The best crossbody bags for hands-free styling

04 Jul 2023 | |By Luxury London

A true style staple for any well-dressed woman, invest in these classic crossbody bags you'll reach for daily

All products are chosen independently by our editors. Luxury London may earn commission on items purchased.

If there’s one absolute essential every woman needs in her style arsenal, it’s a crossbody bag. Indeed, is there anything better than being set free to run around the city, unencumbered by handles and straps? Whether you’re throwing in everything but the kitchen sink or slinging it over your shoulder alongside a trusty tote to keep your precious valuables extra secure, a crossbody bag goes a long way when it comes to fashion and function. From the iconic Mulberry Alexa to The Row’s cult Slouchy Banana, read on for our pick of the best crossbody bags to invest in now for timeless hands-free style.

ATP Atelier Assisi crossbody bag

Arguably the colour of summer 2023, betweeen Valentino’s Pink PP collection and the Barbiecore trend, pink has been all over our feeds in recent seasons. Sending the style set into a tizzy thanks to its trendy Noughties nostalgia aesthetic, and rendered in sweet candyfloss pink leather, this shrunken saccharine style by ATP Atelier is offset by an edgy asymmetric flap design and gold hardware.

£549
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Bottega Veneta Camera bag

In his tenure at Bottega Veneta, former creative director Daniel Lee oversaw a Golden Age in the Italian brand’s accessories game, bringing the house’s trademark intrecciato weave back into the collective consciousness of fashion fans far and wide. Proving a huge hit with street style stars, the brand’s playful use of unexpected colours and textures has made many of its handbags must-have styles. This striking take on the classic Camera crossbody bag in a pretty lavender leather is ideal for pairing with polished evening ensembles or elevating your daytime T-shirt, jeans and white sneakers look.

£1,800
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Chloé Marcie bag

Exemplifying the brand’s signature blend of refined femininity with a contemporary bohemian edge, Chloé’s Marcie saddle bag has been a fan-favourite with trendsetters and silver screen starlets alike since it launched in 2009. The first of many It Bags from the B Corp-certified brand, this crossbody version of the timeless style, in classic tan leather with soft gold hardware and tonal buffed leather detailing, is the ideal piece for everyday errand running.

£1,390
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Coach Pillow Tabby bag

Revamping the structured silhouette of its archival 1970s Tabby bag, this pillowy crossbody in supple Nappa leather makes for some seriously stylish summer arm candy. Available in a range of tonal shades, from fiery orange and buttercup yellow to deep purple, this style in a seasonless navy leather is our pick of the bunch.

£450
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Ralph Lauren The RL tote bag

You can never really go wrong with Ralph Lauren, and this sleek spin on the classic tote silhouette is proof. Featuring clean, elegant lines and beautifully balanced proportions, this punchy crossbody bag in smooth tan calfskin leather, with slick silver-finish hardware and a classic RL monogram buckle, is the perfect size for throwing in your essentials and running out the door. Wear with anything from a stunning summer dress to a laid-back sporty sweatsuit.

£1,435
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Gucci 1955 horsebit bag

Another cult favourite, the Gucci 1955 crossbody bag is, as the name suggests, a contemporary take on the brand’s archival designs. Relatively small in size but mighty in style, with GG monogrammed canvas, brown leather trim and the brand’s signature horsebit detail, this take on a beloved classic is ideal for keeping your essentials close at hand.

£1,290
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Mulberry Alexa bag

Named after It Girl Alexa Chung, the Mulberry Alexa’s timeless slouchy silhouette is inspired by the model and designer’s easygoing elegance. Crafted in pebbled cornflower blue leather, with gold-tone accents, a braided top handle and the trademark Mulberry Postman’s Lock, it’s the perfect crossbody bag for wherever your day takes you.

£1,000
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Prada pocket crossbody bag

Prada’s tough-as-nails crossbody bag playfully riffs on the brand’s sporty-chic signature aesthetic with its structural shape and deceptively practical design. Complete with silver-tone hardware, sleek nylon lining, a detachable coin purse and adjustable shoulder strap, this punky crossbody bag is guaranteed to stand up to whatever your day throws at it.

£1,980
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Saint Laurent Niki bag

Since its Kate Moss-fronted release in 2018, Saint Laurent’s edgy vintage-inspired Niki bag has become a hero style for the brand. Rendered in a distressed gunmetal grey leather, with monochrome hardware, a fold-over closure and the iconic YSL logo plaque, this surprisingly sizeable crossbody makes for an ideal day-to-night staple.

£2,500
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The Row Slouchy Banana bag

Irreverently named for its curved, relaxed shape, The Row’s Slouchy Banana crossbody bag is a cult favourite among the style set. Crafted in Italy from supple calfskin leather, this pared-back style, complete with an adjustable buckled shoulder strap, is the chicest riff on a bum bag we’ve seen to date. Whether worn with jeans and your best cashmere, or slung over sharp suiting, it’s guaranteed to bag you major style points.

£1,720
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