Hot Trend: Crossbody Bags

Victoria Beckham carries a crossbody messenger bag through the airport.

Katie Cruise goes crossbody out on the streets with Suri.

 

Reese Witherspoon doesn't go anywhere lately without a crossbody bag... whether it's a casual version...

 

Or a slightly dressier one.

 

Fancy clutches also are coming with optional crossbody straps now, making them extra-versatile. Check out Blake Lively's.

I like this trend because it makes fashion functional. Wearing a bag across your body frees up your hands and makes purse snatching highly unlikely. It's also a great trend to buy because even when the crossbody trend is over, you can wear the bag on your shoulder or carry a smaller one as a clutch- just make sure you get a bag with an adjustable or optional strap to extend its possibilities, because the time will come very soon when wearing your bag crossbody will once again be considered frumpy!

Here are a few of my favorite crossbody options.

First, a look at the spread in Nordstrom's January catalog of some hot crossbody bag looks. Check out where the bags should sit on your body and then you can see if any of the bags you already have in your closet would work for this trend. You can get details on these particular Nordstrom bags here- They're on page 48-49 of the catalog. All are just under $100.

Back for a second look simply because it's so cute and inexpensive- This leather crossbody bag in red is on sale for just $17.99 at Coldwater Canyon.

 

 

This lovely little Steve Madden crossbody bag comes in pewter and black and is just $58 at Macys. I'd get it in black in a second!

 

 

I'm also loving this silver crossbody bag, $62.50 at The Sak.

 

 

This bag from DSW is fantastic for the price ($74.95) and very versatile- Once the crossbody trend has come and gone, remove the straps and you have a kick-ass handbag.

 

 

Couldn't resist sharing this adorable Coach crossbody bag- $128.

 

 

For special occasions, I love this Rosette Crossbody Clutch from Bebe. It's $69.99 in metallic or pink and $98 in black. Again, you can carry it as a clutch or as a crossbody bag, so it's a great investment.