Tuesday, April 9, 2024

27 Crossbody Bags We Don’t Want Leaving Our Side

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All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.

No matter what time of year it is or what event is fast approaching in the diary, the crossbody handbag will always be the wardrobe essential that’s suitable for the occasion. It’s the kind of staple that blends fashion and function, securing it a permanent place among the style set. The secret to its success is simple: as much as we love an impractical party purse, nothing looks as good as a hands-free statement piece feels, which is why we’re revisiting the dependable handbag trend this spring.

Of course, we wouldn’t be as fixated on upgrading our existing crossbody inventory if it wasn’t for the spring/summer 2024 fashion shows and their enthusiastic embrace of the silhouette: Some of this season’s highlights included quilted, tan, and chain-strap handbags by the likes of Miu Miu, Givenchy, and Loewe. Recent street style looks featured countless variations of the ever-practical piece — an obvious but no less excellent choice for a day of dashing from one fabulous fashion fête to the next.

In the spirit of all things style, we’ve combed through the array of fresh inspiration from brands for the best crossbody bags you’ll want to add to your cart for now…and always.

The quilted crossbody

There’s a reason the COS quilted crossbody went viral on TikTok (and even made it to Lyst’s hottest products of 2023 list). This cushiony (and surprisingly stretchy) style is the perfect carry-all for your everyday essentials and then some. Choose from a variety of sizes, colors, and styles.

The crochet crossbody 

There’s nothing better than a bag that reminds you of the beach, even when you are far from one. A crochet crossbody can give a playful edge to any outfit, from weekend sweats to weekday suits. Don’t forget to pack it for your next sunny escape, too.

The thick-strap crossbody

Whether you’re looking to dabble in a bit of logomania or you’re simply after a bit of extra support, a crossbody with a thicker strap looks cool and is especially useful if you’re toting around a heavier load.

The woven crossbody

Sometimes, texture is everything when it comes to accessories. A woven fabric isn’t just eye-catching — it also gives your crossbody a sturdier structure. Pack more items into your crossbody without compromising its shape. Win, win.

The colorful crossbody

The best way to give your wardrobe staples the springtime treatment? Bright hues that are the next best thing to a boost of vitamin D. We’re talking shades of poppy red, kiwi green, and more to sweeten up your look.

The convertible crossbody

Considering the hallmark of the crossbody bag is its practicality, opting for one that can transform effortlessly into a fun top-handle purse or a sculptural tote takes that functionality up a sartorial notch.

The chain-handle crossbody

Amp up the glam factor with a crossbody bag featuring a strap made out of a gold or silver chain that’ll add a touch of sparkle to your ensemble without going overboard and doubles as jewellery.

The tan crossbody

Love a neutral but looking to add something different to your black-bag rotation? Try a tan crossbody. This tone is muted enough to go with most outfits, but has a high-quality look and feel that can sometimes be a statement in itself. Plus: shades of brown are trending right now.

The utilitarian crossbody

Anything that draws on the utility wear aesthetic is big in the world of style right now. A crossbody bag made from a durable fabric and with the easy appeal of a belt bag will keep you very much on trend for the season ahead.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

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The Best Things To Buy At Skims, According To Editors

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All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.

You know it, you love it, it’s all over your social media feeds: Skims. Kim Kardashian’s wildly popular fashion brand has proved itself time and time again to be an R29 reader-favorite. According to our shopping data, readers carted over 1,000 Skims products in 2023 and nearly 150 in 2024 so far. That’s a whole lot of buttery-soft intimates, shapewear, and loungewear.

But with so many options and ever-expanding collections (see the recently launched Wedding Shop), it can be hard to know what are the standout products. It’s a good thing then that we’ve tested out several Skims items ourselves in the past to find out which are true can’t-miss options, including a Skims’ viral dress, comfortable bras and bralettes, cozy cotton underwear, and humble yet confidence-boosting tank tops

Ahead, you can get a taste of all of our favorites (as well as Skims bestsellers, according to happy customer reviews and high ratings) across the brand’s core collections. These include the popular Fits Everybody collection (now available in new spring colorways, as seen on Sabrina Carpenter) ) along with Soft Lounge, Wireless Form, Cotton Jersey, and Cotton Rib lines.

So whether you’re newly interested in Skims and need a rundown, or are curious about trying styles you haven’t before, read on for a selection of best-selling products from each collection. Happy Skims shopping!

Skims Soft Lounge

The viral Soft Lounge Long Slip Dress that constantly takes the internet by storm was R29 readers’ top-purchased Skims product of 2023. Our editors put it to the test a couple of years back. Pros: It fits multiple body types. Cons: If you’re on the shorter side, it’s quite long. Senior writer Karina Hoshikawa (5’2″) said, “It could probably be half the length it was.” 

But the tank dress isn’t the only Soft Lounge item that should be on your radar. During the cooler days, consider the popular long-sleeve version (which is highly rated by the internet) for an elevated day-to-night look. You can also cozy up in other ribbed bestsellers like the tank tops or boxers, or cool down in the new Soft Lounge Lace collection.

Shop Skims Soft Lounge Collection

Skims Fits Everybody

Skims’ most beloved collection is Fits Everybody, a selection of form-fitting basics, dresses, lifting bras, and stretchy underwear (which are now also available with spring-ready lace trim). Many of us at Refinery29 have tried Fits Everybody bras and bralettes as well as the collection’s everyday bodysuits. I’ve personally found my go-to in the form of the Fits Everybody T-shirt bra, which offers lift and support thanks to the underwire rather than heavily padded cups. For the bralette styles, Hoshikawa has previously said that they support her size 32D chest and has noted just how soft the Fits Everybody fabric is, writing, “I never want to take it off.”

We also have Fits Everybody bodysuit-lovers on the team. Affiliate Coordinator Becca Sax has described the fabric as “butter” and said that, in the cami style, “The fabric was thick enough to allow me to wear the bodysuit on its own but thin enough to provide light shaping under a dress or shirt.” Former associate affiliate writer Chichi Offor, who is a size 42DDD in the chest, was a fas of the high neck bodysuit because of the support it offered: “I didn’t need to wear a bra to get an adequate amount of lift.” 

Shop Skims Fits Everbody Collection

Skims Wireless Form

Wireless bras that create a push-up effect? Groundbreaking! On a mission to review the most popular Skims bras, Hoshikawa and myself put several to the test, and the Wireless Form Push-Up Plunge Bra came out as one of our favorites. (It was also a reader-favorite March product). Hoshikawa previously wrote that it’s “not your typical push-up bra,” impressed by the minimal padding, comfortable lift, and super-soft fabric, which she says is comparable to the Fits Everybody material. I also reach for this product as a going-out bra (I wouldn’t call it an everyday bra) because of its plunging neckline and seamless finish under tight clothes.If you are looking for a push-up bra comfortable enough for everyday wear, you can try the highly-rated T-shirt Denim Bra.

Shop Skims Wireless Form Collection

Skims Cotton Jersey

The Cotton Jersey collection has gotten top grades from Skims customers and R29 editors alike. Like most Skims collections, these stretchy-supple pieces span loungewear and intimates, with its bestsellers including tops and underwear (several styles have over 1k positive reviews). And we can validate the hype in the undies department. We’ve tested out several cotton jersey underwear cuts, and have declared them the ultimate lounge-around-the-house basics.

Regarding the boy shorts, former affiliate lifestyle writer Alexandra Polk wrote, “I would like to frolic around my apartment in these until the end of time.” I, too, enjoy their fitted stretchiness and found that you can size down with this material (your true size offers a more relaxed fit). Regarding the other best-selling cotton jersey Cheeky Tanga style, Polk said that “the triangular silhouette makes me feel like these underwear were made to be seen.”

Shop Skims Cotton Jersey Collection

Skims Cotton Rib

One of Skims’ surprising editor-favorites is a tank top from the Cotton Rib collection. Former sexual health & wellness writer Charlotte Lewis previously wrote, “I don’t know what kind of magic is in this tank’s fabric, but it acted as a push-up bra, giving me the illusion of boobs that I don’t actually possess.” Meanwhile, senior travel writer Venus Wong said, “The square neckline design suited my fuller chest area and managed to hide my bra straps (I’m quite adamant about them not showing) and revealed just a hint of cleavage.”

I’ve found that the ribbed fabric in this collection is super soft and slightly compressive, and I am eager to try it in other products like the highly-rated bralettes and leggings, which have garnered thousands of positive customer reviews.

Shop Skims Cotton Rib Collection

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

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