March 8th, 2016
Valentino FW16 Collection
Tucked Under The Arm
I know that I’ve been banging my little drum for a few weeks now about wearing a crossbody bag above the hip or tucked under the arm, but here it is looking so right on the Valentino FW16 catwalk.
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BLAZÉ MILANO
High Kingdom Everyday checked blazer
PRADA
Leather-trimmed checked trench coat
APIECE APART
Ruffle-trimmed neck cotton blouse
GIANVITO ROSSI
Katie suede sock bootie
PRADA
Belted wool coat
SAINT LAURENT
loulou leather over-the-knee boots
BALENCIAGA
Suede Crooked-Heel ankle boot
BALENCIAGA
Everyday tote small leather bag
BRUNELLO CUCINELLI
Padded velvet jacket
LOEWE
Roll-neck argyle-sleeved sweater
GANNI
Ridgewood corduroy trousers
PRADA
Point-toe slingback kitten-heel pumps
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I think it looks good on the runway, but very impractical. I like to be able to grab something from my purse while it’s on my body. Maybe you can?
I think its a great look. If one is in a situation where its unlikely to need to access the bag while out and about, it looks fresh. The wide shoulder strap becomes part of the overall look and adds interest.
The wide strap makes the look work. But wearing a purse like that seems awkward.
I love the way the bag tucked under the arm seems to better hug the body and fits better with a silhouette. The long-strapped cross-body bags can sometimes sit off one’s hip and ruin the silhouette. If you were getting into the bag a lot, you’d wear it off your shoulder. But if you were doing a lot of walking, then you’d wear it as a cross-body. I agree that the thick strap makes it work. I love the look.
Not sure how great it is ergonomically. I wore a big Chanel like this for an afternoon a few weeks ago and woke up the next day with a terrible stiff neck. I think the angle places a strain on your neck and shoulder.
I was so disappointed when I bought a cross body small bag a few years ago because it bounced on my hip. I couldn’t do this tuck because the strap crosses the bust. For me a short-strapped bag worn straight and tucked might work. It is undoubtedly a problem in search of a solution!
It also looks achievable because those supermodels have no breasts… Anyone else find they would have to lop off one breast like an Amazon warrior to feel remotely comfortable wearing a cross-body bag?
I feel qualified to speak on this topic since I’ve had a cross body for years and years AND I have an ample chest (just heard my mother with that phrase). Firstly, it is much easier to wear any iteration in the winter because it just needs to fit your coat, so small or large, thin or thick straps work. I find wearing it on the front, just above my hip works best for the line and comfort/access.
Summer is undoubtedly tougher because the strap width must be perfect, perfect so as not to crush the lighter fabrics. I tend to wear it higher and more in front, or fully tucked as above. Also, my summer bag is generally lighter with less hardware to help with aforementioned fabric crushing and “line” preserving. For me, all this thought is worth it to have my hands free, as every time I try and use a regular shoulder bag I last about half a day until…I just……can’t.
I think this is kind of silly. How are you supposed to get anything out of the bag? And I would feel like I was in a Purse Choke Hold with that short thick strap over a coat.
It looks ridiculous to me! But what do I know ? I hate the bomber jacket and everyone else seems to be embracing it!
For decades I’ve worn my Kelly bag across the body on a wide strap and it hits just underneath the arm. I always push it almost behind my back with just the strap showing in front which feels completely comfortable. For me it’s just a way to carry my bag, nothing more. I keep my phone and some cash in my pocket and I’m off!