If you’ve been anywhere near your Twitter account on a recent Thursday evening, you might have noticed that basically everyone on Earth watches (and loves) Scandal. I’m hesitant to admit that I’ve never seen the show, but it’s the next thing up on my catch-up list after I get done re-watching The West Wing on Netflix, which is actually a fairly appropriate progression. In Scandal, Kerry Washington plays legendary Washington D.C. PR pro Olivia Pope, who’s charged with fixing all manner of political disaster before they ever become public.
Kerry also starred in Quentin Tarantino blockbuster Django Unchained, and between those two roles, she’s been making the red carpet rounds something fierce over the past year. Luckily for us, she’s not one of those stars who makes her handlers carry her bag while she poses for photos, not is she the type to carry the same plain, metallic clutch to every event. We’ve got a ton of Kerry’s best red carpet handbag moments, plus a few more casual looks, waiting for you below.
One of the most exciting things about Kerry’s style is that she isn’t afraid to wear color, and sometimes lots of it. Her pale pink Kotur Espey Clutch matches her frock perfectly. Pick up the blue version for $560 via Neiman Marcus.
The Kotur Espey Clutch is once again Kerry’s colorful go-to. Pick up the blue version for $560 via Neiman Marcus.
Sometimes you want a little more to hold on to than a box clutch, and this Gucci Malika Clutch is a fun alternative. Shop Gucci via Neiman Marcus.
Kerry’s clearly a clutch-lover, and no clutch-lover’s collection would be complete without some Bottega. Kerry’s preference is for the Bottega Veneta Elongated Knot Clutch. Pick up the black version for $1,650 via Neiman Marcus.
The Roger Vivier Boite de Nuit is another clutch classic, so naturally, Kerry’s carried one.
I’m not sure what exactly would fit in this Christian Louboutin Python Mini Loubi Lula Clutch, but Kerry’s a pro at this whole thing. Buy a lace version for $1,195.
When at a Chanel event, carry a Chanel Clutch. It only makes sense. (Oh hey, Viola Davis.)
Even bags that aren’t strictly clutches, like this Chanel Classic Flap Bag in dusty view, are used as clutches in Kerry’s wardrobe.
Usually Kerry stays away from being too matchy-matchy, but with a bag like the Christian Louboutin Pigalle Studded Clutch, sometimes you have to wear the matching shoes. (Trust me, they’re down there.) You can pick up the studded version for $1,095 via Neiman Marcus.
If there’s a brand of evening bag that Kerry seems to prefer, it’s Marchesa. This Marchesa Lily Clutch is beautiful against a simple lemon gown. Pick up a very similar Marchesa clutch for $3,295 via Neiman Marcus.
This Marchesa Stingray Box Clutch brings out the subtle purple accents in Kerry’s pale dress. A similar Marchesa stingray clutch is $1,995 via Neiman Marcus.
Here’s Kerry with both a Marchesa Naomi Clutch and Georgina Chapman, co-founder of Marchesa. Shop Marchesa via Neiman Marcus.
This red Marchesa Simonetta Clutch provides the perfect accent for Kerry’s black dress. Shop Marchesa via Neiman Marcus.
But you know what red goes with really well? Red, like with this Jimmy Choo Tube Clutch and Kerry’s fiery gown at the Emmys. Shop the mini version for $975 via Net-a-Porter.
If you love a good clutch but have ethical issues with leather, Kerry’s vegan Jill Milan Holland Park Clutch might be up your alley. $1,700 via Jill Milan.
Kerry’s Jill Milan Art Deco Clutch is also free of animal products. $2,500 via Jill Milan.
The snakeskin of the Dior Black and white Clutch provides a nice textural contrast with Kerry’s black and white dress.
Sometimes, you just want a little black bag, like Kerry’s Louis Vuitton Minaudiere Tresor Clutch.
Kerry also has a slightly larger Louis Vuitton option in her handbag arsenal.
For this year’s Golden Globes, Kerry chose a Prada Satin Minaudiere to complement her Miu Miu dress. Shop Prada via Neiman Marcus.
For the Oscars, Kerry once again reached for a Prada Satin Minaudiere and a Miu Miu frock, this time in lively coral. Shop Prada via Neiman Marcus.
In between the Prada, Kerry chose a Judith Leiber Sunset Python Clutch for the Screen Actors Guild Awards. Buy for $2,795 via Judith Leiber.
Sometimes, you just have to pair Gucci with Gucci, like with this Gucci Broadway Clutch. Shop Gucci via Neiman Marcus.
This grey Nancy Gonzalez Crocodile Front Flap Bar Clutch stands out nicely against Kerry’s polka dot dress. Buy the black version for $1,150 via Neiman Marcus.
Not all of Kerry’s clutches will totally break the bank. The Vince Camuto Signature Ring Clutch clocks in at a cool $250 via Vince Camuto Signature.
Kerry does, occasionally, venture out without a tiny box clutch. This Reed Krakoff Kit XL Clutch totally qualifies as branching out, right? Shop Reed Krakoff via Neiman Marcus.
Ok, ok, Kerry has full-sized bags too, like this Reed Krakoff Atlantique Tote. Buy the all-leather version for $1,490 via Nordstrom.
Kerry seems to also have a penchant for Tod’s bags, like this Tod’s D-Styling Bag. Pick up your own for $1,845 via Nordstrom.
This Tod’s Leather Tote is the definition of a “pop of color.” Shop Tod’s bags via Nordstrom.
Kerry’s Gucci Monogram Satchel is a cute casual option. Shop Gucci via Neiman Marcus.
Kerry’s Dior Cannage Medium Tote is the perfect everyday bag – textured, durable, neutral and roomy.