Red is the color of love. But it is also the color of power. There’s nothing like a red bag to show people you’re sexy, confident, daring, and definitely in control. Besides, it’s a great piece of accessory that you can use as a highlight. There are days when all you need to brighten up your look is a red bag. And this basically explains why every girl should have at least one red bag in her closet.

Don’t have one yet? Here are 10 selections, one for every woman or girl:

For the bohemian chic

Lucky Brand Get Laced Fringe Crossbody, US$99

For the urban collegiate

Foley + Corinna Disco City Bag, US$198

For the lady with expensive taste

Furla Rubino Shopper Media, US$599

For the disco-dancing, party-going, club-hopping butterfly

MATT & NAT Hendrix Mini Bag, US$165

For the sophisticated and independent career woman

Liz Claiborne Bike Eest/West Doctor Bag, on sale for US$63 at Zappos.com

For the rocker chic

The Sak Studded Small Drawstring, US$55

For the lady who prefers the classic and the timeless

Cole Haan Village Mini Double Flap, US$195

For the Chameleon

Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mini, US$295

For the bold and glamorous

Dooney & Bourke Giraffe Tear Drop Hobo, US$335

For the fuss-free, always-on-the-go lady

Kate Spade Westbury Jan, on sale for US$220 at Zappos.com

For some reason, a bag with chain straps always looks classier and dressier compared to one with regular leather or fabric straps.

Perhaps this is because it reminds us of the chain straps used by Chanel’s 2.55 Flap Bag, a very iconic piece of accessory that is also quite expensive.

Or maybe it’s because chain straps are made of metal, which is usually made up of gold or silver, which usually relates to jewelry, which usually denotes class, which then depicts wealth.

Either way, bags with chain straps have become perennial and classic accessories, always appearing here and there, from high-end designer brands to mass market department store offerings.

This is why every girl should have at least one chain-strapped bag in her closet. For the crossbody junkie, here are 10 beautiful pieces to choose from, with prices ranging from over the top to under US$100:

D&G Dolce & Gabbana DB0980 E4755 , US$999

Rafe New York Belle Small Crossbody, US$299

BE & D Garbo Mini Bag, US$495

Brighton Bliss Heart Pouch, US$100

Matt & Nat Hendrix Mini Bag, US$165

Roxy T.T. F. N. Handbag with Crossbody Chain Strap, US$42

Tory Burch Jaden Mini Bag, US$250

Liz Claiborne Mae Swing Crossbody, US$86

Nina Dina Bag, US$50

Brighton Roselie Large Coin Purse, US$92

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.