Jenna Williams for E!Let's be real: We have a tendency to exaggerate our "essentials."
Do you really need to carry your wallet, a change of clothes and a can of dry shampoo at all times? This begs the question we're constantly asking ourselves when watching red carpet events: What exactly do celebs pack in those itty-bitty box clutches?
The reality is that their assistants help ferry their additional goods to and fro. For us regular folk, however, we have no choice but to optimize the space a tiny—albeit oh-so pretty—bag can provide.
For all your clutch moments, here's how to pack it in like a pro.
First, decide what exactly your essentials entail for that particular event. Here, we chose items critical for a successful night on the town: lip balm and lipsticks (for instant touchups), blotting papers, a few hair accessories like bobby pins and a hair band (should you need to keep your hair out of your face for whatever reason…), gum, keys and, most importantly, your precious phone.
Next, start with your largest object—the phone—and place it against the wall of the clutch. Consider forgoing the case for a night—but only if you're going to be extra careful. Read: No drunk dials, please.
Align similar-shaped items next to it, like the blotting papers and a stick or two of gum, which is thinner than breath mints.
Only pack your ID and one credit card. If you need to bring cash, bring one big bill instead of several small ones.
Separate essential keys (home and car) from the ring and slide them in right on top of the paper package.
Opt for lipstick tubes that are rectangular, so that they can securely stack on top of one another.
Then, top off the clutch with a slender tube of lip balm and your hair accessories. You might have to finagle these in between the crevices.
Finally, make sure the clutch can close with ease. You don't want to open it, mid-event, and have everything fly out. In this instance, we could have packed one more small item inside, but chose to go without.
Again, only the essentials, people.