Fashion Advice
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I recently visited two different malls and did a lot of big box shopping. One of the trends that was loud and clear in stores from Bloomingdale's to Walmart, Khaite to Zara was the crescent bag.
What is a Crescent Bag?
The crescent bag is 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). The crescent bag is a slightly curved bag that is often a hybrid between a classic. purse and a belt bag, worn across the body.
However, the cr4escent b ag trend has gained steam in 2024, and you will find slouchy crescent and sling bags that are handheld or shoulder bags, as well as half-moon and banana bags that are more structured and unable to be slung across the body. In 2024, the crescent bag trend is more accepting and fluid.
I love it when a trend is practical, accessible, and not so trendy that it won't remain chic for seasons to come. This is a trend with checking out if the bags below appeal to you.
When Did the Crescent Bag Become Popular?
I discussed the crossbody crescent bag/sling trend in 2023 when I researched alternatives to Jennifer Lawrence's black leather crossbody bag. I knew she was rocking The Row and that, eventually, others would follow suit with this bag silhouette. However, I didn't know it would catch on so quickly and be so prevalent across multiple retailers and for so long. In fact, I originally wrote this post in Fall 2023 and with the influx of stylish crescent bags in stores in 2024, I felt it necessary to update with the latest and greatest crescent bags.
The crescent bag remains popular because it is wearable, practical, and easy to recreate in a range of textiles and pricepoints. Just as the belt bag crossbody was EVERYWHERE the past couple of years, the crescent bag is here and isn't leaving any time soon. From outdoors brands to high-end designers, you're going to see plenty of crescent bags in 2024
The Best Crescent Bags for 2024
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 of 2023. 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.
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 2024, 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.
Classic Leather Crescent Bags
Shop the collage: one (10 options available) | two (3 colors available) | three | four (3 colors available) | five | six (10 colors available) | seven (17 options available) | eight (9 colors available)
I feel that a leather crescent bag is a classic; buy now and wear for years from now. These options are clean and simple styles that will transcend trends. And for those wondering, the crescent bag seen in the feature photo for this article is bag #6 in this collage from Polène.
Statement-making Crescent Bags
Shop the collage: one (6 colors available) | two (12 colors available) | three (6 options available) | four | five | six (2 colors available) | seven (7 colors available) | eight (6 colors available) | nine (17 options available)
Crescent bags have a silhouette that goes in and out of being. trendy, but never really goes out of style. It's a great shape to consider using for more of a fun or statement bag. Retro, modern, texture, color… this year, you'll find a lot of woven and braided leather, studs, and grommets to adorn statement bags.
Functional and Active Crescent Bags
Shop the collage: one (4 options available) | two (9 colors available) | three (6 colors available) | four (6 colors available) | five (13 colors available) | six (6 colors available) | seven (3 colors available) | eight (3 colors available) | nine (two colors available)
If you're looking for a switch from your belt bag, a crescent bag in a functional active fabric is a great alternative. From large shoulderbags to small slings that are as trim as a belt bag, crescent and sling bags are great for travel and active lifestyles.
Crescent Bags Under $100
Shop the collage: one (6 colors available) | two (2 colors available) | three (2 colors available) | four | five (3 colors available) | six (12 colors available) | seven (6 colors available) | eight (4 options available) | nine
There are plenty of very chic crescent bags this year that are reasonably priced without looking as though you borrowed it from your niece or bought it at Forever 21. Some are from leather, some look like they are leather, and many have cool textures and textiles used for interest and style.
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!