Go Anywhere With These 15 Crossbody Bags Recommended By Fashion Experts (2024)

• Our Picks

• Where We Stand

• What To Look For

• FAQ

• Why Trust Byrdie

When looking for our best overall crossbody bag, our criteria included a durable material, an intuitive design, a timeless look, and an under-$200 price point. This Madewell bag checked all of those boxes and more. Personal style advisor Jordan Stolch recommends this soft-shaped crossbody bag to those looking for a blend of vintage and modern vibes.

"With its smooth, luxe leather, and zipper closure, it's sure to take you from the office to the weekend with ease," she says. Achieve a classic French girl look by styling this bag with a pair of mom jeans, ballet flats, and a neutral sweater.

Material: Leather | Dimensions: 8.25 x 11 x 2.5 inches | Colors: True Black, English Saddle (camel), Forest (green) | Closure: Zip

Take it from us: Snatch up this under-$100 crossbody bag before it's sold out. With its envelope-style magnetic closure the affordable piece can comfortably secure all of your necessities, such as a wallet, your phone, and some of your lip balm while still offering quick and easy access to them.

Material: Leather | Dimensions: 9 x 7 x 2.5 inches | Colors: Black, Cream, Pink +more | Closure: Magnetic

If you're looking for a bag that can meet all your styling needs, from an outfit to run errands to the one you've picked out for your bestie's birthday party, consider this one from Coach. It has a classy and luxe look and feel but still maintains functionality with its boxy shape that contains eight credit card slots, three interior compartments, and one exterior pocket. For versatility, convert it from a crossbody bag to a handbag by removing the matte black chain strap and carrying it by the top handle.

Material: Leather | Dimensions: 7.75 x 4.75 x 2.25 inches | Colors: Brass/Chalk (white) and Pewter/Black | Closure: Snap

We love that this Chloé bag comes with a shoulder and crossbody strap. That way, it's more versatile in different dress codes. Chloé has been producing superior handbags for almost 70 years, so if you're looking for a bag that will stand the test of time and serve as an heirloom for years to come, look no further than this classic, feminine crossbody.

Material: Leather | Dimensions: 6.9 x 8.1 x 2.4 inches | Colors: Blue/Black | Closure: Magnetic

If you're open to investing in a designer purse brand you can use season after season, year after year (and maybe pass down to someone else someday), Burberry is the way to go. The Note Bag is crafted from leather and boasts a sturdy, slightly structured feel. We love how the brand's signature checked print peaks out from underneath the magnetic flap closure.

Material: Leather | Dimensions: 10 x 7 x 4 inches | Colors: Black, brown | Closure: Magnetic flap

At 8 x 6 inches, this bag isn't too big or too small, making it a great option for everyday wear. It's compact yet spacious, with two separate compartments to keep your essentials isolated while still organized. The punchy color options, such as red and fuchsia, will appeal to those who love a pop of color with their accessories.

Material: Leather | Dimensions: 8 x 2.5 x 6 inches | Colors: Camel, Navy, Red, Orchid (hot pink) +more | Closure: Zip

Get in on the fringe trend with Free People's Sindy suede crossbody bag. It boasts a buck shape with three compartments for easy organization. It's also versatile—when you need something more simple, you can detach the fringe, and when you don't need to be hands-free, you can detach the long strap and carry the bag by the top handle.

Material: Suede, leather | Dimensions: 7.75 x 7.75 x 3.5 inches | Colors: Ballet Slipper (beige), Bitter Kelp (yellow), and Kelly (green) | Closure: Magnetic, zip

This bag may be small, but it sure is mighty. Although it's lightweight (it weighs less than a pound), it's structured and organized, featuring three compartments (one main and two exterior pockets). From the photos, it looks like you can fit a small notebook, a phone, sunglasses, and perhaps lip balm. Material-wise, the neoprene is durable, waterproof, and machine washable.

Material: Repreve recycled polyester | Dimensions: 8.75 x 3 x 7 inches | Colors: Onyx (black), Heather Grey, Moss (olive) +more | Closure: Zip

For those drawn to simpler pieces, we highly recommend Everlane's Italian Leather Studio Bag. The pared-down design features minimal details other than a couple of pockets, a snap closure, and a thick strap. Since the strap is adjustable, you can wear it as a crossbody purse or over your shoulder.

Material: Leather | Dimensions: 9.5 x 8 x 5 inches | Colors: Black, brown | Closure: Snap

Puffer bags are having a moment, so why not give them a try? Go with Brandon Blackwood's Bianca style. The cylindrical bag is made from water-resistant nylon and leather details, and it comes in a happy assortment of colors that includes green, hot pink, and light blue. Wear it casually with baggy jeans and a cropped graphic T-shirt.

Material: Nylon, leather | Dimensions: 9 x 5 x 5 inches | Colors: Black, green, brown +more | Closure: Zip

For nights out on the town when you only need your ID, phone, keys, and lip gloss, Ani Mairis' mini crossbody is perfect. At $425, it's certainly a splurge (especially given that it's a statement bag that you can't wear with most things), but we love the angular shape and embossing over anything else on the market in this size.

Material: Leather | Dimensions: 6 x 2 x 4.5 inches | Colors: Marigold, teal | Closure: Flap

Need something sportier for traveling, commuting, or heading to and from the workout studio? This crossbody bag from Athleta might be your best bet. The textile design has a water-repellent coating, making it easy to keep clean, and the thick, adjustable strap helps you stay comfortable while you're on the go.

Material: Polyester, recycled polyester | Dimensions: 12 x 7.5 x 4 inches | Colors: Black, gray-blue, ecru | Closure: Zip

Kate Spade's Hudson bag is convertible, so you can wear it across your body, over one shoulder, or use it like a regular handbag with the shorter grab handle. Beyond the multiple ways you can wear it, we appreciate how the versatile design features three neutral hues, allowing you to pair it with more outfits. The medium size is also ideal, with plenty of room for the essentials without having to cram everything in.

Material: Leather | Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.5 x 2.5 inches | Colors: Neutral colorblock | Closure: Zip

This isn't technically a crossbody bag, but you can wear it as one. The fanny pack style is super functional for moms who want to keep their personal belongings separate from their baby's. For easy access, they can simply sling the style across their body. The strap is adjustable so you can fit it closer to your chest or lengthen it as needed. It also comes in two sizes, original and oversized.

Material: Canvas made from recycled plastic | Dimensions: 5.5 x 13.5 x 4 inches, 7 x 18.5 x 6 inches | Colors: Black, Grey, Olive +more | Closure: Zip

FAQ

• What is a crossbody bag?

  A crossbody bag is a purse style worn diagonally across the body, from shoulder to opposite hip—hence the term crossbody. The bag is designed to hold only the essentials, like your phone, wallet, keys, and glasses. Doing so often helps make an active schedule more organized. “Unlike large shoulder purses, which often need to be adjusted and have the tendency of falling off, the crossbody style stays in place all day, allowing you to go about your life with ease,” Stolch says.

• How can you style a crossbody bag?

  "Because crossbody bags come in a variety of shapes, colors, styles, and hardware, they easily pair with what's already in your closet," says Stolch. It's just a matter of choosing the right style for you, i.e., understanding how the bag would fit with the outfits you'd like to wear it with. A casual sundress and a pastel leather crossbody are such a cute combo for summer. Meanwhile, a nylon or neoprene bag is perfect for the athleisure you'd wear in a pinch to run to the grocery store, the bank, or the post office.

• What's the difference between a crossbody bag and a messenger bag?

  "A messenger bag is a type of crossbody bag, usually reserved for travel and work settings," Stolch says. Sitting at the bottom of your back, messenger bags are larger and can typically fit a laptop, a water bottle, and notepads, along with the essentials a typical crossbody bag is known for holding. "Because of its size and [super] functional purpose, the messenger bag is not categorized as a purse or handbag," she explains. You can find sustainable versions of these types and other bags.