Every few years, designers try to give belt bags (often known in the US by their more pedestrian name: fanny packs) their day in the sun, usually to limited-at-best success. These pushes usually coincide with a general trend toward 70s neo-bohemian fashion, and since that’s what we’re in the middle of right now, there are suddenly a lot of belt bags available. As you might expect, some are better than others.
There are plenty of reasons that bags worn around the waist never quite reach full-pitch “trend” status: consumers have negative associations with the whole idea, they’re impractical for many people, they add bulk to an area of the body many women are sensitive about and, unlike other bags, sizing and fit are big issues. If you’re a 22-year-old going to Coachella, they’re a great idea, but that’s not regular life for most of the bag-shopping public.
Nonetheless, if you’re interested in the idea, there are some cute ones available right now at a variety of price points. Because the bags are usually small, you can can them on the low end of most brands’ price continuums, which makes it easier to indulge in a look that’s destined to be short-lived. (Until it comes back in 2018, anyway.) If none of these strike your fancy, there’s always the Fendi micro belt bags coming for Resort 2016.
Alexander Wang Dumbo Belt Bag
$425 via Neiman Marcus
Balenciaga Papier Zip-Around Belt Bag
$895 via Bergdorf Goodman
Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Leather Belt Bag
$1,390 via Neiman Marcus
Clare V Petite Belt Bag
$200 via Net-a-Porter
Elizabeth and James Cynnie Quilted Belt Bag
$245 via Net-a-Porter
Gucci Dionysus Belt Bag
$1,500 via Net-a-Porter
Kenzo Studded Belt Pack
$425 via LUISAVIAROMA
Loeffler Randall Baby Rider Belt and Crossbody Bag
$295 via Shopbop
Marc by Marc Jacobs Quintana Cris Belt Bag
$248 via Bloomingdale’s
MCM Color Visetos Belt Bag
$520 via Neiman Marcus
MICHAEL Michael Kors Belt Bag
$65 via Macy’s
Moschino Moto Jacket Belt Bag
$1,695 via Saks
Rachel Comey Woven Raffia Waist Pack
$218 via Anthropologie
Rebecca Minkoff Fringe Belt Bag
$295 via Rebecca Minkoff
¨If you’re a 22-year-old going to Coachella, they’re a great idea, but that’s not regular life for most of the bag-shopping public.¨ Preach.
I think the key to a belt bag not being a fanny pack — is the shape. The MCM pictured above is a perfect example of being too fanny pack-esque.
I actually just received the Elizabeth & James Cynnie belt bag in suede. Same as what’s pictured above shape-wise but in a gorgeous whiskey suede. I thought it was adorable and knew I would eventually find use for it but I returned it. Trying to be smarter with money.
Regardless, I think some of them are so cute and chic.
I like the Elizabeth & James the best of the group, actually; I think it’s more likely to blend into an outfit in a chic way than most of the others.
These can work if they lie flat like the MK, Gucci, and Clare V. They don’t add much bulk. That MCM is the reason why the fanny pack is a no.
I think out of all these, the Moschino one makes the most sense – fanny packs are ugly, no matter how you look at them, so you might as well have fun with it. OTT is the best way when there’s no way you’re ever going to look stylish anyway.
If someone gifted me that MCM fanny pack, I would take it off and whack the person with it.
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no, no, No, NO!! These bags should have died out in the 70’s or whenever they were around. They look horrible and what woman wants weight around her waist?!