This Bag Trend May Be Annoying, But Nothing Makes an Outfit Look More Expensive

I'm usually pretty receptive to just about any bag trend, but there's one current one that I've been reluctant to touch because it's just plain annoying. I want my bags to be easy to carry, roomy enough to hold my essentials, and of course, chic. When a bag trend doesn't check these boxes, I usually skip it. But there is one current trend that doesn't check these boxes but that I still want. The trend is elegant clutches, which may not be hands-free or all that roomy, but they make an outfit look so chic and expensive that I just don't care.
If you want a very relevant example, take a look at A Complete Unknown actress (and current Oscar nominee) Monica Barbaro. While doing press in NYC this week, she paired two different suits with the same croc-embossed structured clutch bag by Jacquemus. Sure, her outfits already looked expensive, but the bag made them look even more expensive. Just think what one could do for jeans and a T-shirt. If I've convinced you to carry a clutch and be slightly annoyed while doing it but look incredibly elegant and rich, keep scrolling to shop a handful of options (that capture the vibe of Barbaro's) that I have my eye on.
On Monica Barbaro: Jacquemus suit and The Salon Croc-Embossed Leather E/W Clutch ($1390)
On Monica Barbaro: Victoria Beckham suit and bodysuit; Jacquemus The Salon Croc-Embossed Leather E/W Clutch ($1390)
Shop Chic Clutch Bags

Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater arts. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.
-
Old Navy Just Launched Its New Fall Handbag Collection—and It Looks Rich
Soft faux suedes and sophisticated silhouettes.
-
Abercrombie Sucked Me Back Into Its Orbit With These 25 Incredibly Chic Fall 2025 Finds
So, so good.
-
People With Impeccable Taste Swear By COS—21 Chic Sale Finds to Take Advantage of Right Now
Did you say 25% off? Yes, please.
-
I'm a Fashion Editor on a Budget—27 Incredibly Chic Fall Finds That Will Get You More Bang for Your Buck
Stellar under-$150 finds right this way.
-
These 32 Elevated Nordstrom and Zara Finds Make Getting Ready So Much Easier (and Chicer)
Here's to effortless outfits.
-
By October, You'll Understand Why This Specific Bag Trend Is So Popular Among Fashion People Who "Get It"
Andy Sachs gets it.
-
Fashion People Are Reaching For Little Beaded Bags Right Now—31 Chic Styles That Have My Attention
From Zara to Fendi.
-
I Know Summer's Not Over, But I Can't Get These 45 Affordable Suede Finds Off of My Mind
These look so luxe.