Small-handle purse curiosity

Carol

Does anyone use clutches, wristlets, or other small-handled purses? I find that when I wear anything without a shoulder strap, I feel self-conscious--I don't know how to carry it. It's like carrying around a giant trophy, or something.

Is this just a matter of confidence, or is there some trick to it? I'm guessing it's just a matter of getting used to.

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1 year ago

Dressing

13 replies

Latest reply was from AndiB

Roberta

Veteran

I have never quite figured out a clutch with no handle at all, but I do have a couple bags with smaller handles, not shoulder straps. You're right, It is a question of getting used to it. I like having a bag hanging over my wrist, as long as it's not heavy. It feels secure, and yet you still have both hands free.

I often carry wristlets when I travel, because they hold the basics and are always right there in my hand, if you know what I mean. I also have a slightly larger raffia bag like your picture number three, with wooden handles, and I carry that on my forearm and feel a little like Princess Grace.

1 year ago

rachylou

Veteran

That’s interesting. I have discovered I really like being hands free. My purses got smaller and smaller until I pretty much eliminated them entirely. So I’m missing that extra element that could bring something to an outfit. But then I think about how I’m not gonna carry it all day at work anyway, so an outfit has to stand without one.

1 year ago

Roberta

Veteran

Rachylou, you make the best point! So many outfit ideas (Pinterest, etc.) show a bag as added color or texture, but then I think, if its going to be in my desk drawer all day, what's the point?!

1 year ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

With bags, I’ve gotten to the point where, if I can’t wear it over a shoulder, I won’t buy it. My clutches are all convertible to shoulder or crossbody, and these days I really prefer to be hands-free. I’ve even had loops added to a couple of favorite clutches to make them convertible.

1 year ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

"Small trophy," LOL. I love that! It's one reason I've never really liked carrying a clutch.

If I can't wear it across or over the shoulder or as a backpack, I don't wear it. So I need to do what Janet did with a few favourite clutches....

1 year ago

notsaf

Veteran

I'm actually a big fan of clutches and handbags. With handbags, I look for ones I can carry at the elbow or in the hand like an oversized vintage LV speedy I just purchased. With a clutches, I look for ones that I can tuck under my armpit. I don't prefer wristlets, which I find flop about annoyingly. Here are a couple of style photos of the look.

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1 year ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Notsaf, so funny — I can no longer tolerate a bag on my elbow for any length of time! I’ve passed along a couple of bags for that reason.

1 year ago

Anonymous

I'm on team hands free bag too. I own one wristlet that has a bracelet as the handle, but haven't used it in years. They look nice- but so impractical.

1 year ago

Star

Veteran

I am getting more and more into hands free too. When I was a young teen clutches were the rage and I had no worries about carrying it around in my hand or under my arm - that was a thing. I got a clutch in the 2000s and never used it because I was so self conscious carrying it, it took all my attention.

1 year ago

Irina

Veteran

I like hands free but honestly, is not a huge fan of crossbody bags. Yes, I wear them but not because it’s my style preference but rather matter of convenience. Often I don’t like how a strap looks across my chest when wearing a thin fabric like silk (wrinkles). Also, have to ask my DH to make additional holes on straps to wear bags at the shorter length but not always possible. There are no crossbody bags for petite people!

I have one wristlet and bought two bags recently that I can carry by their handles. My one and only clutch has been worn a handful of times years ago. Definitely not something I’d enjoy carrying now.

1 year ago

Carol

(website)

Veteran

I thought I was the only one who couldn't wear these purses! Turns out a lot of you prefer straps. The promotion of small, strapless bags in the media reminds me of all the attention given to "day into evening" wear. I saw an article where a woman pointed out "day into evening" wear just isn't really a thing for most people. Instead of heading to a fundraiser after work, most of us come home. And instead of cute, prim bags, most of us prefer something we can wear while using both hands for all the things we need to do.

I do like the advice of notsaf, because I don't think I've ever thought of wearing them that way.

1 year ago

Val

Active Member

I’m no help. Small things carried in my hands *will* get lost: keys, water bottles, phones, cards… seems to be some sort of cognitive thing. Can’t keep track of them.

1 year ago

AndiB

Veteran

For years I carried structured handbags worn in my elbow crook and loved that so much. I felt polished and elegant. Then I moved to cross body bags and I still have some, also structured in saffiano leather but just don’t favor them any more. Then I went on the prowl for a nice leather Fanny pack! Purchased at an art fair it is beautifully made! I do wear it cross body - as is trending- but it’s thicker strap and flattish lay make it very comfortable and roomy. I really love it.

1 year ago

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