What is a cross body bag?

An integral part of the image of a modern woman is a fashionable bag, which is a beautiful and convenient accessory. It complements the style of the hostess and allows you to carry with you many little things that girls need so much. One of the most common options among women of all ages is the cross-body handbag. What it is and what it is worn with - read further in the article.

What kind of cross body bag?

Few people know, but the first such bag was invented back in the 60s of the last century by the famous Coco Chanel. Her small quilted handbag with chain handles still remains a standard of style, femininity and relevance. Then the bag became a convenient replacement for a reticule, which could only be carried in the hands.

The prototype of the modern cross-body had handles, which made it convenient to carry and never lose.

Description of the bag design

The name of the handbag comes from two English words “cross” (crossing, cross) and “body” (body). These words express the very essence of the handbag: you need to wear it, crossing the body, then putting it on over your shoulder. This style of wearing is also called “postman style”. Based on this, we can highlight the main structural components of the bag:

• a long strap that can be worn over the shoulder or hung over one shoulder;
• the handbag itself, which in modern conditions can have a variety of sizes, shapes, materials and colors.

Why is it good?

The main advantage of a cross body bag is its convenience and functionality. Hanging such a handbag over your shoulder, your hands remain completely free. Agree that with a large bag with short handles it is so inconvenient to go shopping, travel, walk with a child or go to a special event. In a cross body you can put all the essential little things that a girl might need on a walk or on a trip.. Just imagine: all your bulky items will be stored, for example, in a suitcase, but important little things and documents will always be with you.

Many cross body bags are perfect for any style of clothing, even sporty ones. They are suitable for girls who lead an active lifestyle, walk a lot, and go to a variety of events.

Every woman is familiar with the problem when a bag slips off her shoulder, pulling other elements of her wardrobe along with it. Such a disaster cannot happen with our model: its weight is well distributed due to the fact that it is carried over the shoulder. In addition, when worn for a long time, the back or the shoulder on which the accessory hangs is not so tired.

What season is it suitable for?

Many people mistakenly believe that cross-body can only be worn in the warm season. Indeed, in the summer, when we dress in light dresses and skirts, we don’t want to weigh down our look with a bulky bag.A bright little crossbody bag is the best option for summer. However, in autumn and winter it looks great with a coat, down jacket or fur coat.

In the cold winter you already feel like a “cabbage”, wearing many layers of clothes. Walking with a large bag becomes even harder. Therefore, a small over-the-shoulder model is an ideal option regardless of the weather or season.

Cross body models

The most popular cross-body option is a model made of natural or artificial leather. It will remain relevant for all times. Such the material has good wear resistance, strength and an expensive appearance. You can fit a leather handbag into everyday, elegant, boho, military and other looks.

From fabric and yarn

Not only leather bags are popular among fashionistas. Products made from fabrics of various textures and densities have gained relevance. Best suited for a handbag:

• knitwear;
• linen;
• thick cotton;
• satin or silk.

At the peak of popularity now are bags made of knitted jersey or yarn. They are so cozy and warm in appearance that they fit under a down jacket and a warm winter hat. A needlewoman can knit such a model herself using a hook or knitting needles. Main, choose suitable fittings for it. The handle of this model can also be connected or made of a chain. An original solution would be to pass a braid of yarn through the chain.

Various shapes

Crossbody bags are famous for their variety of shapes and models. In addition to the classics of the Chanel fashion house, you should pay attention to the following forms:

• rectangle or square. The corners can be clear, or they can be slightly rounded. This is a classic option that is suitable for both everyday wear and as a fashionable elegant accessory.The convenience of the handbag is that you can even go to school with it (of course, if it fits in the format of a regular notebook). A flat clutch-type model can also be carried in your hands with an evening dress, since it usually has a long strap that can be unfastened;
• Saddle bag. Suitable for both casual and boho, hippie, cowboy style. The style really resembles a saddle: rounded at the bottom and slightly tapered at the top;
• circle. A hit of recent seasons is a completely round but flat handbag. Many people think that it is not at all roomy, but you can still put a lot of women’s little things in it. Its undoubted advantage is that it will become an original addition to even the most modest image;
• oriental-style pouch-pouch with a drawstring or elastic band;
• original fashion models for brave girls. For example, a handbag can be made in the form of a retro camera case, a small suitcase, or in the shape of a cute animal’s face or a flower.

Important! Don't be afraid to experiment with form. A cross body is an accessory that will help break up a strict look. The graphic lines of the outfit can and should be combined with the round shapes of the bag, and numerous ruffles or frills can easily be “calmed down” by a modest rectangular model.

Decoration and color

The variety of colors and cross-body decorative elements is so great that your eyes run wild. There is no single correct color solution for this “baby”. There are only a few rules:

• a white bag will go with almost any summer and light outfit, as well as a light fur coat or white boots;
• black or brown - a classic of the genre that can be used at any time of the year and for any occasion;
• a blue cross body goes well with denim items;
• a red or burgundy model is ideal for an image in dark colors or helps to add a little “spice” to a delicate outfit in a romantic style.

The decor of a small handbag can be presented in the form of an unusual print or additional elements. For a long time, floral patterns, nautical-style designs (stripes, anchors, etc.), color-block style, which consists of geometric inserts of different colors and materials, for example, leather and suede, have not gone out of fashion for a long time.

As additional decorations, fringe is often used (it looks especially attractive on a saddle bag), fur inserts, pompoms or other keychains, stripes in the shape of flowers, animals or inscriptions. Perforated leather is an independent decorative element, which consists of patterns extruded in the form of holes or other openings directly on the surface of the bag.

Clasps and straps

The accessories on the bag are mainly made of metal in silver or gold. Some models are so minimalist that they do not have any external fasteners, but are closed with magnets hidden inside.

A fashion trend worth paying attention to is a wide strap embroidered with beautiful patterns or decorated with inscriptions and metal rivets.. It can be purchased not only as a set with a bag, but also separately, thereby decorating your old accessory.

What brands offer?

Among the well-known brands that produce fashionable crossbody handbags are the following:

• Furla;
• Gucci;
• Chanel;
• Michael Kors;
• Guess.

What to wear with a cross body handbag?

We present to your attention several images into which you can successfully introduce a small accessory in the form of a bag:

1. With a light voluminous coat and dark leggings, skinny jeans or trousers, a bright cross-body over the shoulder looks like a thing that connects two opposite colors of the top and bottom. It turns out she's not doing badly at all. You can add a casual touch to this look if you wear it with sneakers or sneakers, and if you add boots or ankle boots, you can safely go to work;
2. With a down jacket or parka, a simple jumper and jeans, it’s good to wear a bright accessory so as not to get lost in the depths of the “urban jungle”. For this everyday look, it’s good to choose a bright or unusually shaped bag;
3. For lovers of feminine and glamorous looks, a mini or midi dress in combination with sandals with heels or stilettos is suitable. A classic Chanel-style bag and fashionable cat-eye glasses will make you simply irresistible on a summer or spring walk;
4. A beige trench coat paired with blue boyfriend jeans or skinny jeans is perfect for cooler summers. Add a cross body with a chain and comfortable ballet flats or loafers to your look and you will definitely not go unnoticed;
5. Biker jackets have not gone out of fashion for several seasons. The most popular option is a black leather jacket. It can be worn in combination with bright things, such as a red shoulder bag. As an option - a combination of a red “baby” and a fur coat made of black, dark brown fur;
6. If your collection has a handbag with an unusual print, then combine it with plain, simple things, because it is a self-sufficient accessory and should attract attention. Wear it with a dark sweater or blazer, with simple straight trousers or other clothes.