The 10 Best clutch bags

Whether it’s a night hitting the dance floor or a family wedding, the right bag can be the final flourish an outfit needs

1. Smythson

This hot pink “chameleon” clutch with a detachable shoulder strap is just the ticket for when you need to add a hit of colour to your look. The understated style is a good example of how this traditionally eveningwear accessory can also work with daywear.

£495, smythson.com

2. Bally

You still can’t beat a box clutch when it comes to  formal occasions – this extravagant ribbon-etched design will see you safely through the wedding and racing season, as long as you don’t abandon it on any dirty dancefloors.

£895, bally.com

3. DVF

A quirky style from New York based designer Diane Von Furstenberg, this bag is more an item made to be admired then a practical, functioning accessory. You may not fit much more than a phone, lippy and credit card inside but the bag is certain to make a statement with its cylindrical design and embroidered lip motif.

£315, 0207 499 0886

4. Karen Millen

Leopard is set to be a big trend for autumn/winter with designers including Burberry Prorsum and Simone Rocha featuring it in their collections. Start off small with the ostentatious print with this leopard clutch: the zip front is a great hardware detail that helps to break up the pattern.

£99, karenmillen.com

5. Zara

Snakeskin was one of the biggest print stories of the season and isn’t set to go anywhere with Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci and Rochas all opting to show the print for autumn/winter. This version from Zara comes with a more subtle reptilian design and has an added design detail of a leather wrist band so you don’t lose it on the dance floor.

£29.99, zara.com

6. ASOS

The classic colour pairing of red and black is updated here with a texture mix, thanks to a leather flap that contrasts with the felt of the main pocket. Flattened, oversized clutches are here to stay but the cut-out handle means you can also carry this.

£45, asos.com

7. Esprit

Add a flash of metallic to your look with this simple leather pouch-style bag. Perfect for wardrobe  minimalists as silver works with almost any other colours – wear now with whites and pastels for a summery look but it’ll still goes with the darker shades of autumn and winter.

£45, esprit.co.uk

8. Charlotte Olympia

London-based footwear and accessories designer Charlotte Olympia is loved by her devoted followers for her whimsical, retro pieces. This version of her hit  Pandora clutch is a special edition in honour of the Veuve Clicquot Gold Cup and the champagne  colour is embroidered with bubbles.

£695, harrods.com

9. Sophia Webster

Shoe designer Sophia Webster has been making waves in the fashion world with her unique approach to accessory design, and this option is for those who like their handbags on the playful side. The white leather clutch in the shape of a speech bubble has a rather natty pull tab fashioned into an exclamation mark.

£340, brownsfashion.com

10. Warehouse

The easiest way to brighten up an otherwise plain outfit is with a bold accessory, while red or silver may be your first thought, electric blue packs a punch that is a bit more unexpected. This design from Warehouse comes in budget-friendly faux leather.

£26, warehouse.co.uk