‘Fanny Packs’ suggests the obsolete, a decade done style. However, as the fashion world has proven to us recently, the Belt Bag – as it is called in its current incarnation, is nowhere close to being obsolete. We started seeing this trend explode on runways last spring, after watching them trickle into the collective consciousness of a few runways prior. Designers have embraced the Belt Bag as either a mode of elegant minimalistic design or an explosion of fun, character and unique shapes.
In our ever-growing usage of devices, handbags can be a bit of a bother. When shopping or traveling, the weight of a handbag, day in and day out, can be a bit much no matter how you whittle down your purse contents. However, Belt Bags, also called waist wallets, and a variety of other clever names, help erase the frumpiness of Fanny Packs and keep the weight of your handbag necessities around your hips and off your shoulders. This eases back pain, shoulder pain and is far more easily accessible than craning your neck to peer into a shoulder-bound bag.
If a Belt Bag isn’t enough for your day’s activities, pair it with a “Baby Backpack” (or Tiny Backpack since we’re all adults here). They hold a surprising amount of stuff, and I, dear reader, have found myself unable to return to my typical tote-life. I can easily stash my wallet, two paperbacks, my various purse-kept cosmetics, a tablet, and various odds and ends as needed. Often I have the sensation I’ve forgotten something because of the lack of obstruction of activity and comfort! I was at first a bit worried that the typical thin strap of the Baby Backpack trend would be its biggest design flaw, but I have not found this to be the case. No matter how I weigh down the backpack, I don’t feel as though the straps are “cutting into” my shoulder.
Another bonus of the Belt Back and Tiny Backpack; anti-theft. It is a lot harder, especially on vacation and other travels, for a pickpocket or thief to separate you from your beloved accessories, unlike the handbag. It makes a great home for your cell phone, if nothing else!
Styling your wardrobe around these accessories shouldn’t be too hard. Most of the jean and trouser styles these days are higher waisted, so sling it around your hips or wear it high on your waist. They’re great worn with anything athleisure, but do not discount the ability to throw it over sweater dresses, or with skirts and sweaters! Should you tire of it being around your waist/hips, just sling it crossbody! The adaptability from day to night, street to office, hip to shoulder is really what the success of this trend is all about.
Here’s our Top 10 list of Belt Bags and Baby Backpacks:
Belt Bags
Steve Madden, Plaid Belt Bag, $38
Michael Kors, Logo Belt Bag, $55
Rebecca Minkoff, Ava Genuine Calf Hair Belt Bag, $108
Coach, Signature Belt Bag, $175
Rebecca Minkoff, Edie Quilted Sling Belt Bag, $248
Rag + Bone, Large Elliot Fanny Pack, $450
Gucci, GG Marmont velvet belt bag, $980
Herschel Supply Co., Nova Mini Backpack, $50
Mali + Lili Basket Weave Backpack, $58
Mat + Nat Mini Brave Faux Leather Backpack, $115
Rebecca Minkoff, Mini Julian Nubuck Leather Convertible Backpack, $135
Madewell Mini Somerset Leather Backpack, $148
Kate Spade New York Cameron Street Binx Crossbody Backpack, $248
Kate Spade New York, Hayes Street Pearly Backpack, $378
McQ by Alexander McQueen, Black Mini Convertible Box Backpack, $440
Stella McCartney, Blue Mini Falabella Backpack, $500
