A Lightweight & Stylish Crossbody Bag For Travel
I love to travel, and am hoping to do a lot more of it in 2025. I’m planning to re-visit some favorite cities, and explore some new destinations. So I’m always on the lookout for travel-friendly clothing, accessories, and gear, and have a new favorite travel bag to share with you today.
I’ve traveled with a lot of different bags, but over time have refined my criteria for what makes a good travel “day” bag. For me, a crossbody style is a must. I don’t want to have to carry a bag for hours, and shoulder bags aren’t comfortable either over time. (And they’re an easier target for thieves.) A crossbody style distributes the weight of the bag more evenly, and feels more secure.
Weight is also a factor. If a bag weighs 2 pounds (or more) empty, it’s going to feel like shlepping around a toddler once you add contents. Though they can add some weight, I prefer bags with some organizational features. I hate having to rummage to find my keys or phone. But I’m not willing to sacrifice style. I want a bag that’s good-looking and won’t drag down my outfit.
A lightweight & stylish crossbody bag
I know many of you are fans of MZ Wallace bags, so am always keeping an eye on their website for new styles and colors. I’ve been road-testing this smooth nylon Small Chelsea bag for the last couple of weeks. And I’m giving it two thumbs up!
👍 👍
The bag is made from recycled nylon and available in several neutral colors. There are four outside zip pockets, and inside one zip and one slip pocket. It comfortably holds what I carry on a daily basis, with lots of room to spare.
I love that the (wide) crossbody strap is nicely made and smooth so it doesn’t snag my sweaters. It also comes with a shorter leather handle, but just for fun I replaced it with this Clare V. resin chain handle I’ve had for a couple of years. (Quince also makes one, at a budget-friendlier price.)
I think it’s a good-looking bag that can go from day to evening, and doesn’t scream DESIGNER. If you want something larger, there’s also this hobo style and a satchel style (both with optional cross-body straps).
For more travel bag suggestions 👉 How to choose the best travel bag
Responding to your feedback…
Some of you here and on social media have commented recently that some of the items I feature are out of your budgets. I hear you, and while I don’t promote “fast fashion,” I will make an effort to include links to more budget-friendly options as much as I’m able. As always, I encourage a quality-over-quantity approach to wardrobe building, and will also continue to focus on versatile pieces that can be styled multiple ways.
As an adjunct to that, I also wanted to state again that almost all items you see me wearing were purchased myself for my own use. I’m not being given clothing from brands, nor do I receive discounts, nor do I purchase items just for photos and then return them. (On the rare occasions I accept anything from a brand, I’ll always disclose that.)
This week’s best sales
Banana Republic – 40% off full-price purchase
Talbot’s – 30% off entire purchase
J.Crew – 30% off full-price styles
Lands’ End – up to 60% off sitewide with code CLASSIC
Nordstrom – limited time sale
Thanks for reading, and I hope you can unplug a bit and have a restful and restorative weekend!
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Thanks for featuring that bag. I hate feeling like a camel when I travel–lugging a weighty bag and being the recipient of every purchase (“Can you put this in your bag?”) I have honed down what I put in my bag to just the smallest essentials and travel size cosmetics and my shoulder and back thank me.
I respect your commitment to purchasing your own items and not being “gifted “ items. I tend to ignore comments about these company-sponsored products.
I’ve come to the point where I only carry five things with me – phone, cards, key, lippy, and sunglasses. So, my bags have become very small, especially when I travel. I was in Europe this fall and didn’t use a bag for everyday. Instead used my coat – phone in one pocket, card and sunglasses in the other. When I travel, my carry on has become very important to me – it becomes my bedside table:)
I’ve always had a problem finding a great bag for travel. I like the cross-body bags for travel to keep your things close to you while vacationing. I got a crossbody bag (from Puma) that fits tightly around you & the bag sits on your chest; it’s not exactly stylish however, it does keep your valuables close. We always travel in the off season so it’s usually cold when we go. I put my bag on then put on my jacket or coat over it to be even more safe.
On the budget concerns, I’ve found that when you buy quality pieces, they last SO much longer than something less expensive. Also, if I see something on your blog that I really like, if I don’t feel like I should spend that amount I look around until I find something similar with a smaller price tag & get it.
I appreciate the fact that you do not push fast fashion, there are far too many of those out there. I am getting more and more into lasting fashion as I get older and love the look of luxury quiet fashion. If I cannot spend on a certain item that you show, I will look for something in my budget that has the look, or check out consignment shops for similar. This is your style, and the reason many of us anticipate your posts, to see the stylish and sometimes quirky fashion you love to wear. I am a jeans and sweater kind of girl ( ha, 70 ) and that green sweater is gorgeous on you. Keep doing what YOU love to do.
I have loved the MZW bags and find that they wear well and are perfect for travel. My oldest one is about 10 yrs old. I do not like that the bottom- being very soft- sags and to me looks messy. I have cut cardboard to size in the larger tote but that doesn’t really work. I am more than fine with your price point choices- I want to look at nice clothes/ ideas and could shop for lookalikes on my own if I wanted to. As others have said there are plenty of sites for everybody. On a final somewhat related note I am appalled by the flood of cheap Chinese polyester items as featured on “Ama..”. A big NO for so many reasons.
Lydia,
I agree that the cardboard at the bottom of your bag doesn’t work. This may sound crazy, but I use the very flexible “cutting boards” offered in the stores from the kitchen section. I cut them to fit, and then I cover them with a closely matching or coordinating fabric, zig zag the edges closed and place it in the bottom of the bag. I have done with my some of my Vera Bradley travel bags. I’m sure it will work for this handbag as well.
Sel – super clever idea! I will try this! May I also suggest a “felted” purse organizer sold on Amazon (many different sizes & weigh nothing) – they are stiff, with compartments…I use them in my Longchamps bags. I cannot contend with the ‘black hole’ and everything rolling around! Just a thought!
This is brilliant! I ended up using the piece of plastic that is sometimes in the front of 3 ring binders. Love your idea of covering it with fabric!
I totally agree about the MZWallace bags, they look so messy. I have bought three and traded them off one by one. For that much money, they look limp and deflated. I’d rather put a little more money and get a Claire V. They are excellent!!
I very much appreciate that you post about items that you really own and your perspective on quality. And I read other web sites that tend to share items at lower price points and I appreciate them, too. I like the diversity of different authentic (when I can find them) points of view.
How would you compare this bag to the Lo&Sons Aoyama? I have the Aoyama so am curious. Thanks!
Hi Nadya, I love the Aoyama too. Compared to the Ayoama, this MZW bag is more structured and has the outside pockets.
Thank you!
I appreciate your “feedback to the feedback” re expensive items being out of some readers’ budgets. However, I hope you continue doing exactly what you do now. Many of your clothing items serve as a blueprint for style, and I don’t want the blueprint changed. If I wanted to buy fast fashion, I’d read another blogger. And, if I can’t afford something, or choose not to spend my money that way, I’ll make a mental note of style and then move on to finding the item on eBay. Or, I’ll simply admire your style, as I would art in a museum, and then put on my yoga pants and sweatshirt and go work in the garden. LOL.
Please Susan continue to do you, that’s why we follow you. The more years behind me I get, the more I appreciate quality over quantity. Quiet luxury is the way I roll. I am same as many others have said, if one of your items is out of my budget, I look for a replica within my budget. Thank You for doing you
Hi Susan,
I really enjoy your posts. Keep doing what you’re doing!
That is a great-looking bag. I’m a Spring like you. Is the Walnut or Magnet color more versatile for our wardrobes? I like the way you jazzed it up with the extra strap.
Hi Jennifer, thanks! I think either color could work. I’d suggest taking a look at what color(s) neutrals you wear most often, and go with the bag color that coordinates best with those.
For credit card protection, do you rely on a RFID sleeve or wallet? Do you look for travel purses that have a special RFID inside pocket for credit cards? After a credit card scam at an airport, I am always looking for multiple and the best protection available, especially, when travelling.
You can also purchase small RFID sleeves to put your cards in. A bundle of 15 can be found on Amazon. I use those for extra protection when I travel.
Susan, your style and your choices are certainly aspirational! I think we can all use our common sense and creativity to use your blog as inspiration.
I rarely notice any logo’s on your choices, and I don’t notice the same obvious choices, that I see on many other fashion blogs. (I think it was last year that just about every blogger was raving about the Veronica Miller Dickey Jacket.)
Shapes, proportions, and colors can be found at many price points. I also am quite comfortable shopping on EBay, when I know the brand and size I need.
I wanted to share a line of light crossbody bags at a lower price point. A local boutique carries them, and I can vouch for the quality and designs.
https://www.baggallini.com/our-story.html?srsltid=AfmBOopvteEjuOwaM-RaS5wxlRYBFA-s8R-Kl7KFScLOR0ZpAavpzloz
I appreciate that you don’t accept and promote items. Another blogger I have followed for years has recently been doing more and more sponsored promotions. I immediately become suspicious. I realize bloggers have to make a living, but I appreciate authentic personal experience like yours.
Thank you for the rec on this MZ Wallace bag — it looks very promising. This past summer, I shopped online for a summer travel bag in a light color for a 4 week trip and did not pull the trigger. It was really difficult to compare the options without handling them, and I did not have time to receive and return any options. I used a small Longchamp nylon crossbody with a felt organizer, and it worked fine, but the gold color took a lot of abuse. Having external pockets like the MZ Wallace bag makes more sense (than the single opening w/ all items inside).
Susan, I love your style and your emphasis on comfort.
I have been an MZWallace fan for years. I’ve tried several different styles over the years and now I really like the small crossbody Crosby. It fits my needs to a “t”.
I just wish it came in brown.
I think you’re doing a great job
I have used MZ Wallace purses for some years but found them too heavy for travel. I now own two Hedgren crossbody purses…much lighter and with the wide shoulder straps that provide such comfort with both MZ Wallace and Hedgren purses. Hedgren also offers multiple exterior and interior pockets and good sizes (I am about 5’ 1-1/2”). I carry everything (e.g 2 pairs of glasses, wallet, hand sanitizer, lipstick, folding travel brush, mosquito repellent sheets) and I always use RFD sleeves for credit cards and for passports.
Please don’t change what you recommend or share with us, based solely on people whining about cost.
I shop almost exclusively at Wal-Mart; I do not have your budget. I LOVE seeing your recommendations. I work within my budget to approximate your style, which has is similar to mine in many ways.
It’s very easy to find influencers within ones own budget. Youtube and Instagram have many influencers our age, who focus on WalMart, Target, etc. A quick Google search will bring up dozens, within seconds.
I find it appalling that there are those who think you should change what you do, which also makes things harder for you, instead of doing their own research.
I love tortoise shell and that clip on is such a nice extra touch to your bag and your outfit.
If you are looking for good travel crossbody bags, I recommend the Travelon brand. They have a wide variety of styles in different sizes. What makes them so special are the anti-theft features like RFID, locking zippers to prevent pick-pockets and anti-slash fabric. They are light weight and come in an assortment of colors. I own several that I use daily, as well as for travel, and they are very durable. Even after 10 years, they still look like new.
I love the resin bag strap via Claire V, I would have never thought of it. You can make anything look stylish.
Being up in age and a classic dresser, I mix high and low ends so appreciate what you post regardless of price tag. As to a bag for travelling and not one to carry a tote; I opt for a back-pack style particularly for shopping or sight-seeing excursions otherwise my choice is a small cross body bag that carries just basic necessities. i.e.: Wallet/keys/eye glasses/phone. -Brenda-
Ah, here are ways separate. I don’t like nylon bags. I can see the practicality of it but for me it is a bridge too far. Sorry darling.
Greetje
“Quality over Quantity”…is my mantra. I recently had to ditch ALL my beautiful ballerina flats, chic slides and kitten heels because of chronic Plantar Fasciitis – enter supportive sneakers, structured booties and very specific insoles. I’m still a wee bit sad and in denial, so I am purchasing items SLOWLY…they MUST be excellent for my foot health.
I am also a devotee of wearing MY BEST autumnal color palette all 4 seasons of the year. This tool helps keep my wardrobe cohesive and everything works and plays well together. If one is looking for a lower priced alternative, they can always do a ‘google image’ search. Such a handy tool!
You’re the very BEST, Susan! Thanks for all you do!!
As much as I love fashion and the featured bag, safety is always my top priority. I have traveled the last 15 years, 5 months each year out of the country with a Pacsafe bag. Crossbody and I wear under my coat.
I can fit everything I need for the day inside and it has the lock features, credit card protection etc like the Travelon bags. I never want to draw attention so no big logos and minimal, cheap jewelry. My biggest fear traveling would be losing my phone!!!
Hi Susan, love this bag. Does it read a warm brown? I’m in the process of moving my go to neutral from black to brown and I’m definitely in the cool half of the colour circle. Thanks for all the informative posts I learn something from every post.
Terri
Hi Terri, it’s a pretty neutral brown, and could probably work for Summers as well as Autumns and Springs. Winters would probably want to stick to the black or even emerald green colors.
Thanks!
I love the look of this bag. I love it so much that I’ve ordered one and it’s arriving in two days – so quick from US to UK. It’s going to be my everyday bag where I keep all my essentials. Will just have to remember which pockets!