Best Cross Body Bags for Fall
For fall, the crossbody bags are in. They’re so practical! Women are out and about again, so they are looking for bags that will free their hands for grabbing the runaway toddler or a couple of dresses to try on.
Whether you’re searching for the latest bag from top designers or searching on Amazon for an economical travel bag, crossbody is king. Many of the bags are designed with straps that can be detached or tucked into the bag, allowing you to carry the bag as a clutch. You can shorten the straps to carry the bag on your arm or over the shoulder. Chains are especially practical. They’re easy to stow in the bag, and they can’t be slashed by purse-snatchers!
Crossbody bags come in all sizes: mini to large totes. Looks can be so deceptive when shopping online. When in doubt, take out your tape measure and carefully measure an old bag and compare it with the one being offered online. Mid-sized bags are large enough to carry daily essentials such as phone, lip gloss, hand sanitizer, tissues and wallet without scrunching everything in. Many have additional pockets on the back or the ends of the purse.
Stella McCartney led the catwalk with tiny crossbody bags. She is also known for her vegan bags. The Stella Logo Collection is an example of these bags. The bag is made of grey felt with a wide strap featuring Stella McCartney in large block letters. Other styles are available in sierra, military green, cheetah print and camel. McCartney’s bags frequently sport heavy chain detailing.
Large totes are essential to carry your computer and dress shoes for the office while accommodating a little shopping along the way. For the devotees of the large tote crossbody, it’s hard to beat the Vera Bradley large tote bag. The bag is made of recycled materials, has three interior slip pockets and one zip pocket to keep everything organized and your chocolate away from the laptop.
The Tory Burch crossbody bucket bag in brown suede with spaghetti straps shown in the spring collection has been updated for fall. The bag now adds downward zippers that can be pulled to reveal contrasting gussets.
Kurt Geiger’s London striped leather chain wallet stole the show for drama. Its bold stripes of pebbled metallic leather with a snap closure and chain strap is a true statement piece, unusual and gorgeous.
LOVEVOOK has designed a series of PU purses in a variety of styles including a crossbody. The purse has an almost grey geometric design in dim light, but when struck by bright light, it becomes luminescent with different jewel colored refractions.
The Classics
The Toy Loulou matelassé leather crossbody bag is a timeless classic. It’s on the small size at 7½” x 5½” x 3”; for those who prefer a larger bag, the Loulou comes in a medium version, 12” x 4½” x 8. ½”. The bag is styled in several neutral colors with a quilted chevron pattern and the YSL classic monogram clasp.
Another stylish crossbody bag from YSL is the Sunset medium chain bag. It has two central compartments with a slot pouch inside the suede leather interior. There are a couple of exterior pockets, too. The Sunset comes in neutral colors, smooth leather finish and the iconic YSL monogram clasp. This is a very practical bag that can easily become your go-to bag for the office and lunch with the girls.
The Gucci Bamboo 1947 top handle bag has been reissued in many different versions since it was first introduced after WWII. The AW22 version is black with two interchangeable straps and the classic bamboo trim. A more daring version is in brown leather with a bold jockey-like print and natural bamboo handles.
Giorgio Armani’s Palmellato leather La Prima handbag can be worn over the shoulder or as a crossbody bag. It comes with a leather strap that adjusts to three different lengths. The bag has rounded lines with soft, pleated edges and is available in over a dozen colors.
In discussing designer bags, we are talking investment. The bags will last for decades if properly cared for, and they hold their resale value. If the price tag is beyond your current budget, you might consider a gently used bag. ReBag, FASHIONPHILE and The RealReal are among the better-known resellers.
There was a full range of crossbody bags on the catwalks for spring/summer and fall 2022. The most intriguing bags continue to be the cute minis and micro-minis. Minis are great for dates but often don’t hold more than a lip gloss, cab fare and phone if you are lucky. For the more practical fashionista, the medium-sized bag is still your best bet. Regardless of price, there are hundreds of bags to love.
Sources: usmagazine.com, wwd.com, glamourmagazine.co.uk, byrdie.com and harpersbazaar.com.
