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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UFL chapter.

 

A clutch is a girls best friend. Well, not exactly, but they come pretty close! I know as college students we can’t exactly afford to go buy a clutch to for every single outfit, but these simple accessories are essential when completing an outfit for a night out on the town. For example, a neon clutch can add a little spice to a classic but plain LBD (little black dress).  Here’s a guide to shopping for clutches the smart and affordable way (All of the clutches below are less than $30):

1. Charlotte Russe 
Although Oaks Mall has yet to notice the necessity of having a Charlotte Russe here in Gainesville, there is still a great online store. Here, bags run from $10.99 to $27.99. Shop at Charlotte Russe if you’re looking for a cute, studded bag. Clutches at this store usually have a shoulder strap, which can be tucked into the bag itself to go strapless; this allows ladies to always have the option of going hands free for the night, which can definitely come in handy when you’re out drinking with friends at Midtown.

2.  Forever 21 
Forever 21 has a great selection of colors and prints to choose from. These clutches usually cost between $7.80 and $27.80. Forever 21 also has a lot of oversized clutches, which are going to be a necessity this fall. These are great because they can hold more of our girly must-haves, such as lipgloss (because us girls tend to have thousands). Plus, an oversized clutch can be very versatile. The patent leather clutch from Forever 21 (above, right) can easily turn an outfit you wore all day look fresh for a nighttime ensemble.

3.  H&M  
Bags from this store are a little pricey, but they are still under $30. Like Forever 21, H&M has different types of oversized clutches. The store also sells clutches with great prints like the snakeskin purse pictured above. Printed items are quite the trend right now, but you’ll want to be careful not to mix animal prints together.

4.  Old Navy 
Old Navy may not be the obvious store to go to for clutches, but they have a nice selection. so don’t knock it until you try it. Check out this store for clutches to go with your everyday outfits. If you have a cheetah print dress on, try a plain black or red color clutch to bring the outfit together.

 

Photo Sources:
Photo 1: http://www.charlotterusse.com/
Photo 2: http://www.forever21.com/ 
Photo 3: http://www.hm.com/us/ 
Photo 4: http://oldnavy.gap.com

Meghan is a journalism major at the University of Florida. She considers home to be Tampa, FL, but she was born and raised in Long Island, NY. Meghan plans on moving back to New York the day after graduation. She is a pop culture junkie, hoarder of fashion magazines and she also loves pink.
Cara oversees Her Campus Media's community department and serves as strategic lead for the expansion, development and management of all HCM communities, including the Her Campus Chapter Network, InfluenceHer Collective, College Fashionista, Spoon University, Campus Trendsetters, alumni and high school. She works closely with company leadership to develop new community-related sales offerings and the Integrated Marketing team to support all community-focused client marketing programs from end to end. Cara has experience working with high-profile talent, such as Jessica Alba, Andrew Yang, Amber Tamblyn, Aja Naomi King, Troian Bellisario, Jessica Marie Garcia, Nico Tortorella, Nastia Liukin, Rebecca Minkoff, Cecile Richards and Samantha Power, as well as brands like Coca-Cola, L'Oréal Paris, The New York Times, HBO, Uber, H&M and more. Having been a part of the HC family since 2011, Cara served as Campus Correspondent of the HC chapter at the University of Florida where she studied journalism, women’s studies and leadership. A New Yorker turned Floridian, Cara has a Friends quote for any situation. You can usually find her with her friends and family at the beach, a concert or live sports event or binge-watching Grey's Anatomy or Sons of Anarchy. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter @thecararose.