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.

Upon watching a re-run of the Vampire Diaries’ pilot episode, I instantly caught a glimpse at the messenger style, cross body bag that Elena Gilbert (played by Nina Dobrev) was carrying at one scene and it instantly roused my curiosity. At first glance, the bag looks stunning and exudes that rugged, vintage appeal which has been a pretty understated trend in the maelstrom of glitter and glam preferred by most contemporary Hollywood stars.

Nina Dobrev as Elena Gilbert in Vampire Diaries

Soon enough I found myself searching the World Wide Web for the bag profusely, and after a series of neck twisting, to and fro glances at my computer screen and the frozen, paused image on my TV screen, I found out that the bag is from Lucky Brand, and dubbed as the nostalgic, “Abbey Road” bag.

Lucky Brand Abbey Road in Off White and Dune

Deviating from the leather cross body handbags of today, the Abbey Road is a messenger style, fold-over bag with dual handles for an easy reach inside its deep compartment. It also has an external zipper pocket to let you get a hold of personal necessities like your cell phone and wallet instantly, without worrying about its safety.

Ultraviolet and Perforated Versions

Sling one on at Zappos.com

Spacious enough to store your laptop, a copy of your favorite magazine, and even some spare clothes for changing, the depth of this bag’s compartment is formidable. There are also a couple of multifunctional slip pockets inside, as well as a zip pocket to carry your sensitive, female necessities. What’s even better is that this lamb-leather made, stylish bag comes in different colors, like off-white, dune, ultraviolet, bourbon, dusty leather, and even a perforated version to match your taste, however distinct it may be.