I often see women carrying large bags when attending dinners or parties, and I cannot help wondering: if you are only going out for a meal, not going to work or exercising, what do you need such a large bag for?

Later, I realized that some women believe they must carry the latest designer bag to a party in order to look fashionable. It does not matter whether it is a backpack, an overnight bag, or even a laptop bag. As long as it is the newest style released by a famous brand, they assume it must be the perfect accessory for a party. In fact, this idea is completely wrong.

When attending a dinner or party, the smaller the bag, the better. Whether it is a small chain-strap bag, a mini top-handle bag, or the ever-popular clutch, it should be compact, refined, and elegant.

After all, as mentioned earlier, you are usually only going out for dinner and sometimes simply for a few drinks. Apart from a phone, keys, a small packet of tissues or similarly sized personal hygiene items, a lipstick for touch-ups, some money for transportation, and a credit card for emergencies, there is really no need to carry much else.

For parties, it is best to choose a small and elegant bag. A clutch like the one carried by Poppy Delevingne is perfect for a fashionable party.

Evening bags come in many different styles, but clutches remain the most popular. Adriana Lima paired a heart-shaped clutch with her sexy evening gown, making the overall look more playful, glamorous, and eye-catching.

A clutch is the perfect accessory for an evening dinner or party, but how should you hold it gracefully? Here we demonstrate three simple and elegant ways to carry a clutch, so you will not look as though you are there to collect a debt or ask people for money.

Academy Award-winning actress Helen Mirren gently hooks her fingers around the clutch, creating an effortlessly elegant and graceful look.

Academy Award-winning actress Meryl Streep places one hand on her hip while casually holding her clutch with the other, displaying a relaxed yet confident and commanding presence.

Holding her square clutch as gracefully as if it were a book, supermodel Cindy Crawford needs only a simple pose to exude irresistible fashion appeal.