Cross Body Bag

"Tips on How to Buy a Cross Body Bag"

Tan bohemian crossbody purse by Jessica Simpson

Boho Chic Crossbody Purse from Zappos

A cross body bag is a cute little thing. Don't you just love how you can swing it across your shoulder and walk around without it interfering with what you're doing? Oh and I just adore how chic it looks with a simple feminine dress and with my tunic top and leggings.

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Cross body bags are available in many styles to suit each and every woman's needs, from the classic and versatile leather, sexy patent, hip and eclectic boho prints to practical messengers, and many, many more!

Here are tips and ideas on how to buy cross body bags:

How to Select the Right Cross Body Bag

The Best Length for Your Height

Fossil's 'Sasha'

Whether you're buying online or not, always take a note of the strap length, or atleast buy a bag with adjustable strap. A cross-body bag should fall on either your waist or hip (or wherever you want to draw attention to) and never below your upper thigh.

Tip: If it's a bit too long, you can also tie a small knot at the top of the strap. Or if it's too short, have a tailor fix it for you. You can also detatch the strap from the body and buy a new and longer one.

Have in mind that the shape and size (dimensions) of the cross-body bag can either add pounds or slim down your hip and waist area. The wider, thus more bigger and your waist and hips will appear.

The Right Style for Your Body Shape

Fossil's 'Talita'

Since a cross body bag naturally falls down to either your hip or waist, it can draw unwanted attention to that area.

If you have a thick waist or wide hips, or round butt - you can either choose to highlight that area or draw attention away from it. So if you want to enhance your curves, pick a light colored or/and detailed bag.

If you're not comfortable with your curves, buy something more tailored in solid dark colors like black, olive green and dark brown. Or anything that blends in with your bottom.

Now here's my breakdown on the most popular types of cross body bags, that won't go out of style:

Popular Cross Body Bag Designs

There are many variations: large and small, plain and printed, casual and dressy or boho and classic. Take your pick!

Fossil's 'Talita'	Classic Leather Cross Body Bag You can never go wrong with a simple leather cross body bag! It's perfect for the gal who wants to showcase her style with class. Leather in black, tan and dark brown are seasonless and match with everything you own. Want to take your outfit up a notch or want something that match your casual and perhaps bohemian style? Then look for trendy details like braids, pleats, gold or silver studs, single or double buckle, outer pockets, flap closure.
Dooney & Bourke 'Vachetta'	Vintage Cross Body Bag Add charming and unique flair to your outfit with a vintage cross body bag! The exciting thing about vintage cross bags is that they exhibit signs of age and wear, have an old-fashioned craftsmanship, making them an overall more durable purse. And since these were made back in the old days and are discontinued completely, the chances of seeing anyone other than yourself carrying the same bag are quite slim :) If you want the real thing (a true vintage bag) expect to pay a bit more than a vintage bag that has been made to look like it (vintage inspired). Typical characteristics of a vintage(-inspired) purse are: signs (effects) of age and wear, gold or silver frame, slouchy body, buckle, contrasting trims (cream with tan brown), floral grandma style. Click here for advice on vintage fashion Go to a thrift store or borrow your grandmother's bag pouch! Tip when browsing on ebay for vintage cross body bags: What I find useful when searching for cross body bags on eBay, is to widen the search results with "Vintage bag purses"/"Vintage purses". They're the same!
Fossil's 'Ansley'	Print Cross Body Bag Want something fun-looking? Then opt for a cross body bag with canvas exterior and colorful prints. Perfect for the on-the-go gal who has a little bit of an eccletic sense of style.
Roxy 'Back Alley'	Practical Cross Body Bag I'm referring to messenger bags and anything with extra pockets on the outside. They're quite practical when you need to carry different things in one place without having to opt for a regular handbag which will only distract your arm and hands.