How to Style a Clutch with Indian Outfits: 10 Looks That Actually Work

Often, people view the clutch as one of the last items to choose when preparing for a wedding.
However, this bag can perform much more functions than holding your cell phone and lipstick.
The right clutch will complement the simplicity of the attire, highlight a colour in the embroidery, balance an embellished lehenga or add an Indian twist to a contemporary outfit.
Also, you don't necessarily need to match the colour of your bag with your outfit.
Sometimes, it is better to think of the clutch as a complementing accessory that will make your look complete.
In this post, we'll discuss how to style your clutch with sarees, lehengas, shararas, kurta sets and modern Indo-western attires.

No More Wedding Accessories Only

For many years, the clutch was seen as an indispensable accessory for weddings, receptions and evening events.
Now, this beautiful bag can complete festive outfits for day and night parties, intimate events and even a dinner or an Indo-western attire.
Here's what you need to keep in mind when choosing a bag:

• the silhouette of the outfit
• the amount of detailing on the outfit
• the visual weight of the clutch

Instead of asking yourself, "Which clutch matches my outfit?", you can start thinking, "Which clutch will complement my outfit?"
This slight shift in the question can significantly affect how you will style the clutch.

Style 1: Clutch + Saree

Nothing is more elegant than a saree and a clutch.
However, the type of the bag greatly depends on the saree.

Structured Saree → Structured Clutch

If you are wearing a crisp, silk, organza or structured saree, a structured bag will complement it perfectly.
Consider:

• rectangular shapes
• metallic detailing
• minimal embroidery
• sculptural designs

The neat shape of the clutch will balance the structure of the saree.

Soft Saree → Embellished or Pearl Clutch

If you have a flowing saree made of chiffon, georgette or other soft fabrics, an elaborately decorated or a pearl bag can create an interesting combination.
You can decorate it with beads, pearls, embroidery and other embellishments to add texture to your look.

Plain Saree → Statement Clutch

This is your chance to be more creative.
A white, black or colourful saree will allow you to introduce some:

• colourful embroidery
• beads
• sequins
• floral prints
• metallic detailing

Instead of accentuating yourself with statement pieces such as jewelry or headpieces, make the clutch your statement accessory.
If you prefer clean silhouettes, Ashriyaa's Classic Rectangles collection may serve as a good starting point for styling sarees.

Style 2: Clutch + Lehenga

Lehenga is always a statement garment.
Therefore, you will have to be more cautious with the clutch choice.

Elaborate Lehenga → Refined Clutch

If your lehenga is covered with:

• dense embroidery
• sequins
• zari
• heavy borders
• intricate motifs

there is no need in an additional statement accessory.
In this case, you can use a refined clutch.
It can be decorated with pearls, metallic elements or have a neat, structured silhouette.

Minimal Lehenga → Statement Clutch

In case of the minimalist lehenga, you have more freedom.
This is your opportunity to introduce:

• bold embroidery
• colourful detailing
• statement pearls
• sculptural brass
• artistic motifs

Think of the clutch as an accessory that defines the look.

Style 3: Clutch + Anarkali

As Anarkali is a flowing garment, you should be careful when choosing an accessory that would complement the style.
If your Anarkali has details such as embroidery near the neckline or bodice, select a clutch that will highlight one of the tones or textures of your outfit without copying the pattern.
For the heavily embroidered Anarkali, try refined pearl, metallic or minimally embroidered clutches.
For the minimalist Anarkali, consider colourful or statement embroidered clutches.
In some cases, you can even use your accessory as a contrasting one.
A green saree combined with a champagne clutch looks more elegant than two green clutches which complement each other perfectly.

Style 4: Clutch + Sharara

Sharara sets are festive outfits, which means that you can play with your accessory more freely.
You can choose a bag which will add colour and texture to your look.

Experiment with Colourful Embroidery

A multicoloured bag can help you pick up different shades of your sharara, although not matching the colour of the base of the garment.

Use Pearl Details

Pearls will look great together with soft and pastel sharara sets.

Consider Potli Shape

In case of your sharply traditional sharara, a potli will help you create the same mood.
If you prefer more traditional Indian silhouettes with modern touches, you can take Ashriyaa's The Potli Studio as a source of inspiration.
What you need to take into account is the proportions of the outfit.
An overly flared sharara will already look voluminous, so an oversized accessory will seem excessive.
Thus, a compact clutch or potli may help you achieve the balance.

Style 5: Clutch + Saree for a Reception

Reception outfit is different from a bridal one.
There is no need to be extremely traditional and glamorous in order to look beautiful and feminine.
In this case, you can rely on sophisticated clutches.
They may consist of:

• pearl details
• brass
• metallic finish
• structured silhouette
• champagne
• silver
• subtle embellishment

A sculptural pearl or brass clutch will create a sophisticated contrast with your flowing saree.
If you are looking for something suitable for an evening party, take into consideration Ashriyaa's Pearl Brass Series, which features statement clutches that include pearl details and brass constructions.
The most important thing is to be moderate.
If your saree is already embellished, you can accentuate it using a refined clutch.

Style 6: Clutch + Indo-Western Outfit

Forget about the traditional equation – Indian outfit + traditional clutch.
Experiment by combining a handcrafted clutch with:

• draped skirts
• Indo-western dresses
• saree gowns
• crop tops and skirts
• contemporary jackets worn with ethnic separates
• modern fusion garments

A sculptural bag will help you add the element of Indian craftsmanship to your look without making it overly traditional.
For example, the collection of Vyanika created by Ashriyaa consists of the sculptural half-moon brass silhouettes which are decorated with mother-of-pearl, silverwork, hammered metal and wire filigree.
The products of this collection are positioned for sarees, contemporary gowns and Indo-western looks.
Therefore, you can see how an Indian-inspired handcrafted accessory can become multifunctional.
(ashriyaa.com)
This will be especially helpful if you want your accessory to be distinctive rather than traditional "wedding-only".

Style 7: Clutch + Simple Kurta Set

You don't have to wear a wedding gown to wear a beautiful clutch.
A simple kurta set will provide you with one of the greatest opportunities for creating a statement look with the help of an accessory.
For example:

• white kurta set + colourful embroidered clutch
• black kurta set + pearl clutch
• pastel kurta set + metallic clutch

The simplicity of the outfit will give you enough space for adding a statement accessory.
Instead of introducing numerous jewelry, headpieces or elaborate earrings, use a clutch as your hero accessory.
This technique will be especially helpful in the following situations:

• festive lunches
• family gatherings
• Diwali celebrations
• dinner dates
• cultural events
• small celebrations

You will find more occasions for wearing your clutches.

Style 8: Clutch + Pastel Indian Outfit

Pastels are tricky to style.
Too dark or too heavy accessory can spoil your delicate pastel outfit.
Try to introduce:

• pearl
• ivory
• champagne
• soft gold
• rose gold
• silver
• muted floral embroidery

Pearl detailing will enhance the softness of your pastel outfit without spoiling it.
For example, an ivory or champagne clutch will look more elegant combined with the blush pink saree than the identical pink clutch.
Similarly, a mint green outfit will look beautiful with the addition of silver or pearl detailing.
Thus, you need to emphasize the softness of the outfit without ruining it.

Style 9: Clutch + Monochrome Outfit

A monochrome outfit is the best opportunity to have a statement accessory.
If you are wearing one dominant colour, a clutch can help you diversify your look.
For instance:

• all-black outfit + colourful embroidered clutch
• all-ivory outfit + antique-gold clutch
• all-white outfit + vibrant floral clutch
• all-navy outfit + silver embellished clutch

You don't have to introduce too many colours.
One right clutch will be enough.
The embroidery or floral print can help you introduce several complementary tones in your look without overwhelming your outfit.

Style 10: Clutch + Contemporary Evening Look

Who says that a handcrafted clutch has to be combined with Indian clothing?
A gorgeous clutch can be combined with:

• evening gowns
• slip dresses
• satin dresses
• tailored separates
• cocktail dresses
• minimal evening looks

The most important thing here is the visual weight of the clutch.
The heavily embroidered clutch will look outstanding against the backdrop of the simple gown because it acts as a clean surface.
Sculptural pearl or brass clutches will also add the unexpected element to your contemporary look.
Thus, the handcrafted accessories can become even more interesting.
They don't have to make your outfit more traditional.
They have to make it more individual.

How to Match Your Clutch Without Actually Matching It

One of the most common mistakes is trying to match your accessories perfectly.
If you are wearing a pink lehenga, you will get a pink clutch.
In case of the gold embroidery, you will purchase the gold clutch.
In case of the pearl jewellery, you will choose the pearl accessory.
However, the result can be too harmonious sometimes.
Try to think about visual connections.

Match the Mood

Your sophisticated saree can be combined with the sophisticated structured clutch even if their colours are different.

Match the Texture

Pearls will complement your silk.
Embroidery will complement the woven fabrics.
The metallic detailing will complement your satin.

Match One Tone

If your outfit has five colours in its embroidery, choose a clutch that will pick up one of them.

Create Contrast

Contrasting clutch will make your outfit more diverse.
The goal is not to make your clutch blend into your outfit.
The goal is to make it look like a part of the outfit.

5 Clutch-Styling Mistakes to Avoid

Even the best clutch can become inappropriate if it is used in the wrong way.
Here are five mistakes you have to avoid.

1. Matching Every Accessory Exactly

Your clutch, shoes, jewellery and outfit don't have to be of the same tone and colour.
Choose harmony instead of the identical colours.

2. Choosing a Clutch That Is Too Small

It doesn't matter how beautiful the clutch is.
If it can't fit your phone, cards and other essentials, it won't be useful.
Always check the size of the clutch before purchasing it.

3. Combining Heavy Jewelry With a Heavily Embellished Clutch

If you are wearing elaborate earrings and necklace, don't choose an equally embellished clutch.
You need to leave one hero element.

4. Ignoring the Undertones of the Clutch

Not every gold looks the same.
Gold can be warm and yellow or antique and champagne-toned.
Similarly, silver can range from the bright and cool to the darker and muted.
Thus, pay attention to the undertones of your accessories and outfit.

5. Carrying a Clutch Unsuitable for the Occasion

If you are having a daytime family gathering, a heavily embellished bridal-style clutch may look excessive.
On the other hand, a very minimal clutch may disappear in the midst of an elaborately decorated reception outfit.
Always consider:

• Where are you going?
• What are you wearing?
• How formal is the occasion?

How to Choose a Clutch That Can Be Worn with Different Outfits

You don't need a separate clutch for each occasion.
Instead, choose the accessories that can be worn with multiple looks.
For example, a sophisticated pearl or metallic clutch can work with:

• a saree
• a lehenga
• an evening gown

A brightly coloured embroidered clutch can be worn with:

• a plain saree
• a kurta set
• a sharara

A structured neutral clutch can be worn with:

• a formal saree
• an Anarkali
• a contemporary dress

Thus, versatility is the main aspect you need to consider when purchasing an occasion bag.
Clutch that can be worn with three outfits is likely to become your wardrobe staple.

What to Carry in Your Clutch?

Apart from styling considerations, practical aspects should be taken into account as well.
For most occasions, you will need:

• phone
• cards
• some cash
• lipstick
• compact
• keys
• small essentials

Don't fill your clutch with everything you have just because you can.
Overfilling can change the shape of the clutch and make it uncomfortable to carry.
If your clutch has a detachable sling chain, you can switch the carrying method during the event.
Currently, several Ashriyaa designs come with a detachable sling chain, including Vyanika and selected embroidered and embellished clutches. (ashriyaa.com)

The Right Clutch Should Be a Part of Your Outfit

The best styling isn't about following a formula.
It is about balance.
A structured saree can be complemented by the structured clutch.
A simple saree can carry the statement design.
A heavy lehenga can be balanced with the refined clutch.
A pastel outfit can be complemented with the pearls.
The monochrome look can become more diverse with the contrasting clutch.
The contemporary gown can be complemented with the handcrafted Indian-inspired accessory.
Thus, the good clutch doesn't simply complete the look.
It allows you to express yourself.
When styling your outfit, don't choose your clutch last.
Take a look at the entire outfit.
Then ask yourself a question:
Do I want my clutch to blend in, balance my look or be a statement?
After finding the answer, choosing the right accessory becomes much easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which clutch looks best with a saree?

Depending on the type of the saree (fabric, colour, structure, embellishment), you can choose one of the options.
Structured sarees can be matched with structured clutches.
Soft sarees can be complemented with the embellished or pearl bags.
Plain saree provides you with the opportunity to wear a statement clutch.

What clutch should I wear with a lehenga?

If your lehenga is densely embellished, choose a refined clutch that won't compete with your outfit.
In case of the minimalist lehenga, you can accentuate your look with the statement, embroidered, pearl or sculptural clutch.

Should my clutch match my Indian outfit?

You don't have to match your clutch to your outfit.
Instead of the matching your accessories, you have to pay attention to the complementary colours, textures and metallic finishes.
You can choose the colours that will pick up one of the tones in your outfit's embroidery.

Can I wear a clutch with a salwar suit?

Yes, of course.
A clutch can make your simple salwar or kurta set more elegant and festive.
In case of the minimal outfit, an embroidered or statement clutch can add colour and texture without the need in multiple accessories.

What colour clutch goes with most Indian outfits?

The shades such as ivory, champagne, gold, silver and black are versatile.
However, the versatility also depends on the design and detailing of the clutch. There may be instances where a clutch made up of several complementary colors works better than a highly specialized clutch of a single color.

Is it possible to carry a handmade clutch with Western attire?

Yes, a clutch that is structured, sculptural, pearl, metallic or embroidered works wonderfully well with a modern dress or an evening gown. A simple dress can be the ideal base to go with a statement clutch.

What kind of clutch will work well with a wedding reception?

Structured pearl, brass, metallic or embroidered clutch works really well for weddings receptions. You can opt for how much embellishment you want to add based on the kind of dress you are wearing.

Can I carry a clutch during a long wedding event?

Yes, you can, but remember comfort first. See how heavy the clutch is and what its size is and see how easy or difficult it is to carry. A clutch with a chain which can be detached helps greatly at such events.