Meghan Markle is no stranger to the handbag department. Based on how many handbags she carries, we know she is as obsessed with arm candy as we are (and we refer to the store-bought variety, not the Ginger Prince). From leather totes to handheld satchels, the woman hasn’t met a handbag style she didn’t like.

As we have been researching Meghan’s style, we can’t help but notice her flawless taste in clutches. Clutch handbags might seem impractical, but Meghan Markle has shown that they are a versatile closet staple. In fact, she loves them so much, she owns over 25 different clutch styles.
The evening clutch first debuted in the 1920’s, when glamorous Hollywood actresses carried them to red carpet events and parties. The handheld bags still carried rouge and powder, but allowed the clean lines of their elegant gowns to shine.

The original clutch bags only came from the highest of high end designs, like Chanel and Van Clef & Arpels. The average woman didn’t need a tiny sparkly handbag. Today, you can find a clutch handbag anywhere from Target to Tiffany & Co., and they aren’t just for old Hollywood parties.
In fact, clutch bags are ideal for any occasion – just ask any royal woman ever. Royal women from all over the world love a clutch handbag and have been carrying them for decades to everything from polo, to museum gallery openings, to red carpet events. The clutch allows a woman to keep her hands occupied when needed, and can be discreetly tucked under the arm for shaking hands. While carrying a clutch, the shoulders and arms tend to fall in a flattering angle that photographs well – ideal for a Queen, Princess, or Duchess surrounded by photographers. Since becoming a Duchess, Meghan has quickly learned that a clutch can be her friend. She has been seen using these little, elegant bags to occupy her hands at royal events, avoiding an awkward posture or self-conscious hand gestures.

One of the most common questions we are asked is to compare Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, to Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, and surprisingly, we are regularly asked about their preference for handbags. Does Kate prefer clutches, while Meghan prefers totes? Is Kate influencing Meghan, and showing her the royal ropes of carrying a clutch? Absolutely not. The truth is, both women have been known to carry a clutch, a classic leather tote, or a small handheld bag. As any woman, royal or not, knows, there is a time and a place for almost every handbag (so you should probably buy them all).
Speaking of time and place, the clutch bag is no longer reserved for evenings. From raffia and rattan bags in summer, to soft leather clutches year-round, the clutch bag now sees daylight just as often as it once came out to sparkle in the evenings. A clutch is perfect for lunch out with your girlfriends, a day out at a picturesque winery, or a family barbecue. The evening style is always our favorite standby for sexy date nights, formal events, and dinner at our favorite restaurants.

Take a look at all of Meghan Markle’s clutches, from the glamorous evening bag to a casual daytime style: