Five great metallic clutches (because sometimes you really do need a fancy purse)

Among my many, many ill-fated personal style experiments was the period when I decided to become one of those women who carries a clutch on ordinary nights—at a bar, on a date, to birthday parties, etc. There are ladies for whom this works—they are usually fancy and look nice all the time and I bet they don't fill in the scuffs of their black shoes with Magic Marker. I am not them. My little evening bags were always overstuffed and misshapen. I'd carelessly discard them in puddles of beer and, later, when I picked them up, they'd leave wet, purse-shaped, bar-filth tattoos on the side of my boob. Not a good scene.

But there are occasions when one's enormous every day satchel will not suffice, when you need an elegant mini bag to pull together an outfit and look like a classy, grown-ass woman. For those events, I now own a handful of clutches—all of them metallic. The great thing about these pieces is they'll match anything I'm wearing and their designs are classic enough that they'll last me for years. Here are five of my favorites (that you can buy right now).

1. This one's striping effect is modern and sleek and the chain strap means you can gesticulate with ease. Black and Gold Metal Striped Clutch, $27

2. I don't know why, but I imagine this swirly, geometric purse with something red and form-fitting (but honestly it would liven up almost anything). Nine West Deco Quilt Small Metallic Quilted Clutch, $43.90

3. There's something about this that seems very 20's to me, like you should pair it with pin-curls and brick-colored lipstick. La Regale Dip Frame Diamond Bead Purse, $53

4. This one has a splashy, disco-ish gold crinkle that I love. It would be amazing with something slinky and black or even a deep green. Sparkle Metallic Clutch, $60 (on sale from $95!)

5. So, so versatile—you can go with a warm-and-colorful or silvery-chill vibe with this. Necessary Objects City Lights Clutch. $36

Related:
Mistakes I've made: The crochet bikini
Because your summer wardrobe shouldn't cost more than $50: Sandals edition
Because your summer clothes shouldn't cost more than $50: Dresses edition