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This week I visited two different malls and did a lot of big box back to school shopping and one of the fall trends that was loud and clear in stores from Bloomingdale's to Target, Khaite to Zara was the crescent bag. Also known as the half-moon bag, the banana bag, and in the past was known as a hobo bag (but we've evolved and can use the other terms from now on). I love it when a trend is practical, accessible, and not so trendy that it won't remain chic for seasons to come. Below I'm sharing my favorite picks for the must-have bag style for fall: the crescent bag.
I previously discussed the crossbody crescent bag/sling trend when I researched alternatives to Jennifer Lawrence's black leather crossbody bag. I knew she was rocking The Row and that eventually others would be following suit with this bag silhouette, but I didn't know it would catch on so quickly and be so prevalent across multiple retailers. From outdoors brands to high-end designer, the crescent bag is virtually everywhere and because of that, it's available at a gorgeous range of prices, sizes, fabrics, and colors.
The Best Crescent Bags This Season
This post won't just focus on black bags in a similar style and shape to the pricey one from The Row that Lawrence carried all summer. Below I have a fun range to show the versatility and functionality of the crescent bag, and why it may be the kind of bag you want to add to your wardrobe this fall.
I know that in the past, trends were very specific. It had to be a certain size, certain shape, certain color, certain textile, certain brand. In 2023, fashion is fluid so the concept of the crescent bag is what matters, versus being a very specific one. This means if you have one already in your wardrobe, dust it off and take it for a spin. Consider checking out thrift, vintage, and consignment stores for gently used styles that will look great now. It also means you can look chic AF without adding a crescent bag to your collection and just going with what you already own and love.
My guides to current trends are exactly that – a guide, not gospel. Because fashion is so fluid right now, there's no need to adopt a single trend to look stylish. However, if you are thinking about adding a new bag to your wardrobe this season, I encourage you to check out a crescent bag for fall!
I want a leather crescent bag I'll enjoy this season and seasons to come
If you are looking for a crescent bag that is of good quality and a style that will look fashionable now and years from now, this selection of high quality leather bags from reputable brands may be right up your alley.
one | two (four colors available) | three (2 colors available) | four | five | six (4 colors available) | seven (12 colors available) | eight (2 colors available)
I like to make a statement, and know I'll still love this statement seasons from now.
I've pulled together a selection of quality crescent bags, sling bags, and half moon bags that may not be classic or subtle, but will still look hella cool on your shoulder years from now. Accessories are a great way to show personality and find signature pieces that add flair to wardrobe basics.
one | two (2 colors available) | three (3 colors available) | four | five (8 colors available) | six (4 colors available)
I'd like a budget-friendly crescent bag to enjoy this trend… keep it under $100 please
I got you, my friend. There are plenty of very chic crescent bags this fall that are reasonably priced without looking as though you borrowed it from your niece or bought it at Forever 21. Below are my picks:
one (2 colors available) | two (3 colors available) | three (4 options available) | four (2 colors available) | five (4 colors available) | six (5 colors available)
I want a crescent bag for travel, or an alternative to belt bags (aka give me a practical fabric, please!)
The crescent bag is a roomy alternative to a belt bag, and dresses up better than a sling or backpack. This makes it a great travel bag, weekend bag, and bag that goes from activity to cafe. In fun colors and great shapes, one of these crescent bags may end up being your daily purse now into winter! Please note, while I have some fun colors and prints below, all these bags come in black as well as other neutrals.
one (7 colors available) | two (5 colors available) | three (7 colors available) | four (2 colors available) | five (11 colors and prints) | six (4 colors available) | seven (5 colors available)
MZ Wallace has several styles in that shape and the bags have great organization too. I also like the Songmont Luna bag and sm thinking of getting the Uniqlo one that comes in many colors.
I had never noticed this style until your other post, and then I saw it everywhere… found myself buying one and then another of the Uniqlo bag! I really like them. And for fellow crafters, there’s even a newly released sewing pattern! https://www.blackbirdfabrics.com/products/bestie-bag
I like the ones in nylon. The bigger ones are good instead of a tote.
You can get a briefcase sized umbrella into them, and stash any lunchtime purchases you may have made in it so you don’t look like you’re late from lunch because you’ve been shopping 🙂
I am so glad that you included Portland Leather. I love the city of Portland, Oregon. I went there 2 different times for conferences, once on the train and once by air. Both trips were wonderful, so fun! I like the idea of a Portland business doing well. I think I am going to purchase something from them, in no small part, because I want to support them. If I do order an item from Portland Leather I’ll let you know what I think.
I love my bags from Portland leather! I have two of the mini crossbody totes and a wallet. The leather and the colors are wonderful. It would be so fun to be able to go to Portland and see the store in person.
Nat, If you do visit Portland some day, be sure to visit the zoo. It is outstanding. I can hardly wait to go back.
I’ll add that to my bucket list, thank you!
I don’t know how I managed to get ahead of the trend, but a couple of years ago I bought a crescent shaped bag from M. Gemi, and I love it. It’s big but slouchy and comfortable. I still like a classic shoulder bag.
Alas, they stopped making it – Although maybe now they will bring it back. But it’s called the Eleonora and it retails for about $375. I know I paid less when it was on sale, and I just got a second one in very good used condition (I have a navy one and sort of a greige one) on Poshmark. So may be worth trying to find on a resale site. Here’s what it looks like:
https://www.shopstyle.com/g/women/m-gemi/the-eleonora-oversized-crescent-bag/956850434
For the last grouping, I got this one from Athleta and I LOVE it. Just took it on vacation in Ireland and it looked good with casual, even a bit dressed up for dinner; held up on serious hikes, is lightweight, and the absolute perfect size. Highly recommend!
https://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=613717002&cid=46881&pcid=46881&vid=1&cpos=18&cexp=2702&kcid=CategoryIDs%3D46881&cvar=23170&ctype=Listing&cpid=res23082806197581727615362#pdp-page-content
Amazing compendium, as always. I tried a crescent bag based on your previous post and found that it’s definitely not for me — I don’t like 1) everything jumbled together in the center of the bag (which is what happens when you carry it) and 2) having to take the bag off and put it down on something to open it and find what you need. I also found the bulk under my arm when wearing the bag was annoying. I guess I’m a structured bag kind of person.
Same here, plus the lack of a crossbody feature (I think I don’t have very defined shoulders, so the straps are constantly slipping off me…) The bags are gorgeous though, thanks for the eye candy Allie!
In case this helps anyone else though, I don’t like too much structure lol but have found I can tolerate it on belt bags – I have two in a structured oval shape, so they look dressy enough to wear just like a waist belt in the front but with the bag section in the back.
Love these bags. I was influenced already by your previous post about JL and her bag from The Row and I bought the Cos bag you mentioned at the time. Great bag, really enjoy it!
Although a bit pricey, MZ Wallace has their Luna style which is a crescent shape. I have many MZW styles and love them for functionality and quality. They also have a sling style which is my absolute fav that I use most days!
https://www.mzwallace.com/products/magnet-crosby-luna
https://www.mzwallace.com/products/dawn-bowery-sling