The crossbody bag is the perfect option for everyday. Not only are they easy-to-wear, but they also have a definite haven’t-tried-too-hard vibe that should be perfect with any casual look. Below, are my picks of the best crossbody bags this season for all budgets.
What is a crossbody bag
First of all, exactly what is a crossbody bag and how does it differ from other bag styles you could choose?
A crossbody bag pretty much does exactly what is says on the tin. It is a bag with a long shoulder strap so you can wear it across your body, keeping your hands free.
Rena (above) wears her crossbody bag with a denim jacket and maxi skirt.
Get her look with this similar crossbody bag, lace top, denim jacket, skirt, boots and belt.
Reasons to choose a crossbody bag
1. You want to keep your hands free
There are plenty of reasons you might want to keep your hands free. Perhaps you’re out and about running errands, or you’re shopping and want to be able to browse without having to carry a bag in your hand. A crossbody is the answer.
2. You’re traveling
Because you can wear it across your body, a crossbody bag tends to be more secure and convenient if you’re traveling or sightseeing. You might also want to take a look at the best travel purses for some stylish, security conscious choices.
3. You’re wearing a casual outfit
Of course, you can use a crossbody bag for a more formal occasion, but this style really comes into its own as part of your casual everyday wear. If you aren’t sure what bag to carry with your jeans, t-shirt and sneakers outfits, a crossbody could be perfect.
A crossbody is timeless
Some bag styles come and go with the seasons. For example, I’ve seen one-strap shoulder bags that you carry high on your arm come into fashion in the 1990s, go “out” again and then come back on trend this year. However, a classic crossbody is truly timeless, making it a good investment.
Sandra (above) mixes the classic style of a crossbody with two current handbag trends – reptile textures and the circular shape.
Check out this similar crossbody bag from Brahmin, top, blazer, jeans, sneakers, earrings, sunglasses and head wrap.
the best crossbody bags
Which cross-body bag should you choose?
Let’s take a look below at some crossbody handbags for daywear, evening, for traveling and, as many of you will soon be heading into the summer season, some crossbody styles especially designed for warmer weather.
Everyday crossbody bags
Sally (above) opts to wear her crossbody bag from Gucci with an easy-breezy maxi skirt that would be ideal for sightseeing on a vacation or staycation.
Complete her outfit with this similar top, skirt, sandals, necklace and sunglasses.
Let’s take a look at some more options you could choose…
the marc jacobs
Marc Jacobs’ leather crossbody (below) is perfect for casual outfits as the contrasting strap lends this style a slightly sporty vibe. Plus, you can always take the strap off and turn it into a crossbody for evening.
The Marc Jacobs Leather Crossbody Bag
tory burch
The McGraw range at Tory Burch has a classic feel with a slight bohemian edge because of the tassels.
Tory Burch McGraw Leather Crossbody Bag
nordstrom
When looking at the brands you might choose from, don’t discount own brands like Nordstrom. The Phoebe leather crossbody (below) is an absolute classic and comes in a choice of neutrals, pastels and brights.
Nordstrom Phoebe Leather Crossbody Bag
rebecca minkoff
To add a bit of rock chick edge to your look, how about choosing a crossbody with some chains and studs like the Rebecca Minkoff option (below)
Rebecca Minkoff M.A.B. Leather Bag
kurt geiger london
Reptile textures as featured on the Kurt Geiger crossbody (below) are particularly on trend right now, while also being a very timeless option.
Kurt Geiger London Richmond Croc Embossed Leather Crossbody Bag
madewell
Another of Nordstrom’s brands, Madewell is a good option when looking for classic style that won’t date like the tote-crossbody hybrid (below).
Madewell The Small Transport Crossbody Bag
allsaints
A good mid range option that feels a little edgy while still being classic enough to go with any style, the AllSaints leather crossbody (below) can also be adapted to carry as a shoulder bag.
ALLSAINTS Kita Leather Shoulder/Crossbody Bag
coach
COACH’s courier bag is a satchel style that should suit your perfectly if you like a preppy look.
COACH Courier Leather Convertible Bag
longchamp
Classic and classy, the Longchamp Le Pilage (below) is one of those bags that is likely to get better with age.
Longchamp Le Pliage – Cuir Leather Crossbody Bag
for evening
While a crossbody tends to be a style you think about for daytime, there are plenty of options which would look beautiful worn for evening, or for a more formal occasion.
Marina (above) teams her crossbody with a classic black suit and a pop of orange.
Steal her look with this similar bag, top, blazer, pants, sandals, earrings and necklace.
coach
The chain detailing on the COACH crossbody (below) adds a luxe look to an otherwise simple style.
COACH Crosstown X Leather Crossbody Bag
nordstrom
Another chain detail option for you, Nordstrom’s crossbody has a metallic sheen which makes it perfect for evening.
Nordstrom Bianca Faux Leather Wallet on a Chain
kurt geiger london
Adding a bit of bling to your bag, as shown on Kurt Geiger’s embellished bag (below), will elevate even the simplest of outfits.
Kurt Geiger London Small Shoreditch Embellished Leather Crossbody Bag
whiting & davis
Featuring a mesh texture and metallic hardware, the Whiting & Davis bag (below) is available in a range of metallic shades and neutrals.
Whiting & Davis Mesh Crossbody Bag
olga berg
To add a bit of fun to your outfit, how about a bag in the shape of something else, like the Olga Berg camera bag (below).
Olga Berg Madelyn Camera Clutch
for travel
Because you keep your hands free, a crossbody is perfect for traveling, walking or running errands.
Melissa (above) opts for a crossbody which would be perfect to keep your phone in while walking the dog.
Get her look with this similar crossbody bag, sweater, jacket, jeans, sneakers and sunglasses.
botkier
A good size for keeping your essentials in, Botkier’s camera bag (below) has a range of sections to keep you organized.
Botkier Chelsea Leather Crossbody Camera Bag
tumi
Tumi is a good brand to look out for when choosing a travel bag. Its range tends to come in wipe-clean materials, to have a number of compartments for your travel essentials and to keep security in mind with zip top closures.
Tumi Voyageur Ruma Nylon Crossbody Bag
dagne dover
Water resistant and lightweight, Dagne Dover’s compact crossbody is ideal if you just need to take a few essentials out with you.
Dagne Dover Micah Water Resistant Neoprene Crossbody Bag
tory burch
Complete with Tory Burch’s signature logo, the two-tone strap adds an element of distinction to the neutral crossbody (below).
Tory Burch Perry Bombé Leather Mini Crossbody Bag
hedgren
If you need a shoulder bag that is a bit roomier, the Hedgren shoulder bag (below) comes in a choice of classic colors.
Hedgren Sustain Ellie Water Repellent Shoulder Bag
travelon
Low-key but stylish, the Travelon crossbody (below) has a number of anti-theft features to help keep your valuables safe.
Travelon Anti-Theft Courier Saddle Crossbody Bag
baggallini
Baggallini is another brand that is well recommended as a travel bag. The everywhere bag (below) is a particularly good option if you like a bag with lots of compartments to keep everything in its place.
Baggallini Everywhere Bag with RFID
for summer
Of course, you can carry any type of bag you want with you, no matter what the weather, but there are some colors and styles which particularly lend themselves well to warmer weather.
Kristen (above) is wearing a romper from Amazon along with an on-trend rattan bag.
Complete her look with this similar woven crossbody bag and wedge sandals.
ted baker london
The combination of the pale shade and rattan styling make the Ted Baker bag (below) perfect for summer.
Ted Baker London Janiya Faux Leather & Woven Rattan Crossbody Bag
tory burch
Another rattan option for you, the Tory Burch bag (below) combines textures to stylish effect.
Tory Burch Eleanor Wicker & Leather Phone Crossbody Bag
kate spade new york
For a pop of color during the warm months, a coral shade would look lovely worn with the whites and neutrals in your closet.
Kate Spade New York Locket Leather Flap Crossbody Bag
kelly wynne
If you don’t mind showing the world what you have in your handbag, you could opt for a clear version like the Kelly Wynne bag (below).
Kelly Wynne Clear Mingle Mingle Mini Crossbody Bag
amazon
Round rattan bags like the one from Amazon (below) have been on trend for a number of summer seasons. This one is well reviewed from women who say they like the print lining and it is well made for the price.
XMLMRY Handwoven Round Rattan Bag
Do you already have a crossbody among your bag collection? What are your own recommendations for the best crossbody bags and brands?
Continue reading:
- 5 Types Of Handbags You Need In Your Closet
- The Best Tote Bags To Fit Everything You Need Every Day
- The Very Best Travel Purses For Vacation And Everyday Use
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Feature image by Sandra
Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.
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