A crossbody bag is a versatile piece of accessory. The numerous crossbody sightings on celebrities are a testament to the popularity and usefulness of this bag. If you’re a crossbody junkie, then I’m sure you know what I mean. For the newbies who are just starting to love this kind of bag, here are top 5 places where you can wear your crossbody:

1. School

This is probably the most popular place to wear a crossbody bag. Even TV shows such as Gossip Girl and Vampire Diaries use crossbody bags as props for cast. For crossbody spottings in movies, try watching “Jennifer’s Body” and you’ll see that Amanda Seyfried’s school girl character sported several crossbody bags. For school, a bigger crossbody bag is most ideal for your books and laptop.  This way, you enjoy the benefit of having both hands free to carry whatever – like that tray of food when eating in the cafeteria, a few more books or school materials, or  your boyfriend’s hand while walking in campus.

Serena Van Der Woodsen (Gossip Girl) and Elena Gilbert (Vampire Diaries) sporting crossbody bags

2. Mall / Grocery Store (Shopping or doing errands)

It’s no secret that a lot of the celebrities spotted sporting this bag were out shopping or doing errands. It’s the perfect accessory if you’re off to do such tasks since it allows both hands free to carry the purchases you’ve accumulated.

Hilary Duff out shopping with a crossbody bag

3. Beach

Going to the beach doesn’t mean you have to leave your cell and bills. What if you need to call someone? What if someone needs to call you? What if you want some ice cream to cool yourself? The crossbody purse will solve your problems. Carry a big one if you want to bring along your towel and other beach essentials. But if you’re just out for a stroll on the shores, a mini crossbody will do.

Denise Richards and model in crossbody bags

4. Club / Party

I’m sure all of you girls go clubbing or partying. I know I do. And I hate bringing my big bag. It’s too bulky, plus I have to worry about it getting stolen if I leave it on the table. So I use a mini crossbody, which I tag along wherever I go.

Leighton Meester ready to party with her mini crossbody

5. Airport / Travel

Just like school and going to the mall, wearing a crossbody bag to the airport (or when you travel) is the most logical thing to do since it allows both your hands free to carry the other things you need to bring. And if you’re already in that foreign place you call your vacation, scouring the market or shopping district will still require you to wear a crossbody so you’re hands can be free to carry the purchases you’ve made.

Michelle Trachtenberg in a crossbody

Katy Perry and Russell Brand exploring the streets of Jaipur, India

So there you have it, five (5) places to wear that crossbody bag. Don’t limit yourself to the five though, if you find an appropriate opportunity to wear that crossbody purse you have in your closet, feel free to do so. Just remember, wear the right crossbody for the right occasion.

To give you an idea, here are a few crossbody selections and where you can possibly use them:

Fossil Montreal Crossbody

The Sak Silver Lake Flap

These two (2) selections are great for school or traveling because of its spacious interior and outer pockets

Jessica Simpson Jimmy Crossbody

A perfect companion when you’re out shopping or doing errands. Not too big, nor too small.

Liz Claiborne Vivien Small Crossbody

Lucky Brand Desert Rose Crossbody

Head to the beach with these two (2) lovely and colorful crossbody options from Liz Claiborne and Lucky Brand.

Betseyville Zsa Zsa Crossbody

Liz Claiborne Crossbody – Glazed P

Head to the club with any of these mini crossbody purses. Not going to the club but need a small purse to fit your cell phone and a few bills? These will do as well.

Unlike her alter ego, Blair Waldorf (who prefers handbags), Leighton Meester goes for crossbody bags that are easy to carry and never in the way, allowing both her hands free to do other things. Crossbody bags may not be as feminine as handbags, but they sure are practical. And for a busy multi-tasking actress like Leighton, a crossbody bag is a better companion as it acts as a support rather than a hassle.

Actress Leighton Meester sporting different kinds of crossbody purses

You can easily tell that she’s crazy about this kind of bag because she has it in different styles and sizes, from the mini to the large. And she wears it wherever she goes! In fact, I have rarely seen her NOT wearing one. Her trips to red carpet events may have required her to don the clutch, but outside, it’s crossbody all the way. She obviously has a thing for crossbody bags, it’s more like a love affair rather than a passing admiration. And for this, I’d like to name her as our #1 Celebrity Ambassador for crossbody purses.

If you’re into crossbody bags yourself, here are a few practical but attractive options from the latest arrivals:

Frye Blair Crossbody

A classic looking piece that is both practical and versatile

Fossil Talita Crossbody

Spring may be a few months away, but why not stock up on fresh releases? Patterns and prints are the trend this coming season so this piece will keep you in fashion

Steve Madden B Val Crossbody

Nothing says sweet like this B Val Crossbody bag from Steve Madden!

Kate Spade Darien Jan Crossbody

This is not just for spring ladies, this is an all-timer. Enjoy a white winter with this cute Kate Spade Darien Jan Crossbody

Joe’s Handbags Denise Fold Over Crossbody

Patchwork is an artwork. Toting this bag will not only bring you character, but will make your look hippie sweet!

Hands down to Leighton Meester! She always manages to look great on and off the camera. I admire her slightly off-beat taste. I especially love this photo of her wearing an oversized bag to go with her rocker girl outfit.

Leighton Meester and her black Fendi Peek-A-Boo Tote

Doesn’t she look sizzling hot? This is a get-up that I would love to emulate. Unfortunately, I found out that the bag she’s wearing is a Fendi Peek-A-Boo, one which I cannot afford at the moment as it costs thousands of dollars! So I took the liberty of looking for great looking alternatives that will be easier on the pocket, here’s what I found:

Furla Handbags Indo Tracolla Large Crossbody US$529

Furla is known for its well-made handbags. The brand always uses plush, genuine leather to create simple but sophisticated handbags so buying the Indo Tracolla Large Crossbody will definitely be worth every penny. This one has a top handle in case you want to wear it as a tote, plus a unique braided crossbody strap if you want to wear it as a messenger.

Kooba Piper Satchel US$499

Step into a whole new kind of sophistication with the  Kooba Piper Satchel. The metal hardware and pleating detail give a unique twist to an otherwise basic looking bag. Can be used as a satchel using the two (2) top handles, or as a messenger with the crossbody strap that comes with it.

Dooney & Bourke Dillen Juliette Bag US$335

Exquisitely made from genuine Vacchetta leather, the Dooney & Bourke Dillen Juliette Bag is basic in design, but exudes an understated elegance about it. Plus, it is large enough to function as an everyday bag that will hold your laptop and other everyday essentials, or as an overnight bag for those sleepovers.

Kenneth Cole New York Button Down Sm Flap US$215

Although a little smaller in size, I still think the Kenneth Cole New York Button Down Sm Flap makes the cut as an alternative to the Fendi Pee-A-Boo Tote on Leighton Meester. It has a top handle and a crossbody strap so you’re at liberty to use it any way you want.

There you have it. Four (4) great alternatives to get Leighton Meester’s rocker girl look.