In My Opinion, This Is the Best Bag Style to Actually Spend Money On

Previously, the words "practical" and "fashion" would be rarely found together, but thankfully, that's all changed. Dad trainers are an excellent example of this, as are the thick-strap sandals that are set to dominate summer 2019. And who doesn't experience pure joy upon discovering a dress with pockets?

Don't get me wrong—I'm still very much here for high heels and fitted clothing, however, the older I get, the more I place emphasis on making my wardrobe a more practical place. As such, I now tend to only buy bags that have the same distinctive feature: a crossbody strap.

Small crossbody bags are my daily go-to, as they allow me to keep my hands free for using my phone, carrying shopping bags, or most likely, eating a cookie that I picked up during the five-minute walk between my house to the train station. The petite size also means they're less cumbersome than larger bag styles, making them ideal for travelling, too.

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(Image credit: @maria_bernad)

Maria Bernad wears a Marc Jacobs Snapshot crossbody bag. 

Crossbodys may have previously been considered less luxurious than top-handles or shoulder bags, but premium brands have changed all that. Perhaps even more iconic than its Dionysus, Gucci's Soho crossbody is still one of the most in-demand designer bags out there. And, after the Drew took over the street style scene a few years back, Chloé has continued to create gorgeous crossbody options—particularly The Mini C.

As well as classic labels, a host of new designers have also given the crossbody bag the attention it deserves. From Boyy and Manu Atelier to Danse Lente and Wandler, there are so many beautiful bags to choose from. Keep scrolling below to see and shop the best small designer crossbody bags.

Related: 11 Free Styling Hacks to Make You Look Instantly Cooler

Related: In My Opinion, This Is the Best Bag Style to Actually Spend Money On

Now, acquaint yourself with 2019's top shoe trends

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.