I’m not a bag person. Handbags, totes, backpacks, crossbodies—I dislike them all. I do succumb to these cumbersome, strappy receptacles in my daily life out of necessity (my laptop, books, and gym clothes need some place to be during my work commutes), but I’d go bag-free entirely if I could, stuffing my daily essentials into deep pockets instead.
But the life I’ve chosen for myself at the moment (living in New York City, with places to go and people to see) isn’t conducive to such minimalism—nor have the pockets in most women’s apparel gotten to the place I want them to be. So I begrudgingly sling a tote bag or backpack on my shoulder most weekdays…or at least I did, until I opened my eyes to the underrated yet wonderful clutch.
I’ve come to realize that clutches are a controversial accessory, being that nearly everyone I know is unconvinced of their simplicity, chicness, and practicality. But hear me out.
First, some backstory on these handheld contraptions: Clutches were initially born out of sartorial sexism and classism in the 1920s—sexist because women’s clothing at the time were purposefully designed sans pockets (only men’s clothing were granted them), and classist because only affluent women could afford them. (Here’s an amazing Racked deep dive on their history.) As society and fashion progressed, so did the accessibility of this accessory, to the point where it shouldn’t attract such shade in the twenty-first century.
In 2018 there are myriad handleless bags offered in various sizes that are as every bit as sensible and affordable, and designed to suit whatever your personal style is—from the usual suspects (glittery, sequin-covered, and embellished clutches) to lower-key and casual options (from Rebecca Minkoff Leo clutches that look like oversize envelopes to simple Clare V. circular pouches that can double as fanny packs). My absolute favorite: the soft leather zip clutches from Baggu for their unremarkable plainness: unfussy shapes, simple colors, compact size. (The company refers to these as “leather pouches,” with the idea that users can throw them into even bigger bags, but I love using this zippered sack on its own, with my phone-keys-wallet in tow and tucked under my arm for a breezy night out.)
I love clutches because they force me to pare down to the most important stuff—clutches, in my opinion, offer an exercise in how to be low(er) maintenance while still managing classic impeccability. The primary argument I often hear when people see me with a clutch up my armpit is “Isn’t it annoying to be holding that?” My answer: Sometimes—but, for me, carrying a clutch is a thousand times more preferred than the awful feeling of being weighed down by a heavy strap bag. Not only do my shoulders and back ache from the unbalance, but I’m also constantly having to shift the bag from one arm to another to distribute the discomfort, and it’s an anxiety-fueled nightmare trying to find, say, my Burt’s Bees lip balm in the abyss of a deep tote.
