Carrying a clutch handbag during the day seems like a bad idea because it’s impractical for a myriad of reasons. They won’t hold all your stuff. They aren’t hands-free. You might leave them behind after you’ve set them down. The concept is just really awkward. I know. I thought exactly the same thing, leaving all my clutches for evening dates and fancy occasions. 

Yet, I persevered because I love the look of a daytime clutch. After my first road test of the concept, I was surprisingly hooked. I am now comfortable enough to shop with a client all day, or do errands with a daytime clutch, and not feel hindered in the slightest. Granted, I do not carry a lot in my handbag to start off with, and apart from the Chanel clutch, the ones I use are all mid-sized. I’ve just added an oversized clutch to my handbag capsule and like carrying that too, although my preference is for the mid-sized.

Here’s why I’m a daytime clutch carrying convert:

1. They look modern: There is something about the aesthetic that screams “graphic modern fabness” to my eye, especially when the clutches are rectangular with sharp corners.
2. They look minimal: Their strap-free integrity adds a simpler element to your outfit, which personally speaks to my minimal style.
3. They look different: Wearing a clutch during the day makes a different type of fashion statement to the oversized handbag.
4. They are unfussy: I’ve found carrying a clutch less fussy when they are mid-sized or smaller. Less bag equals less fuss. The fact that they are not hooked onto a body part, like a shoulder or elbow, makes me feel more carefree. And when I need both hands, I pop my clutch under my arm. That little trick works like a charm.
5. They are kind to your neck and shoulders: I generally don’t carry bags on my shoulder or across my body because I find these styles less comfortable. Neck and shoulder pain is often the result of this type of bag style. So I clutch the straps of my satchels in one hand, or hook them into the crook of my arm. The way I already carry my satchels made carrying a daytime clutch less of a stretch.
6. They force you to carry fewer items: I’ve pared down the contents of my handbag even further to accommodate my smaller clutches. Lighter handbags make me happy.
7. You need a style change: Handbags are my favourite wardrobe item and very much part of my outfit. I’m enjoying how a clutch makes my daytime outfits look and feel different.

I still carry my satchels with pleasure, and prefer non-clutch handbags when I’m wearing a wool coat. Most of all I’m enjoying the change of switching out my satchels for clutches. The effect, for the moment, feels fresh.

Have I converted anyone to Team Daytime Clutch, even if it’s just over the weekend and for a short space of time? If you’re not convinced, I challenge you to road test the concept just once!