Hi DIMES!! As many people know, I am the queen of having a huge-ass purse with just about everything you could ever need inside. You could say I’m the modern-day Mary Poppins. But, when it comes to a night out, I transfer my essentials into a clutch instead.

A clutch is my go-to for going out whether it be date night, a party, an event, etc. I have a few cute vintage ones that my mom gave me (shout out to mama Jeri), but I recently got this one from Amazon for an event I went to and I love it! It’s practical, affordable, and elegant all at the same time. I recommend it for sure.

Here’s a picture from the event (unfortunately, I wasn’t holding the clutch in any of the pictures) but you can use the style of dress I wore with the clutch as a reference:

(Try to ignore the giant Budweiser poster on the wall. I’m in college, so oops)

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Deciding what to put in your clutch for a night out can be hard. You want to be minimal and have just the essentials, so let me help you out a little! Here’s what I keep in my clutch:

Clutch Essentials:

 

ID and Debit/Credit Card

These should be a no-brainer, but make sure you double-check that you have them in your bag before you leave the house!

Cash

It’s always a good idea to keep a little bit of cash in your bag for tipping. Also, some places don’t accept cards.

Powder + Small brush

Face powder & a small brush could be helpful if you tend to get a little shiny throughout the night. Plus, you’ll be photo-ready at all times!

Concealer

I always have concealer on hand. Gotta touch up!

Mini Mascara

Not super necessary, but I personally like to keep it in my clutch. My eyes are water constantly because I have bad allergies, so it’s essential for me.

I got the tiny MAC mascara that you see in the photo in my Ipsy Glam Bag. I subscribe to both Ipsy and Birchbox, so I get a lot of sample-size products that come in handy for things like this!

Mini Perfume

These little guys really come in handy. In this bag, I had Pacifica roll-on perfume in the smell Indian Coconut Nectar (I also like the smells Tuscan Blood Orange and Hawaiian Ruby Guava)

Solid perfume is another great option! They’re compact and spill-proof, so perfect for the evening clutch. I used to have a Pacifica solid perfume that I got years ago, but I don’t think they sell solid perfumes anymore! Or at least I can’t find anywhere that does ( if you know where to find them comment below or send me a message! )

Clip or hair tie

My hair usually starts to annoy me after a couple of hours, so I like to have a small clip with me. Depending on what you’re doing, you may get sweaty or mess up your gorgeous hairstyle, so keeping a clip or hair tie could come in clutch! (pun intended)

Mints or gum

This is just common courtesy to those around you.

Lip stick/gloss/balm

If I’m wearing lipstick I like to keep that specific one in my bag for reapplication. But generally, I just keep a good silky balm in my bag. Smith’s Strawberry Lip Balm is one of my personal favorites.

 

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Remember, this is the bare minimum. This list is for a night that will last only a few hours. Here are some more clutch essentials that you may want to consider throwing in your bag:

Clutch Extras:

First aid Items

Advil or Tylenol are good to have around if you’re prone to headaches like me or Tums if you have an uneasy or weak stomach.

Hand sanitizer is usually always with me because I have a fear of germs.

Bandages are also smart to bring in case you start to get blisters or hurt yourself.

Beauty Items

Blotting sheets for those with oily skin (or you could use toilet cover sheets from the bathroom – it actually works, I’ve tried it!)

A mini nail file to fix any breaks or edges that keep catching.

Tissues for correcting makeup smudges – especially if you’re going to a wedding or sad movie.

Safety pins for any wardrobe malfunctions!

Tampons

You’ll definitely want these if you’re on your period or if you think you might start soon.

Pepper spray

I know a lot of girls who have pepper spray on their key chains or in their bags. They even make cute pink ones now! It’s better to be safe than sorry!

Tide to-go Stick

If you’re a messy eater like I am then these Tide to-go sticks are KEY.

Portable phone charger

I keep a portable charger in my main purse and I end up using it almost every day. I got it before Coachella because I was camping and I love love love it! It has 4 extra charges in and a built-in plug for when you need to recharge the charger. But, my favorite part about it is that it has built-in cables (iPhone & Micro USB) so you don’t need to remember your own!

Condoms & birth control pills

This one’s pretty self-explanatory. If you’re on the pill and you take it at night, then you already know this must be in your bag. Be safe!

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I hope this helped you pick your clutch essentials. Now you’re ready to relax and enjoy your night out!

 

What are some of your evening clutch essentials? Let me know in the comments below!

xoxo

DD