In the early 1800s, rich ladies used to carry their handkerchiefs and little accessories in small purses called reticules. Reticules looked the clutches that we see today. Clutches went out of fashion earlier in the nineteenth century but the World War II brought them back to the platform since less material was required to manufacture them and they were fit for war time psyche.
Clutches are in fashion as evening handbags and party bags for carrying only the essentials. They also add up as a style statement and act as a fashion accessory. However, because of their small size and the requirement of a woman to keep in cell phones, PDAs etc., clutches are not suited as regular use bags.
You can find clutch bags of every shape, size and form in stores all over the United Kingdom. Covered with satin, leather, sequins or brocade, one can find a clutch made of every possible material and one suitable for every occasion. Trendiest clutch bags seen these days are made of the in trend lace and if you really want to splurge on a clutch, get one made out of pure silver or buy a studded clutch from Swarovski.