If timeless pieces, simple silhouettes and minimal fuss are your cup of tea regarding fashion and looks, then effortless chic is the aesthetic you must love. Think matching linen sets, cute summer dress-and-sandal combo, and blazers for the office or those chilly nights. Yet, no outfit is complete without accessories, or the right bag, to be more precise. Even if large tote bags are a hard pass, you still need a place to put your phone, wallet, keys and fave lip combo. So, may I interest you in a sling bag?
Now, before you roll your eyes and remember your middle school days with crossbody bags or the clichéd fanny packs used by tourists, hear me out! Hands-free bags have come a long way; they are now really adorable. Sling bags are practical and fashionable, ideal for daily errands, travel (like your big summer trip), and everything in between. Just picture how stylish it will be to always have everything you need at your fingertips rather than dragging a bag up your shoulder.
And if you think the sling has been in fashion forever, you’re not wrong: the fact that it goes way back to Romans and Greeks, through the Industrial Revolution and its venture into haute couture and designer luxury in the 1950s. The crossbody is a timeless classic accessory mostly because of its simplicity, ease of use, and touch of style. Wear it in the evenings for cocktails with the girls then toss it across for a laid-back coffee date. Its basic practical style makes it versatile—it can be worn with sneakers and high heels.
Whether you’re looking for a more oversized alternative to your tote bag or a mini crossbody spacious enough to wear your daily essentials, there are a few things to consider when looking at the selection of stylish women’s sling bags. Aim for chic yet functional. Spacious enough yet not cumbersome. An adjustable strap and secure closure so you can keep your belongings safe. Here’s what you need to know.
Sling bags for ladies come in several styles. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular styles and some Aussie designer picks, to help you choose your bag more effortlessly.
Messenger bags feature a functional design and spacious contents. They’re an excellent option for people who travel a lot. Messenger bags combine style and functionality with elegant design and practical features like various compartments, adjustable straps, and secure front clasps or buckles. Their adaptability easily accommodates both weekend excursions and workdays.
The Joan Weisz Large 3Pocket Sling, available in classic black, is made of leather. It features a top zip opening with a front slip pocket where you can keep all your credit cards. It also has a back zip pocket and internal slip and zip pocket. The brushed silver hardware only enhances its classic look.
Hobo bags give that casual yet effortlessly fashionable style. They have a semi-crescent silhouette, both elegant and carefree, and can elevate more formal ensembles or add a touch of laid-back charm to more casual ones. The wider base offers a large storage part that can fit everything you’ll need in a day.
The Edith Crossbody by Cellini Sport is a hobo-styled sling with a sturdy and adjustable strap for comfort. It’s available in brown leather to style all your neutral and muted outfits.
Sling bags for women also come in mini versions for all the girls who prefer small accessories. These pieces are tiny, yet they pack a big style punch, ensuring your essentials are always accessible. Whether they have a simple style or trendy embellishments, mini women’s sling bags are a great option for brunches, evenings out, or any occasion where you want to show off your sense of style without compromising practicality.
Tuscany’s by Scala’s Dion and Laney bags are two small sling options, available in patterned leather. The gold hardware and practical features make them many ladies’ bags of choice.
The crossbody is available in a few different materials and makes, including leather, suede, waxed canvas, imitation leather, fabric, and even woven straw. You can incorporate each of these into your style boards and wardrobes. It’s important to consider the local environment while selecting your chosen material, particularly for suede preferences.
Crossbody bags are known for being painful for the wearer’s shoulders and neck. Unbalance comes from uneven weight distribution on one shoulder when worn across the body. With your chiropractor in the front seats, correctly wearing a crossbody purse is like a one-man theatre production. And to let you in on a little secret, the strap keeps you from making that chiropractor swear.
Since this is mostly a problem with more oversized sling bags, opt for a long, adjustable strap thick enough to distribute weight evenly if choosing one. The bag part should be exactly where your hips are when the strap is set to the perfect length for your height. But since we owe our lives to the fashion gods, you don’t want the strap to bulk your outfit. Depending on how long you use it, a breakeven point can be determined for this. Functionality is critical and style concessions are unavoidable when using anything from day to night.