10 Classic Designer Crossbody Bags Which Are Practical And Versatile

The best designer crossbody bags fall on the more utilitarian end of the handbag spectrum, where ease of use is a primary feature. “Customers considering practicality tend to select a crossbody over styles such as top handles or clutches,” Tiffany Hsu, Mytheresa’s vice president of fashion buying, tells Bazaar. While function is a central focus, as with the best designer tote bags, designer backpacks, or best everyday bags, a crossbody you’d categorise as the crème de la crème is exceptionally crafted and versatile.

With removable or adjustable straps, “a good crossbody can be worn while traveling or day-to-night in the city,” Hsu says. “The classic Puzzle Bag by Loewe, for example, is such a flexible style and can be tailored to the wearer’s needs whether that’s a crossbody or not.”

Many of the best designer crossbody bags have leather in common. “If you’re making a long-term investment, durable leather should be a consideration, as these styles are so practical and tend to get more use than you would think,” Hsu notes.

If you’re more of a statement bag wearer or focus on a bag’s It factor—say, the biggest summer 2023 bag trends—many crossbodies are beautifully detailed in style of a special evening bag or follow trends, like the continued prevalence of Y2K fashion. “A current favourite of mine is the Le Coeur bag from Alaïa, which is a shoulder bag that can double as a crossbody,” Hsu says. “We’ve continued to see the small bag trend inspired by the 2000s in the newer collections—and the Le Coeur, although small, fits all the essentials for a night out.”

Whether you’re looking to invest in a timeless style or trendy iteration, keep scrolling for the 10 best designer crossbody bags to shop now, with additional insight from Hsu.

Related article: The 26 Best Luxury Crossbody Bags For Effortless Accessorising

The Best Designer Crossbody Bags of 2023

BEST BOTTEGA VENETA CROSSBODY BAG

Bottega Veneta Sardine Mini Leather Shoulder Bag

While Bottega Veneta’s Cassette is an excellent investment and a recommended style from Hsu, the style expert says Bottega’s mini Sardine bag is a must-have of the moment, with its leather crossbody strap and sculptural gold-toned top handle. She adds: “The size and new season colours are perfect for summer.”

Material: Leather

Dimensions: 5.5" H x 8.5" W x 6.5" L at handle

BEST LOEWE CROSSBODY BAG

Loewe Puzzle Leather Bag

SAKS FIFTH AVENUENORDSTROMNEIMAN MARCUS

Loewe’s signature Puzzle bag is as practical and versatile as designer crossbodies come. It features both an adjustable and removable strap and top handle with a soft yet structured silhouette that secures with a top zipper and flap.

Material: Leather

Dimensions: 8" H x 11.5" W x 5.5" D

What reviewers are saying: “Impeccably made with good quality leather and design. I’ve had it only a few days and so many compliments already. Can work both as a daytime and nighttime bag. Overall couldn’t be happier with this purchase. Stunning bag!”

BEST CHANEL CROSSBODY BAG

Chanel Calfskin & Ruthenium-Finish Metal

For some structure and gilded embellishment, go for Chanel’s iconic Boy Flap bag, which you can drape across your body or hang by your shoulder.

Material: Leather with hardware

Dimensions: 3.3" H x 4.7" W x 8" L

BEST PRADA CROSSBODY BAG

Prada Leather Mini Shoulder Bag

This Prada mini goes from sporty to utterly sleek with the change of a strap. It’s a crossbody that can do both.

Material: Leather

Dimensions: 20cm H x 19cm W x 6cm L

BEST MINIMALIST CROSSBODY BAG

The Row Camdem Leather Top-Handle Bag

This new-season bag is set to be another cult classic from the Row. It transforms from top-handle to crossbody, in the label’s signature minimalist aesthetic.

Material: Leather

Dimensions: 9" H x 12.25" W x 4.25" D

BEST SADDLE CROSSBODY BAG

Chloé Arlene Small Grained Leather Saddle Crossbody Bag

Though sleek, this white-and-black saddle crossbody bag strikes a chord—we love it with monochromatic separates for a boldly graphic look.

Material: Leather

Dimensions: 8.6" H x 6.8" W x 2.9" D

BEST OVERSIZE CROSSBODY BAG

Saint Laurent Jamie 4.3 Leather Shoulder Bag

If you need the room of a tote but like the ease of a crossbody strap, take a cue from Hsu. “I love a great bag that can carry my work essentials while giving an outfit some edge,” the buying VP says. “I’m not afraid of playing with proportions, and the ultra-oversized size is so fun to style.”

Material: Leather

Dimensions: 13.5" H x 15.5" W x 3.5" D

BEST SUMMER CROSSBODY BAG

Gucci Gucci Horsebit 1955 Shoulder Bag

Yes, indeed, Gucci’s Horsebit 1955 shoulder bag can be worn crossbody as the snap-button strap adjusts from a 9.8-inch to a 17.7-inch drop. Rendered in raffia, it’s the ultimate summer choice.

Material: Raffia and leather

Dimensions: 7" H x 9.8" W x 3.1" D

BEST DAY-TO-NIGHT CROSSBODY BAG

Valentino Garavani Rockstud Leather Cross-Body Bag

Behold the ultimate day-to-night crossbody, which converts to a slim clutch, decorated with the brand’s iconic gold Rockstuds.

Material: Leather

Dimensions: 7.3" W x 4.7" L x 1.8" D

BEST BUCKET CROSSBODY BAG

Ferragamo Textured-Leather Bucket Bag

If you favour quiet luxury, this crossbody strap ensures an effortless look and feel, while the bucket shape offers plenty of room for everyday toting.

Material: Leather

Dimensions: 10.6" H x 6.1" W x 11" L

Meet the Experts

• Tiffany Hsu is the vice president of fashion buying at online luxury fashion retailer Mytheresa.

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This article originally appeared in Harper's BAZAAR US.