For Christmas, my stylish mother gifted me this darling clutch handbag. It’s small yet not too small, sleek and fancy yet not too fancy, and a good mix between casual and dressy. I’ve never owned a clutch and I think the only time I have ever used one was decades ago while attending high school formal dances. Oh, that just made me feel old.

At first I thought, when will I ever use this? You see, I barely use a purse. Not because I don’t want to, I’m just lazy and forget half the time. I’m on a quest, though, to be more stylish, actually adapting the advice and tips my stylistas give.

Gone are the days when carrying a clutch was simply left for the select few red carpet goers or the sparsely numbered times per year (or, in my case, lifetime) when the event or wardrobe warranted such an accessory. Yep, the clutch is now paired with casual/everyday wear.

According to Guide The Chic Fashionista, here are few guidelines to picking out the right clutch for you:

• Petites should opt for a smaller clutch
• Tall girls should opt for a longer or larger clutch
• Plus size girls should look for structured or boxy clutches
• If you’re thin you should look for softer, rounded clutches
• If you’re a petite plus size, then go for small but structured clutches.

And some stylish ideas on how to wear the clutch handbags:

• Let it match with your shoes, jewelry and other accessories. Like for example a blue envelope clutch with a beautiful blue beaded necklace.
• If you’re wearing a multi-colored dress or top then pick one of the colors from the blend and wear it as a bag
• Get to know the color wheel and find other complementary colors to your outfit.

However, if you’re like me and like to break all the rules, then go for the clutch you like the best. (I just might be hearing from my stylistas now.)