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Stylist Loves
16 crossbody bags that are the best hands-free accessories for autumn and winter
Updated 3 years ago
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3 min read
Ready to upgrade your accessory arsenal? Crossbody bags are the effortless styles that’ll make getting dressed easy.
Accessorising can feel like hard work – finding the right shoes, bag and jewellery to layer over your outfits is something most of us don’t have time for by the time we’ve got dressed. This is why we’re so fond of the humble crossbody. The ultimate throw-on item, not only does it remove the faff of carrying a bag, but it can pull your entire outfit together, even if you have worn the same coat every day for the last month.
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 look.
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You can keep things simple with a monochrome bag. But autumn is actually a great time to step outside your sartorial comfort zone and try something bright and bold to liven up your looks. Most of the time, people will only notice the strap anyway, so it’s low-pressure way of experimenting with colour.
We’ve found the best crossbody bags, from ASOS to Mango, as well as a range of bags from independent brands. Meet the effortless bag style you’ll want to take to all your upcoming plans…
Nooki Design Portia Mini Bag
A pint-sized accessory with big style credentials and a whopping saving of 50% – what’s not to love? Available in lustrous gold or black with a quirky beetle print, these dinky leather bags are spacious enough for all of life’s essentials (phone, keys, Carmex) – perfect for those who aren’t fans of bulky bags or when you find yourself venturing out in a pocket-free outfit. Wear over your shoulder, across your torso or necklace-style.
Betsy & Floss Bronte Handbag
Accessories are never more important than when you’re shrugging on the same winter coat every day, and a monogrammed leather crossbody bag is just the ticket when it comes to adding a finishing touch to your outfits.
Available in eight colours, and with an exclusive 15% saving only available on The Drop, Betsy & Floss’ Bronte handbag proves that classic buys are the best, thanks to its pebbled leather, dainty gold detailing and personalisation. Whether you’re in the market for a new crossbody to add to your bag collection or looking for a thoughtful gift for a friend, it’s time to call off the search.
Mila & Eve Candy Pink Tassel Bag and Pastel Rainbow Strap with Free Personalisation
As if we didn’t need another reason to love our bestselling Mila & Eve Sophia crossbody tassel bag, it’s now available in 2022’s must-have colour: Barbie pink.
Made in Italy using soft, pebble grain leather, the details don’t stop there. With free monogramming available exclusively on The Drop, you can personalise the bag with the initials of your choosing.
Want to make more of statement? For an extra cost, add a pastel rainbow strap for an extra injection of colour. Say hello to your new favourite accessory…
Johnny Loves Rosie Vegan Crossbody Tan 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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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…
Aurora London Gigi Bag
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.
SBRI Crossbody Bag with Personalised Tag
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
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
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!
ASOS DESIGN Croc Effect Cross Body Camera Bag in Black
Shop ASOS DESIGN Croc Effect Cross Body Camera Bag in Black, £14
Main image: Getty
Other images: courtesy of brands
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