Are crossbody bags out? - YouLookFab Forum

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Are crossbody bags out?

marianna

Veteran

I recently started a new big girl job and I feel the need to upgrade my handbag. I usually buy one good handbag every couple years, and then wear it everyday. I haven't bought a handbag in about two years.

I've been wearing a crossbody for the past two years and I love the comfort and ease of not having to carry anything in my hand/on my shoulder. Also, for some reason I have a hard time finding shoulder bags that actually stay on my shoulder... they all slide off. But I'm not sure if crossbody bags are still "in" and if they're appropriate for business casual?

I'm stalking this one -- waiting for it to go on sale:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/re.....aveforlate

I love everything about it, but before I spend big money on a handbag, I need to make sure it will last me several years without looking dated.

What are your thoughts on crossbody bags, and does anyone have any thoughts on why I might have a hard time keeping a shoulder bag from slipping off my shoulder?!

Thanks!

Shopping

28 replies

Latest reply was from

Beth Ann

Veteran

I'll be watching this thread, Marianna, because I'm another crossbody lover, for the same reasons you mention and two more --- DD and DS, who still expect my bag to hold the wonders of the earth. Clutches are out, except for evening!

I'm further in burb-world than you are, so you might want a more fashion forward opinion as to the status of this look, but my guess is that crossbody bags have peaked in trendiness, but are still in "style." More importantly the gorgeous bag you link to is not a typical crossbody. It's quality and design read to me as a lovely shoulder bag that just happens to be strapped across the body.

marianna

Veteran

Thanks, Beth Ann! I started wearing my crossbody during the "peak" of their trendiness, so that's exactly why I'm wondering if they're still stylish. I used to associate crossbody bags with gear/more sporty looks. My style isn't cutting edge, so I'm fine with not wearing the latest trends, but I do want my handbag to stand the test of time without looking dated in a few years. Thanks for your thoughts!

missvee

Veteran

I'd say crossbody is just one of many classic handbag styles. Personally I prefer them when the strap is adjustable so that it can be worn shoulder or crossbody. I notice that the Valentino you linked to has this very feature

Krista

Veteran

I have two cross-body bags and I don't think they're dated but I tend to use them on the weekends, when my outfits are casual and can take the constant "friction" of having a bag up against them. For me personally, a cross-body bag doesn't feel appropriate to wear with my work clothes and so I use a shoulder bag during the week (I do not switch out my handbag on a daily basis - I'm not that organized).

I have had the same issue with shoulder bags slipping as well, so I make sure that I buy either a single-strap shoulder bag or a double-strap shoulder bag. The straps have to be long enough and this has solved the slipping issue. My general rule is that I have to be able to comfortably put the straps on my shoulder without bending my arms unreasonably.

Here's a pic of my two current handbags - cross-body and shoulder bag.

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always trying

Veteran

The fashion section in my newspaper last week said the cross body bags were being replaced with backpacks. My thoughts are too many do not want backpacks-especially after years of backpacks for school. Of course these are small and cute fabrics, etc. Also not really convenient-like getting cell phone out when it rings, etc.
This same fashion section said for this past spring get rid of the chambray shirts, and maxi's and maybe other things--so much for these fashion dictators.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Crossbody styles are always in style!

I do find the strap on that Valentino awfully narrow to warrant comfort though. You must put it through its paces before you commit.

Cindy

I hope they are still in style because I recently bought my first one to use for a convention/sight seeing trip this fall! lol

cloud9

Veteran

This bag is SOOO pretty.. and since it can be worn crossbody or not, shouldn't matter. However, I agree with Angie.. my first impression is telling me that the straps seems very narrow compared to the size of the bag. My shoulder would hurt if i carry any decent amount of stuff in that bag.

Also about the shoulder slipping, i have the same issue too. Like Krista I always look for single strap.. but they are harder to find.

deb

Veteran

If you can, find a bag with both or a crossbody that can be converted to a shoulder strap.

Gaylene

Veteran

Whew, I couldn't/wouldn't give up my crossbody bags, but Angie's endorsement at least makes me feel I can continue wearing them without descending into fashion purgatory.

I tried, I really did, this last year to carry a satchel-style bag, but it felt annoying always having something hanging from one hand or resting on my forearm. Shoulder bags are great for walking and jumping on and off transportation, but the slipping irritates me when I reach out to hold something in my hands. Crossbody bags leave my hands free and my bag securely connected to my body so I can tote my stuff around without any issues.

And that Valentino does it with super style!

marianna

Veteran

Thanks for the input, all! Glad to hear crossbody bags are still okay to wear! And I'm happy to wear I'm not the only one that finds them so comfortable!

Angie - I didn't even notice how narrow the strap is. Wow, you really do have a trained eye! I will have to try it and see how it feels. It really is narrow in comparison to the size of the bag... hmm.

FlorenceFearne

I JUST got a crossbody in the mail this week, so I guess I'll be wearing it whether it's trendy or not. Of course, my normal bags are big - who am I kidding, HUGE - satchel type affairs with a handles. I did wear them over my shoulder, but keeping them there required me to hold onto the front of the straps.

The only problem with a big shoulder bag is that it was so impractical to tote around for long shopping trips that I would always leave my purse in the car, and just carry a wristlet into the store. Now I've switched over to a little crossbody and I've noticed that all my girlfriends carry something similar, at least on the weekends. I think they will be in style forever, in the same way that jeans will be in style forever. Function matters.

I do still mourn the loss of my enormous Marry Poppins bag though, even if I don't miss my SO's incessant teasing about it.

Adelfa

Veteran

Mariana, I know Angie is right about testing, but your bag is really not all that big so a narrow strap might work, especially if you don't stuff it too full.

I think the bag is to die for gorgeous. I like how it''s in a softer leather--seems like other Valentino bow bags I've seen were crisper.

I formulated my answer before I read the others: crossbody is a classic style. It got bumped in popularity for a while, but now is getting back to classic (as opposed to dropping to "out").

rae

(website)

Veteran

Congrats on the Big Girl job!! I agree that a crossbody is totally classic, and that one is beautiful! However, I never saw anyone use a crossbody at the office... perhaps in my mind they are a casual bag because of this. Of course we were corporate and not biz casual, so take that with a huge grain of salt.

Diane

Narrow and slightly sloping shoulders (took me 30 years to realize I have them) make the majority of shoulder bags frustrating. Crossbody bags have been a godsend and I will probably wear them even if they go out of fashion!
Fossil does some great ones that aren't overly boho.

The Valentino is beyond gorgeous but I fear Angie might be right about the strap.

rebekahphoto

Veteran

I always have a crossbody, so for me they will always be in style. Most of my bags are satchel style with a detachable cross body strap, so I can carry either way. I have a couple only with one long strap, but they are a bit more casual

for evening I have long chain straps on a couple & it's great to have hands free

Sylvie

Veteran

I hope crossbodies never go out of style. Sometimes you just need your hands free. It's going to be a backpack or a crossbody.

Parsley

Veteran

I don't plan to give up crossbody bags any time soon!
The ones that can be a hand bag or regular shoulder bag with an optional cross-body strap are my favorites. Most of the time I'll carry them as a handbag, but when I'm out walking a lot or traveling, I want my hands free and don't want to be encumbered by a fussy bag.
Glad to hear I'm not the only one!

Marianna, that Valentino is SO pretty!

Anonymous

I love cross body bags so I hope they aren't out of fashion. However, they do tend to rub across clothes so if your business clothes tend to be wrinkle prone or on the delicate side I would suggest picking up a shoulder/handbag for work.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

I have noticed that the thinner the strap, the better a bag stays on my shoulder. I have no idea why this is! It could just be me. The wider straps feel more slippery and slide off. (Note I do not carry big or heavy bags any more.)

On the question of which bags are on the way out or not, sorry I cannot answer. But my first impression is that the cross body is fairly classic at this point.

Also, two years is not a long time. I've been doing some cleaning of closets and found a bag with clothes that were 8-12 years old and that's a time frame when things definitely look dated.

Lyn D.

Veteran

I am planning to wear a new red cross-body ALOT, so I hope I won't be the only one!

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

For me, crossbody is essential for my lifestyle and it never crossed my mind they might be out.

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

Since I just embrace crossbodies and feel like they work for my boho side, I am glad that Angie endorsed it. I too instantly thought that strap was thin..

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Congrats on the big girl job! Miss seeing you at Nordie's though!

Karie

(website)

Veteran

Crossbody bags are my absolute favorite. In fact, if a bag doesn't have a crossbody strap I don't buy it. Just about all other bags fall off my shoulders and annoy me.

That's a very pretty bag, but I'd be wary of the thin strap. I find that the thinner straps aren't as comfortable.

marianna

Veteran

Thanks for all the reassurance, everyone! I was actually at Nordies yesterday (and ran into Beth Ann!) and tried on the Valentino crossbody -- and honestly, now I'm undecided. Wasn't WOWed. I definitely think it's overpriced and I think it looks better online. I need to look around a bit more.

Laura -- I'm still there occasionally on the weekends! Kept it part time for the discount.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

How fun that you bumped into Beth Ann! And onto the next crossbody

Anonymous

I just wanted to weigh in on the shoulder bag slippage. My sister has dainty sloped narrow shoulders ( my opposite) and shoulder bags slip off. She uses a cross-body.