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Cross body bags, question/ analysis.

Anonymous

I would love you YLF ladies to help me out and chime in with your thoughts and observations. Until recently I didn't own any cross body bags and now I have two. Whilst they are obviously practical and can be very stylish I'm not convinced they are truly 'me'. I wore one yesterday and when I got home and studied my look it just seemed a bit off. I would love to know which style persona's you think they are more suited to and it might help me to understand what my own persona could be and may explain why I didn't feel quite right.

Dressing

16 replies

Latest reply was from Sara L.

Raisin

Veteran

I think they are more functional, and handbags look more "fashionable" . I guess I see cross bady bags as everyday bags, MOTG. or just anyone who is not designing their look to be all fashion. Handbags to me are more fussy, they need to be carried and you don't have both hands free, so it's more about the look for me. I own just cross body and I think I have many good looking fashionable ones.

ManidipaM

Veteran

Of course the styling of the specific cross-body bag matters, but just a few associations off the top of my head, in case they help you pin down the problem and show you a direction you can go to resolve it...

It doesn't have the feminine connotations of a handbag, either, to add to what Raisin's already pointed out.

It can have more youthful connotations too --- like a schoolboy's satchel.

Traditional it is not, for either sex. Most crossbody bags don't suggest 'classic', though detailing will matter too.

Some of us just more 'stabilized' by having something to hold! Hands-free may be all kinds of practical, but can make some people feel at a loose end...

Could the crossing strap be at odds with the outfit you're wearing? Maybe it needs to match your style persona better, or maybe your style persona does not like to have its clothes 'crossed off'...

There is a suggestion of 'active' lifestyle about a crossbody, even more than a sling or shoulder bag (a backpack too, but it has additional 'carefree' connotations as well as contrary 'baggage' connotations). Certainly the handbag or clutch is a far more 'leisured' or sedate creature. If you are someone who habitually moves in a careful, deliberate way, if you are someone who *hates* rushing, or if you carry a bunch of stuff and move at a relatively erratic pace that makes said bag bounce around your hip, your very posture and gait may militate against the 'racy' style of a crossbody.

Any of that resonating with you?

Anonymous

Raison and Manidipa, you have made some good points so far thanks. I do think I am perhaps a more classic dresser and I like feminine touches. Good point about the 'crossing off' of an outfit look. I prefered the cleener look without the strap.

missvee

Veteran

My style is fairly sporty and casual, so the cross body style seems to work well for me. I have a great cognac coloured leather satchel that looks good with jeans, cords, and casual jackets, I also use a smaller one when travelling, for ease and security. I don't always love the look of the strap cutting across an outfit, but sometimes the benefits outweigh the fashion factor!

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

What Raisin said.

I now only carry cross body bags. As newly (ok, 6 months) cycling MOTG + SAHM whose style has gone more casual and practical, they are the most practical things for me. I need free hands. My other bags with handles are parked until my working life gets restarted... working on that now

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Not only style but body type can factor in to how we feel with crossbody bags. As much as I like their function, I don't love the way they look with the strap crossing my body between my breasts -- especially in summer when there are fewer layers to mitigate the effect. The crossbody strap often makes shirts wrinkle, gap or pull across the chest, which does not make me feel particularly fab. If I'm wearing a jacket that is closed, that helps a lot.

Anonymous

Interesting point Janet. I'm beginning to suspect that they are not for me but I admit that I have been happier wearing a CBB when I wear a plain coat buttoned up.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Diane, yep! The simpler the coat/jacket/top I'm wearing, usually the more successful the crossbody look is. I also think length may play a part -- some bags have adjustable straps, and I try to make them a length that hits my body in a comfortable, flattering spot (I.e., not my low hip, where I'm widest!).

Ironically, I've gravitated towards clutches these days.

Tina.b

Veteran

I never wear a crossbody bag because I'm not too keen on the look of the strap across my front. And I find they are awkward to take on and off. That being said I love a bag with a shoulder strap and this is what I generally gravitate to as they are most practical for my lifestyle. There are a lot of very fashionable bags with shoulder straps available.

I will occasional carry a handbag because I love the look, but I do find them to be a pain.

Aziraphale

Veteran

I've only ever worn crossbody bags, for reasons of practicality. I must have two free hands! But as others have said, the crossbody style works better for a personal style that tends towards the informal (as mine does). Shoulder satchels are more ladylike.

Another question (if it's not too personal): how big are your "girls"? A crossbody strap subdivides the bosom and really draws attention to it. I can't remember the last time I saw a fuller-busted woman wearing a crossbody strap. Already the strap mucks with the line of your outfit by crushing all fabric against your chest, and if there is a bountiful bust to add to the mayhem...

Susie

Veteran

I have two smaller ones (fabric, both by Baggalini I think) that I use for practical purposes only, like travel, or maybe when I am shopping in a crowded area and want to be hands free. As an everyday look it's not for me but then again I have no practical need for it on a daily basis.

A handbag is much more stylish in my mind and works better with my outfits. Bags and shoes are often my statement pieces. I think a CBB is a younger, more casual look than I usually choose.

It's also not a particularly flattering look on me, maybe because I am short and chunky?

dizzys

I have a ton of beautiful leather Coach handbags from the 60's to the current styles but find my self running to the same two Fossil Cross body bags. I love the vintage vibe they give off and I deal with the earthy granola-ish vibe on account as they are the perfect size and functionality for everyday use with two kids. I like the colors and the texture of the Coated Canvas "key-per".
Some times functionality trumps beauty......although I am trying to find both.

Anonymous

Elisabeth, i'm not too large up top, but I see what yuo're getting at, it can look a bit too much with the cross strap as well as everything else going on.. Btw I just read the first 5 words of Susies post after you asking about 'the girls'! lol!
I agree I think handbags or shoulder bags are more me.

Susie

Veteran

LOL, Elizabeth! Especially that I noted I have two!

Aziraphale

Veteran

Haha, Susie, we managed a cross-post with unintentional comedic results!

Sara L.

Veteran

Maybe your awkwardness was a function of what kind of outfit you were wearing. I use a handbag during the week with my nicer work outfits. On the weekends, with casual outfits, I use a cross-body. I like having both hands free then since I usually have my two boys with me. I think the cross-body bags look okay with casual outfits, but it's harder to make them work with dressy outfits (which isn't to say it can't be done, it just seems more difficult).