Once upon a time evening bags were seen as one of the finishing touches to an outfit, now they're enjoying the spotlight. Such are the intricacies of their design - tiny graphic sculptures, and jewel-encrusted works of wonderment, that in some cases you won't even need to wear jewellery.

Embellished clutches are everywhere for Christmas (more is definitely more), also metallic, hyper-shine styles are having a bit of a moment. We're also enjoying clutches that masquerade as different shapes (see Janvier's cylindrical styles). And of course, even if your bag isn't technically a clutch, pop it under your arm and pretend like it is. 

View the gallery for twenty great clutch bags to buy (and dance around) now.