13 best clutch bags for special occasions 2024: From weddings to the races

Is your diary filling up with weddings, hen parties, and even a trip to the races? I'm in the same club. We all know that as well as finding the perfect outfit, you need the right clutch bag for all these exciting events.

I've failed with clutch bag buying in the past - some have been too small (it didn't even fit my phone!), and some were too heavy (I mean, who wants to carry around a dumbbell?). But you'll be pleased to know that I've learned from my past mistakes which is why I want to find the best clutch bag for all the parties you have coming up.

And clutch bags aren't just for weddings and christenings or Ascot! I love a holiday clutch - you know, the one that you use on vacay when all you need to carry with you is your hotel room key card and a lipstick? The dream.

Best clutch bags - at a glance

Pouch: Anthropologie The Frankie Faux-Leather Clutch Bag, £68 / $80
Crystal: Reiss 'Adaline' Embellished Clutch Bag, £148 / $240
Envelope: Phase Eight Embellished Clutch Bag, £79 / $125
Novelty: South Beach Tan Raffia Wifey Clutch Bag, £34
Wristlet / top handle: LK Bennett Taylor Blue Satin Handbag, £99 / $150
Minaudiere: Cult Gaia 'Eos' Faux-Pearl & Acrylic Clutch Bag, £496 / $510
Budget friendly: Fiorelli 'Valentina' Clutch, £65

How I chose the best clutch bags

Experts in this article

Best clutch bags for evening events

1/13
Mango Pearl-Effect Clutch Bag
© Mango
Mango Pearl Clutch Bag
Key Details:
Height: 4.33in
Width: 8.27in
Depth: 3.15in
Outer material: 100% acrylic
Lining: 100% polyester
Why we love it: Everyone needs a glam evening bag in their diary. It can seriously amp up any outfit, and this one is ideal because it'll be worn all the time come as it'll go with everything.
£49.99 AT MANGO
$79.99 AT MANGO US
2/13
ASOS DESIGN Zip Top Clutch Bag
© ASOS
ASOS Gold Clutch Bag
Key Details:
Height: 18cm
Width: 25cm
Outer material: 100% polyester
Why we love it: This seriously chic clutch bag would be ideal for a wedding look (especially if you're on the hunt for an evening clutch bag) or for a vacation. Wear with any colour you want, but you might want to keep with the metallic gold vibe with your jewellery choices.
£28 AT ASOS
3/13
Cult Gaia 'Eos' Faux-Pearl & Acrylic Clutch Bag
Cult Gaia Pearl Clutch Bag
Key Details
Height: 10cm
Width: 18.5cm
Depth: 6.5cm
Material: 100% acrylic; trims 100% resin
Why we love it: If the Little Mermaid could select a fairy tale clutch from the 21st century, we just know she'd be choosing the Cult Gaia Eos bag. It's just so chic and lots of celebrities and influencers agree - we've spotted this bag on Molly-Mae Hague recently.

£496 AT NETAPORTER
$510 AT NETAPORTER US
4/13
South Beach Tan Raffia Wifey Clutch Bag
© New Look
Wifey Clutch Bag
Key Details:
Outer material: 100% Paper
Lining: 100% Polyester
Detachable strap available
Why we love it: Calling all wives to be, how adorable is this raffia bridal clutch bag for your big day? It comes with a removable strap so you can wear it both ways. Don't forget to pack your tissues during all the speeches.
£34 AT NEW LOOK
5/13
Fiorelli Valentina Clutch Bag in Light Pink
Fiorelli Pink Clutch Bag
Key Details:
Height: 17cm
Width: 29cm
Depth: 5.5cm
Material: Faux leather
Lining: Fully lined with Fiorelli branded lining
Detachable strap
Why we love it: When sparkles or embellishment aren't for you, this minimalist clutch bag will be your saviour. It comes with a detachable strap, and a handy internal pocket to hide your valuables in. Plus, it is actually big enough to hold your phone, lipstick and keys.
£69 at Fiorelli
6/13
Marks & Spencer Collection Metallic Clutch Bag
© M&S
M&S Pink Clutch Bag
Key Details:
Lining: 100% polyurethane
Why we love it: The metallic pink hue is perfect for summer, and the secure magnet fastening keeps your valuables safe.
£25 AT MARKS & SPENCER
$43.99 AT M&S US
7/13
Phase Eight Embellished Clutch Bag
© Phase Eight
Phase Eight Blue Clutch Bag
Key Details:
Height: 13cm
Width: 23cm
Material: 100% Kid Suede
Lining: 100% Polyester
Why we love it: Look beautiful in blue! How beautiful is this embellished clutch bag - perfect for special occasions. Crafted from suede, the stylish envelope clutch bag is designed in a pale blue and features an eye-catching crystal detail on the front.
£79 AT PHASE EIGHT
$125 AT PHASE EIGHT US
8/13
LK Bennett Taylor Blue Satin Handbag
© LK Bennett
LK Bennett Blue Clutch Bag
Key Details:
Height: 20cm
Width: 20cm
Depth: 4cm
Material: Satin
Why we love it: An elevated take on a clutch bag, LK Bennett's new Taylor bag is perfect for all the summer soirees in your diary. It's part of the Ascot collection, Crafted from sumptuous turquoise satin, it's a soft, slouchy, unstructured style with a single looped handle, a cotton lining and two internal pockets.
£99 AT LK BENNETT
$150 AT LK BENNETT
9/13
Accessorize Leather Metallic Fold Over Clutch
© Accessorize
Accessorize Silver Clutch Bag
Key Details:
Height: 17cm
Width: 27cm
Material: Leather
Why we love it: Designed in soft leather with a metallic finish, this clutch is ideal for nights out.
£32 AT ACCESSORIZE
$47 AT ACCESSORIZE
10/13
Reiss 'Adaline' Embellished Clutch Bag
© Reiss
Reiss Embellished Clutch Bag
Key Details:
Height: 12cm
Width: 23cm
Depth: 3.5cm
Dust bag included
Why we love it: This pouch style clutch bag would be dreamy for a hen party and probably would go with every single outfit. The sparkly embellished design makes it look stylish, and the roomy clutch means you can travel with all your essentials.
£148 AT REISS
$240 AT REISS
11/13
Anthropologie The Frankie Faux-Leather Clutch Bag
Anthropologie Tan Clutch Pouch
Key Details:
Height: 17cm
Width: 27cm
Depth: 13cm
Material: 100% Polyurethane
Why we love it: Using a vegan-friendly faux leather fabrication, thiis intricately woven statement pouch is a timeless accessory that could be worn day or night.
£68 AT ANTHROPOLOGIE
$80 AT ANTHROPOLOGIE
12/13
Zara Clutch Bag With Metal Handle
© Zara
Zara Seashell Bag
Key Details:
Height: 22cm
Width: 32cm
Depth: 11cm
If you find carrying a clutch bag a little bit annoying, this bag's gold handle will be ideal for you.
£59.99 AT ZARA
$89.90 AT ZARA US
13/13
Charles & Keith Neva Woven Chain-Handle Bag
© Charles & Keith
Charles & Keith Black Hobo Bag
Key Details:
Height: 15cm
Width: 30cm
Depth: 8cm
Material: Calf PU
Detachable strap provided
A sleek black bag like this will always come in handy. Love the crescent silhouette - it's such a timeless, classic piece. What's more, you have a generous-sized interior.
$79 AT CHARLES & KEITH

Which clutch bag to choose - tips from fashion stylist Ellis Ranson

Influencer & fashion stylist Ellis Ranson

Let your clutch do the talking

"If you like the look of a new trend but not quite ready to dive fully in, you can dip your toes with your accessories and the perfect place to start is with your clutch bag. Whether it’s a bright red, the maximal floral buzz or full-on diamante embellishment, it’s the perfect way to test out new styles whilst still wearing your fail-safe wardrobe staples AND elevating your look."

Digital creator Nina Sandbech opted for a neon pink Valentino clutch

Go big or go home

"Lucky for us, the overstuffed bag trend has arrived and this works out perfectly with all of our beauty products, our change of shoes and our phones & laptops which seem to be growing in size by the minute. Our organised chaos finally fits! Opt for a super-size size clutch for this trend to really work its magic. According to the runway, all your items must be dangling out - but let's be realistic with this trend and stick to the bag just being oversized and zipped up for safety, as we don't want to be losing our favourite heels and lip-gloss on the tube! This trend is great as it means the clutch bag to be a hero in daytime dressing, not just for your evening looks."

The Miu Miu models had some extra cargo on the catwalk

Have fun with novelty

"With summer quickly approaching (although the weather states otherwise!) the rise of the seashell clutch has returned with full force. This style is perfect for holiday dressing, although they might not fit much, they will transform your look. Think about matching ocean-inspired accessories to complete your outfit. The Little Mermaid effect is still making waves (excuse the pun) in the fashion world and this a trend to start looking out for in more than just our accessories."

Fashion influencer Leonie Hanne is making us green with envy in the Maldives with her Chanel seashell clutch bag

Make the most of what you have

"Many of your favourite handbags may already be a clutch in disguise, with many bags having removable straps, and even if they don’t, it’s just all about how you hold it - let your chains hang loose for a relaxed look yet chic look."

Wear your favourite bag - but just hold it as a clutch bag

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Go retro

"The envelope clutch bag is a major throwback for me as it takes me back to my first nights out, teaming a simple clutch with every single look. YSL have always championed this classic shape, keeping it as one of their staple bag offerings and I am excited to see the return on the high street as it really is the staple that never goes out of fashion Keep it tonal and match the colour of your bag to your outfit so it doesn’t distract or take away from your look. Less is more sometimes!"