All products on this page have been selected by the editorial team, however Stylist may make commission on some products purchased through affiliate links in this article
Ready to wear handbags again? Cross-body bags are the effortless styles that’ll make getting dressed easy.
Hands up, who’s excited to dress up for any occasion? Us too. Luckily, the Stylist fashion team has already compiled a cheat sheet of spring outfits you can wear for those al fresco plans (without your teeth chattering), and now it’s time to tackle the accessories.
Do you still opt for a chunky stomper boot? Or is it time to embrace the nostalgic 90s flatform flip flops? Either one gets a yes from us, but we’re here to help you with the handbag situation right now.
You may also like
This flatform flip flop trend is all over Instagram for summer
The long strap styles that go over your shoulder and across your body means you can go hands-free. And, with no need to hold your bag or worry about forgetting it once you’re sitting outside at a bar or restaurant, the crossbody bag is also an easy way to uplift your looks. If you’re still having to wear a coat thanks to the unpredictable UK weather, an easy way to transport them into spring/summer territory is with a bold, bright bag.
Here, we’re found the best crossbody bags from Zara to ASOS and See By Chloé. Meet the effortless bag style you’ll want to take to all your upcoming plans…
Johnny Loves Rosie Vegan Crossbody Tan Bag
The Drop: Johnny Loves Rosie Saddle Bag We’ve found bag nirvana in Johnny Loves Rosie’s tan Sadie saddle bag. Made from durable, sustainably sourced vegan leather, the adjustable strap means it’s as good worn crossbody as it is shortened to create a chic evening shoulder bag. Best of all?
Fans of monogramming *raises hand* will be glad to hear that it can be personalised for free with your choice of up to three hand-stamped letters.
Shop Johnny Loves Rosie Vegan Crossbody Tan Bag at The Drop, £60
Betsy & Floss Personalised Novara Suede and Leather Satchel Crossbody Bag
The Drop: Betsy & Floss Crossbody Bag When we spotted Betsy & Floss’ Novara satchel with its chic suede panelling, top handle and shoulder strap, plus gold monogramming, we knew we had to snap it up.
Available in a choice of five go-with-everything colours – black, navy blue, denim blue, light grey or blush – expect shiny gold hardware, beautifully soft leather and a magnetic clasp fastening.
Shop Betsy & Floss Personalised Novara Suede and Leather Satchel Crossbody Bag at The Drop, £76.50
Honey & Toast Liberty Chain Handle Handbag
The Drop: Honey and Toast Liberty Bag We have Chanel to thank for making chain-strap mini bags a chic classic – and Honey & Toast’s envelope-style Italian leather bags are up there in the style stakes. “Party season looks like it might actually happen this year, so an elegant bag that can be used as a crossbody, a clutch or a purse is exactly what your wardrobe needs,” says Stylist’s style director Polly Knight.
The detachable chain makes it easy to switch from a shoulder bag to a clutch while the purse-style interior – with two card slots and enough space for your phone, mask and AirPods – will suit minimalists down to the ground. Coco Chanel would be proud…
Shop Honey & Toast Liberty Chain Handle Handbag at The Drop, £98
Mila & Eve Orange Leather Tassel Bag with Free Personalisation
The Drop: Mila & Eve Orange Sophia Bag With citrus brights popping up all over the new season catwalks, orange is a colour that never fails to add interest to an outfit, as demonstrated by Jacquemus and Marques’Almeida’s collections. And now The Drop by Stylist’s bestselling Sophia tassel crossbody bag by Mila & Eve is available in the colour of the season.
Made from soft pebble grain leather complete with a tasselled gold zip, it adds a pop of colour to your go-to monochrome and beige outfits.
Shop Mila & Eve Orange Leather Tassel Bag with Free Personalisation at The Drop, £45
CeCe Finery Handmade, Lightweight, African Crossbody Bag
The Drop: CeCe Finery Bag Decorated with a choice of three West African-inspired cotton prints that radiate colourful cheer, the handcrafted adjustable one strap bag is spacious enough for all your essentials, from phones to lip balms.
Pair with your classic black puffer and skinny jeans for a colour accent that will brighten up dull spring days.
Shop CeCe Finery Handmade, Lightweight, African Crossbody Bag at The Drop, £26.95
Mila & Eve Ava Crossbody Bag
The Drop: Mila & Eve Ava Cross Body The Ava crossbody made from Italian leather is available in classic tan, chic black and go-with-everything silver. The handy fold-over flap makes it easy to keep your belongings safe and you can also have the bags monogrammed with up to four initials, for free.
Mila & Eve Leather Circle Bag
The Drop: Mila and Eve Clara Circle Bag Given their collection of stylish everyday bags, it’s no surprise that Mila & Eve is one of the The Drop by Stylist’s bestselling brands. Now, it’s time to meet the label’s latest silhouette that’s bound to shake up your accessories game: the Clara bag.
Structured and circular, it’s an alternative take on the classic slouchy crossbody that will slot seamlessly into every kind of outfit. The leather is from Italy, the strap is detachable, and the hardware is gold – but best thing of all? It’s customisable.
Shop Mila & Eve Leather Circle Bag with Free Personalisation at The Drop, £50
Mango Crossbody Mini Bag
Mango Crossbody Mini Bag Did someone say colour pop? This mini orange/red option is the exact dose of colour your beige, black or matchy matchy red dress is waiting for…
Mila & Eve Chloe Crossbody Bag
Best crossbody bags: Mila & Eve Available in blush pink, light grey and classic navy, the leather Chloe crossbody bag has a handy exterior pocket as well as two zipped compartments – plus you can monogram yours for free or add a pop of colour with one of three striped straps, exclusively at The Drop by Stylist.
Aurora London Gigi Bag
Best cross-body bags: Aurora London Update your arm candy with this vibrant style by Aurara London. Try teaming it with a Breton T-shirt, loose-fit jeans and a pair of fresh white kicks.
Zara Embellished Mini Crossbody Bag
Zara Embellished Mini Crossbody Bag With embellishment reminiscent of the beloved Manolo Blahnik heels Carrie Bradshaw was once gifted, this mini crossbody bag has just enough to stand out, but not enough to overpower an outfit. Not to mention its cheery khaki hue. What’s not to love?SBRI Crossbody Bag with Personalised Tag
Best cross-body bags: SBRI You can choose to keep this bag plain black, with leopard side panels and even get a personalised zipper with your initials on. The possibilities are endless.
Shop SBRI Crossbody Bag with Personalised Tag at The Drop, £160
Been London Ridley Bag
Best cross-body bags: Been London Like a statement bag? This shiny silver number will be your go-to from day to night. Throw it over any spring/summer cover-up to make it more exciting.
Mila & Eve Sophia Bag
Best cross-body bags: Mila & Eve A sleek box style is one that’ll never date. This Mila & Eve bag has the option of interchangeable straps to ensure you’ll never tire of it. Want to know the best part? You can also get it personalised with your initials for free. Go, go, go!
See by Chloé Joan Mini Leather and Suede Crossbody Bag
See by Chloé Joan Mini Leather and Suede Crossbody Bag Boho chic is a style that never goes out of fashion. So, why not channel the look with the timeless Joan bag from See by Chloé? Pair it with your most stylish linen co-ord and padded sandals for a comfy look.Shop See by Chloé Joan Mini Leather and Suede Crossbody Bag at Matches Fashion, £285
Ted Baker Jaylisa Basket Weave and Leather Crossbody Bag
Ted Baker Jaylisa Basket Weave and Leather Crossbody Bag Half basket weave, half coral leather. It’s a texture combination of spring/summer dreams. Not to mention the classic Ted Baker monogram on front. Talk about having the best of both.Shop Jaylisa Basket Weave and Leather Crossbody Bag at Ted Baker, £130
ASOS DESIGN Croc Effect Cross Body Camera Bag in Sage
ASOS DESIGN croc effect cross body camera bag in sage If you’re intending on jetting off this summer, or simply take a staycation, chances are you want a bag that’s both stylish, affordable and deceptively large. This ASOS Design croc effect bag ticks all these boxes.Shop ASOS DESIGN Croc Effect Cross Body Camera Bag in Sage at ASOS, £12
Main image: Getty
Other images: courtesy of brands
Recommended by Harriet Davey
Fashion
These new high street collections will make you so excited for spring
Fashion
This tiny detail is updating every dress and skirt style right now
Fashion
“My job is to shop, but I haven’t bought new clothes for 3 months – this is what I want for spring”
Fashion
17 happy slogan tops and jumpers designed to make you smile