11 Of The Best Crossbody Bags To Hold All Your Essentials, On The Go – Forbes

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The best crossbody bags merge style with functionality.
Crossbody bags have always served as functional accessories. Looking back in history, fashion experts believe they originated in 17^th century Europe as coin purses, and later, they were used as utility bags for everyone from fisherman to soldiers to mail carriers. Today, their practical, hands-free purpose has remained the same, but they’re more likely to contain a smartphone, credit cards and lip gloss. The best crossbody bags in 2022 are highly practical and offer major style potential.
One of the most appealing features is that these bags are lightweight and smaller than bulky shoulder styles or totes, so they’re comfortable to wear all day. Their across-the-body design allows you to carry an endless variety of items and access them easily, which is a bonus for travel. And they offer wardrobe longevity, so if you want to spend a little more, you can rest easy knowing you’ll get a lot of use out of your bag. Read on for the best crossbody bags to invest in right now.

Net-A-Porter
Size: 12.6 inches x 10.2 inches | Colors: Black | Materials: Textured leather, grosgrain
When Tom Ford began selling handbags in 2012, he quickly made waves with attention-commanding styles and a reputation for flawless functionality and exceptional quality. This not-so-basic basic messenger style is both understated and chic, making it great for work, travel or weekends. An external pouch gives easy access to keys or your smart phone, and the grosgrain strap is comfortable and adjustable.
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Oroton
Size: 7.1 inches x 6.3 inches| Colors: Black | Materials: Textured leather
Australian heritage brand Oroton has been designing luxury handbags since 1938, and this gorgeous classic comes at a more wallet-friendly price point. The Margot’s mostly-flat silhouette makes it particularly handy when you’re on the go, whether you’re running errands or touring a city abroad. Another practical detail: Its internal pocket to store phone and credit cards will keep belongings secure.
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Mansur Gavriel
Size: 9 inches x 11 inches | Colors: Sky, cerulean, grass, tan, maple, black | Material: Leather
This feminine classic in tumbled calfskin has a cinch-style closure with an internal zipper pocket to keep smaller valuable safely tucked away. “I love this bag for my professional clients,” says Alexander. “You can fit what you need it in for the office, but it has a hard bottom so it will not lose its shape when you fill it. 
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Shopbop
Size: 6 inches x 7 inches| Color: Green | Materials: Croc-embossed calfskin
Scottish brand Strathberry, founded in 2013 by Guy and Leanne Hundleby, is comparatively new to the luxe leather goods scene. The brand emphasizes meticulous craftsmanship—note the signature bar closure on their bags—at an accessible luxury price point. “This shape is flattering, the croc effect looks elevated and the straps are adjustable to find the perfect length,” says Donnelly. “This can also take you from the office to cocktails at night.”
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Clare V
Size: 6 inches x 9 inches | Colors: Green, navy/red, cream, natural/orange, natural with stripes | Material: Leather
“Crossbody bags are essential when you want your hands free,” says Alexander, “but they can also be a great element to add some color or texture to a basic look.” This generously-sized crossbody from Clare V—a brand founded in 2008 by American designer Clare Vivier—comes in a variety of fun colors and is roomy enough to stash a planner, book and more.
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Neiman Marcus
Size: 6.3 inches x 7.8 inches | Colors: Tan, blue, orange | Materials: Leather, wood, metal
Founded in 1952, French luxury brand Chloe has created sought-after It handbags that have graced the arms of basically every famous person you can think of. But this bag, with smooth leather, unexpected detailing and in a get-noticed color, is one you don’t see every day, unlike some others. “There are many reasons that I love this bag, but my number one is versatility,” says fashion stylist Gina Donnelly. “Not only is it an updated classic, this bag is a perfect day-to night-crossbody because you can easily tuck in the strap and it doubles as a clutch.” 
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Net-A-Porter
Size: 5.5 inches x 7.5 inches | Colors: White, mustard, black, blue | Materials: Leather
Crossbody bags often bounce against your hip when you walk, so it’s helpful to have zippers like this crossbody does in order to keep items like credit cards and cell phones secure. This bag offers two larger compartments and an internal card pocket to keep things organized, and its adjustable strap allows you to raise or lower the drop.
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Everlane
Size: 7.3 inches x 4.6 inches | Colors: Brown, black | Material: Vegan leather
Ethical retailer Everlane not only creates foundational pieces for the perfect capsule wardrobe, they’re also fashion innovators. This bag is constructed from Desserto, a plant-based leather alternative made from prickly pear cactus. The streamlined silhouette is big enough to hold the essentials—a phone and credit cards—but small enough not to be cumbersome. It also looks chic worn in front of the hip.
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Net-A-Porter
Size: 5.9 inches x 8.7 inches| Color: Tan | Materials: Leather
While Brooklyn-born, female-founded Loeffler Randall is most known for their distinctive shoes, their handbags have become a coveted wardrobe staple as well. We especially love this minimalist woven leather bag—which has the benefit of being both flexible and retaining its shape—for its go-with-everything hue. The shoulder strap can be knotted for a custom length, or it can be tucked inside to convert this bag into a clutch.
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Chanel
Size: 3.5 inches x 5.1 inches | Color: Black | Materials: Leather and silver-tone metal
Anything Chanel is an investment piece that will stand the test of time, and this swoonworthy mini featuring the brand’s signature leather and chain strap is elevated yet practical. “This particular handbag is definitely a splurge—however you can wear a crossbody for more formal occasions,” says Donnelly. “You have to treat the bag as a form of jewelry. You can pair this with a simple cocktail dress or even a more outrageous dress and still look chic. I would love nothing more than to be hands-free from a bag at a wedding or gala.”
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JCrew
Size: 4.5 inches x 10.5 inches| Color: Pink | Materials: Waterproof nylon
Sometimes you want a crossbody that’s less of a showpiece and more of a utilitarian go-getter, and this one from Caraa can be worn three ways—in front of the chest, on your back or more like a fanny pack. “This light, small crossbody is ideal for everyday errands, whether it’s walking your dog or when holding your small toddler in the grocery store,” says Donnelly. “It’s lightweight, breathable, and can definitely keep everything in when you need to be hands-free.” The only problem is, the colorways get sold out quickly from various retailers, so you may have to jump on this one.
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