easy way to be stylish when you need just the basics.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I use a day clutch from time to time. I do not prefer wristlets because I’ve had problems with my wrists and choose not to aggravate them in any way. You need to dress down the look of aday clutch if that makes sense. The one you have chosen are sweet.

Perhaps consider a day clutch that you can actually clutch, like this:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/29.....rchresults

I almost bought it in cream and might tell Father Christmas it’s on my wish list. (They have more colours in store). I love strong angular lines, like the ones on this clutch, with whimsical blouses.

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