My crossbody camera-bag feels dated...but what do I replace it with?

[LongsocksLou]

I've got a leather crossbody camera bag with a wide canvas strap and I'm bored of it, feels like every other person has a variation on the same theme...but it's also really functional - right size, easy access, strap doesn't cut into shoulder, and works OK with most outfits (except v smart/dressy).

I'd like to replace it with something that feels a bit more current (or timeless!), but what? Ideally I want to tick the same boxes but change-up the style.

We're talking about a particular popular style of cross-body bag that has boxy rectangular shape and typically a wide canvas strap often in a contrasting colour. So called because they are inspired by the look of actual bags-to-carry-cameras. But they are not designed to carry cameras and nor are we looking to carry cameras.

For example

Black Camera Crossbody Bag with Interchangeable Straps | Aspinal

Hope we're all aligned now!

That Whistles one is lovely - I really like their bags. It's a great update from the jauntier ones that keeps all the useful bits!

That post was a genuine mistake and @Datgal is a keen photographer. If you look at the thread title, it could easily be about a bag for carrying a camera.

Like others, I've only heard the term camera bag for a small boxy cross-body bag on here.

What's a camera bag? @LongsocksLou - Edited.

Ah I see, you mean the sort of useful small bag I've been using on and off for about 30 years and have had two colours of and used loads for the past five years?

Do we have to have fast fashion with bags now? Why should I discard a bag if some fashion magazine says it's "dated"? They saw you coming, didn't they? The bags are functional and great so I won't be ditching mine for a long time.

Agreed!

You don't need to discard it if it works for you. Fashion is optional.
I use a backpack most of the time, which is neither fashionable or stylish but it's great for carrying stuff.

If you love a bag but fancy a change, retire it for a bit.
The different colour wide strap with big logs does look tired, but a plain black strap doesn't IMO.

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/style_and_beauty/5578635-what-is-the-new-uniqlo-half-moon-bag?page=4&reply=154789715

Another similar thread discussing handbags.

I think the ubiquitous camera bag with thick strap is a bit dated now, but a couple of styles that offer the same practicality but more current shapes and also have a little handle as an option:

https://www.arket.com/en-eu/product/suede-shoulder-bag-dark-mole-1372055001/

https://www.arket.com/en-eu/product/soft-leather-shoulder-bag-black-1346630001/

https://www.arket.com/en-eu/product/small-leather-bucket-bag-dark-red-1346617001/

There are lots of brands doing similar eg The Horse, Flattered, etc,but I happened to be browsing Arket!

Weirdly my vintage mulberry saddle bag sort of feels right again having not done so for a while - like this https://www.npnbags.co.uk/naughtipidginsnestshop/prod_6234079-Mulberry-Vintage-Small-Saddle-Messenger-Bag-in-Navy-Scotchgrain-SOLD.html

I have a crossbody Zadig and Voltaire quilted Rocky bag and it's probably my favourite possession. It's roomy but not bulky, goes with everything and the leather strap is wide and comfortable

Upgrade the crossbody. I am lusting over JW Anderson loafer bags, the small, plus some gorgeous Autumn colours.

I keep coming back to the Uniqlo one. I’ve got a similar one in black but the fabric attracts every bit of fluff! I do fancy something else in a lighter colour, I always buy black 🙄

I like the fact that this one is convertible

It was rather funny though 😂😂😂 (is that too many?)

I love my cross body Longchamp Energy (small size, not the mini one)
Perfect size for what I need to take out and about. I’m eyeing up another colour for Christmas…

I found this at John Lewis & Partners. What do you think?

Ahh, link didn’t work! hopefully this will …

https://www.longchamp.com/gb/en/products/handbag-s-L1512HSR001.html

I was quite puzzled as quite a lot of the bags shown seemed totally impractical for a SLR and lenses!

Exactly what I was thinking!

How about this one that I saw on my newsfeed today?

https://www.jwpei.co.uk/products/pigeon-clutch-bag-purple

:

Wow. That’s a genuinely horizon-expanding link so many options.

I take it you were one of the mean girls at school and have never grown out of it.

Honestly that is where my brain went too, having just dug out my digital SLR for our most recent holiday, I was about to recommend my crumpler bag as I have been reminded how fabulous it is. How are we to know 'a camera bag' was not actually intended to hold an actual camera.

Don't worry @Datgal I spent half the thread thinking, "You must all have really small cameras" so you're not the only one!