There’s something reassuring about a crossbody bag. In a world where multiple stimuli are competing for your attention at any given time, it can be comforting to have something that’s just…there. When you’re racing off the subway replying to an email from an overzealous coworker and fielding an errant call from a client, the last thing you want to do is look up and realise you’ve left your tote on the carriage.
Whether you’re commuting, travelling, or simply wandering about town, a good crossbody bag is the ideal companion. Unlike ludicrously capacious totes or occasionally fussy top handle bags, the best crossbody bags are always there for you. Literally — just look down. In addition to being impossible to accidentally leave behind, they’re practical yet lightweight and easy to carry, housing all the essentials without weighing you down with endless pockets and unnecessary accoutrements. Plus, they also act as a way to anchor an outfit, adding structure to even the most casual ‘fits.
To that end, we’re partial to the crossbody box bag. While there’s no shortage of crossbody bag styles—seriously, designers are putting long straps on quite literally every style and marketing it as a crossbody—we’re of the opinion that a true crossbody bag should sit comfortably and unobtrusively against the body, and be able to be worn over bulky clothing (think a chunky knit and an overcoat). The crossbody box bag is defined by its sleek lines and rounded ‘box’ shape. They’re often devoid of overt branding and extraneous details, and typically feature statement hardware on the closure.
While some styles come and go, a crossbody box bag is a timeless investment piece that will look just as good decades later as it does today.
The best classic crossbody box bag styles to shop
Whether you’re looking for a dupe for the now-discontinued Celine Classic Box Bag or simply like the understated elegance and undeniable practicality of a good crossbody box bag, these are our favourite picks.
1. A.P.C. Grace Bag
Its supple leather, rounded corners, and minimalist hardware make the A.P.C. Grace Bag the platonic ideal of a crossbody box bag.
Price: $1185AUD/€680
Material: cowhide leather
2. Léo et Violette Le Nova
When it comes to designs as simple as a crossbody box bag, even the littlest details make a difference. Slightly squarer than the A.P.C. Grace Bag, the Léo et Violette Le Nova has a more casual feel, in part thanks to its monolithic hardware closure and chunkier camera-style leather strap.
Price: $720AUD
Material: calfskin leather
3. Soeur Bellissima Mini Bag
This mini crossbody box bag has a distinct look thanks to its ‘S’-shaped hardware. We like how the adjustable strap uses its adjustment notches as an opportunity for design detail, with the use of gold-toned notches and a belt-inspired detail in lieu of D-rings on the lateral sides of the bag. While it comes in neutral tones like black, grey, and hazelnut, we’re partial to the olive green and purple hues.
Price: $725AUD
Material: cowhide leather
4. Neous Phoenix Crossbody Bag
The egg-shaped magnetic closure on the Neous Phoenix Crossbody Bag makes it stand out from the pack, while the adjustable strap allows it to be worn as a crossbody or shoulder bag without switching straps.
Price: $1650AUD
Material: calf leather or suede
5. Ateliers Auguste Monceau Gold Edition
The surprisingly capacious Ateliers Auguste Monceau Gold Edition is a practical take on the classic crossbody box bag. The gold hardware features a magnetic closure, with the bag available in box pebbled and box leather finishes.
Price: €485 (approx. $790AUD)
Material: calf leather
6. Chylak Flap Bag with Sculptural Seal
We’ve long been fans of Chylak for its striking styles and sculptural hardware. The use of the brand’s signature seal motif adds interest to the classic box bag. While it can be worn crossbody, the shorter strap length of the Chylak Flap Bag with Sculptural Seal means it’s best suited to use as a shoulder bag. The bag is available in both croc-effect or glossy finishes.
Price: €450 (approx. $735AUD)
Material: cowhide leather
7. Otto Razz Lexington Bag
Crafted from supple apple leather, the Otto Razz Lexington Bag is defined by clean lines and rectilinear forms, with its gold-toned lock closure echoing the shape of the bag it sits on. We particularly like the adjustable strap, which allows you to effortlessly swap between shoulder and crossbody carry.
Price: $419AUD
Material: apple leather (apple waste and polyurethane)
8. Savette Symmetry 19
The Savette Symmetry range is a celebration of parallel and perpendicular lines, with the brand’s Symmetry 19 interpreting the classic crossbody box bag in a new way. The rectilinear shape, sharp corners, and parallel strip of leather echoing the top flap give this style a more geometric feel than its contemporaries. We’re particularly partial to Savette’s signature hardware closure; acting as the only recognisable feature on this otherwise unbranded bag.
Price: from $1750USD (approx $2600AUD)
Material: cowhide leather
9. DeMellier The Vancouver
The softly rounded bottom corners lend the DeMellier The Vancouver a somewhat self-effacing feeling which is juxtaposed by the sharp lines of the gold-toned arrow-inspired double-bar lock closure hardware. The DeMellier The Vancouver crossbody bag is available in a plethora of neutral and vibrant hues, with our favourites being tan and azure blue.
Price: $730AUD
Material: cowhide leather
10. Longchamp Box-Trot S Crossbody Bag
The gold-toned equestrian logo hardware and leather overlays make the Longchamp Box-Trot S Crossbody Bag a slightly louder yet still refined take on the crossbody box bag style.
Price: $1070AUD
Material: cowhide leather
11. Oroton Etta Large Day Bag
The Oroton Etta Large Day Bag feels slightly more mature than other styles on this list; largely thanks to the extended flap closure.
Price: $499AUD
Material: cowhide leather
12. Sezane Milo Classic Bag
Trust French girl favourite Sezane to have a take on the crossbody box bag style. With the silhouette’s gently rounded edges echoed by those of the gold-toned hardware, the Sezand Milo Classic Bag has a fresh, youthful energy. We’d recommend opting for burgundy for an atypical neutral that goes with everything, or blue denim for a statement accessory.
Price: $765AUD
Material: cowhide leather
Origin of the classic crossbody box bag
While the crossbody box bag is such a classic style that it seems like it’s been around forever, its popularity can be traced back to 2011 with the release of the Celine Classic Box Bag under designer and then-creative director Phoebe Philo. Released in the wake of the global financial crisis and in the subsequent recession, the Celine Classic Box bag came at a time when logomania and ostentatious displays of wealth had fallen out of favour. The vintage-inspired minimalist style was a hit with those desirous of a well-crafted yet understated bag — i.e. what we’d call ‘quiet luxury’ today.
How to buy the Celine Classic Box bag?
Introduced in 2011 by Phoebe Philo, the Celine Classic Box Bag enjoyed over a decade in the spotlight, before being discontinued in 2024 under the direction of Hedi Slimane. The box style silhouette is still there, however it’s in the form of the Celine Classique Triomphe Bag which bears the French maison’s bold Triomphe logo. Fortunately, there are several good Celine Classic Box Bag dupes which combine impeccable leather craftsmanship with thoughtful design details, with some of our favourites including designs by A.P.C., Sezane, Chylak, and Neous.
Words by Arabella Johnson & T. Angel
Cover image courtesy of Chylak
Feature image courtesy of Neous
