The beauty of a crossbody bag is unlike your trusty tote, it won’t slip off your shoulders and you don’t have to hold it. I am on the hunt for the “perfect” crossbody bag. I love my full-size bag, but if I am not carrying my computer, I could get by with much less, and be perhaps a bit more organized. All I need is room for my wallet and makeup case (which could also be minimalized). My criteria for the perfect crossbody bag is simple (well sort of). No initials unless they are my own. No gold hardware (this is just a personal thing), smallish but not too small, tan or black, no double handles (no way am I carrying a bag on my wrist (so no need for the bulk of two handles). Join me in my search for the perfect crossbody bag.
If money were no object (you know that isn’t the case), I would buy this one hands down. It lays fat (important if you want a little larger one), has silver hardware, the braided strap is removable, and it has just the look I love. I keep thinking it will magically turn up on eBay for half off, so far no luck. I can’t justify $595 no matter how hard I try.
It would be great for travel as well. Did I mention it unsnaps so that you can pack it flat? Note the good looking ,braided shoulder strap should you want to carry it on one shoulder (defeating the purpose). Also removable a handy cell phone pouch.
Since I won’t be buying my favorite, here are a few good tan substitutes.
Row 1: Michael Kors Jet Set, Rag and Bone Atlas, Dooney and Bourke Domed Beacon
Row 2 Dooney & Bourke Saddle, J Crew Devon Camera Bag, Dooney & Bourke Florentine Medium Toggle
Row 3 Everlane The Form Mini, Hobo Crusade, Rebecca Minkoff MAB Flap
NOTES
The most economical of the group is the Rebecca Minkoff. The Michael Kors and Dooney and Bourke feedbag aren’t far behind.
I have always had great luck with the Dooney and Bourke brand. I am not sure I have ever worn one of their handbags out.
My favorite black crossbody bags.
Row 1 Kate Spade New York, All Saints Captain Lea, Coach Troupe
Row 3 Coach Parker, Lucky Brand, Tory Burch
NOTES
The Lucky Brand has the best price tag. The Coach Troupe is really good looking but definitely the most pricey.
Since many of these bags are pricey, I searched for some great options at reasonable price points.
Row 1 H&M, The Sak, Fossil Evie
Row 2 Kelly & Katie Feeder, J Crew Factory Leopard, Kelly & Katie
Row 3 Fossil Carli, Antik Kraft, J Crew Factory Ryan
NOTES
The least expensive of the group is the H&M version which just now sold out. The J Crew Factory Leopard would be a fun one to have as an extra.
The Antik Kraft has a great miniml boho look for the price, and the Sak always seems to have good quality for value.
The Kelly & Katie brand I believe is one of DSW’s house brands.
I have always felt Fossil has a great look for the price.
Sadly this one keeps calling my name. Anyone else loving it?
All of the handbags are linked in the widget at the bottom of the page where you can also find all of the prices.
If you would like information from the experts on finding the perfect crossbody bag. Check out the links below.
Rank and Style’s ten best mini crossbody bags
In Style Best Crossbody Bags for 2019
Bloomingdales Best Selling Cross Body Bags
Oprah Magazines Favorite Cross Body Bags
Are you in search of a perfect cross Body Bag? Do you have one that you love? If so share why. You might also enjoy my updated post Five Handbags Savvy Women over 50 Need in Their Closet . Have a great week! I will be back on Thursday with our Project Design group sharing my favorite paint colors.
SHOP MY FAVORITE CROSSBODY BAGS
When choosing a cross-body remember the words of our mothers….you only need room for MILK: Money, ID, Lipstick and Keys. Now, of course, we need to add Cell Phones.
Love your blog and your choices, Cindy!
Bag looks stylish and stunning
Cuyana has a saddle bag for $325 and a mini saddle bag for $225 that are wonderful. I have the bigger one, use it as a crossbody, and have worn the tail off it all summer—it’s still in perfect condition. And I’m hard on bags. There’s a tiny bit of gold hardware, but you barely notice it, and mine hasn’t scratched a bit. Check it out at cuyana.com.
Hi Diana
Thanks for the tip! They are new to me. Lovely bags. I love that camera bag in croc. I will keep them on my radar. Thank you so much for sharing.
I bought a “Mark and Graham” navy blue leather cross body bag a few years ago (used a left over Pottery Barn gift card to purchase…who knew that I could do that? Not me!) on a crazy sale for….$75.00! That purse has been my go to …probably because it pairs so well with my blue and white jeans, which I wear all the time! Also, Madewell has some nice reasonably priced cross body bags, too. I gave the small “Transport” bag (it does have the two handles on top) to my sister for Christmas 2018 and she loves it!
Thanks for the post…I so enjoy them!!
Hi Renee
I meant to add that Madewell crossbody to my list , but it was too pricey for the inexpensive list. I love Madewell and J Crew bags. I have a J Crew tote that I got on sale for $99. It was a store return from the J Crew Collection. It has worn beautifully and I love it. Labels are not important to me as long as they wear well!
Cindy,
I tried a crossbody bag by Kate Spade. Alas, I can only use it for lunch with friends because I can’t get my stuff in it. My cell, wallet, sunglasses, reading glasses and makeup just won’t fit. haha.
I did find my newest tote on eBay. It’s a wonderful Dooney Bourke NWT (new with tags) and the price was great.
Good luck finding a bag you love.
Karen
Hi Karen
That is precisely what I am afraid of. That is why I haven’t bought one yet. You guys are always filled with ideas and inspiration. That is why I defer to you! I buy half my clothes on Ebay. I am a big fan.
Have you looked at the website The Real Real? Tradsey? Maybe you will have some luck there! I did buy a couple of beautiful purses at the Real Real (gently used)
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Hi Cheryl
Yes!! My newest obsession. I think their ads are super creative as well. They have a couple I have my eye on. I know some women buy purses like candy. Lucky for us that we can pick them up at a great price. Keep the suggestions coming!
Will you tell us which one you ended up purchasing? I wish we could date them before marrying. The two most expensive I bags I’ve ever bought, I was disappointed in rather shortly. One was too heavy and became a stone around my neck with a minimum of loot inside, the other lacked all functionality which was not readily apparent. It’s such a commitment 😩
Hi! I own the MZ Wallace and really like it a lot. It is my go to travel purse. Lightweight, easy to organize. Has an outside zip pocket where I can put my phone which I use as my only camera. Comes with three different straps. Handbag is easy to wipe clean and just looks cool to me. I own it in black.
The brown Hobo Crusade and Dooney and Burke Florentine look very nice to me. Great roundup.
Hi Linda
I love the look of that MZ Wallace too. Love anything textural looking. As you know if you have been reading my blog long.I am so glad to hear you like it. I really rely on you readers for great advice!
I say buy what you really want and enjoy the hell out of it! You know you’ll never like the Plan B as well. I use the amortization theory: I’ll use this for X years and the per year cost is very reasonable. I have some bags that are over 30 years old and are still in my “rotation”!
Hi Patricia
You are so right about Plan B. I have tried that so often only to be disappointed. That is why I love you…You encourage me to be bad. Good thing we don’t shop together. We could get into a lot of trouble!
I have a black nylon Kate Spade cross body that I wear during the day. Love that it keeps my hands free and its light enough to shlep around even with my wallet, keys, and makeup bag inside.
Hi Shari
I love the hands free idea and I agree whichever you choose having room for wallet keys and makeup bag critical! Thanks for weighing in!!
I have 2 Dooney & Bourke crossbody, they are the same purse top zipper, front zipper, long tan strap. One is a med. forest green the other is black and both are nylon fabric. I alternate between the 2. They are approx. 10″x10″x3″. They are perfect for a small wallet, small makeup bag and sunglasses/case…..the compartment in the front, you can put keys, a phone, pen ect. I have numerouse Kate Spade but only use those to go out to dinner ect. The Dooneys are my daily purses, because they hold everything and are the perfect size and I love them!!!!
Hi Kelly
You sound like me! If I find something I like that is functional I am very likely to purchase in two’s!! Or…more…
I have both a Dooney and Bourke and Tory Burch small handbags. I love to carry them when I go to events. They’re so small that I quickly go through the security checkpoints.
Hi Maura
I am really late to the party on the crossbody bag train. I am always toting my laptop, fabric samples, you name it! I have finally realized the benefit of carrying something small when not dragging everything but the kitchen sink with me! Thanks for sharing!
I am with you 100% regarding crossbody bags. Throughout the summer I have carried a tan Dooney crossbody as my go-to. Just found a perfect, for me, Patricia Nash black leather crossbody at Marshall’s for under $60. Lucked out with that one!
BTW I look forward to and enjoy all of your posts. You have inspired me in my choices for both fashion and home decor.
Hi Caroline
I was not familiar with Patricia Nash. Now I am! What a steal. Thank you so much for your kind comments about the blog. My readers are the best! We all benefit from your comments. Keep them coming!
I have the Michael Kors crossbody and love it. Also a version of the Kate Spade and switch between the two.
Thank you so much for sharing Deborah! I have had several Michael Kors over the years and have been very happy with them. I love Kate Spades simple practical designs as well. How do you feel about the size of each?