by Samara Morris
Fashion enthusiasts are always on the lookout for what’s new, trending, or, in some cases, making a comeback.
Image Credit: Jeremy Moeller | Getty Images
Fashion operates in cycles; one year you might be wearing flared leggings, and the next year it’s straight leggings. For instance, transitioning from the clean girl aesthetic to embracing the mob wife aesthetic shows how trends are constantly evolving. But is anything truly groundbreaking and new?
I was recently researching Haute Couture, pondering why many fashion houses insist on pushing boundaries with looks that the average person cannot and will not wear, and how they make money. When we think of Haute Couture, we often envision the looks from Paris Fashion Week, where Chanel showcased a classic collection with French influences. Model Gigi Hadid graced the runway in a black monochromatic ensemble accessorized with a belt, hanging necklaces, oversized bangles, and a small clutch.
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It’s evident that minimalistic fashion is taking a backseat, as we're seeing more accessories this year, leading us back to the belt bag. Did anyone anticipate that these bags would become a fashion staple? With attention shifting back to our waistlines post-pandemic, many are regaining their confidence and embracing this trend.
HELLO HISTORY
Perhaps you've been wondering, "How did we get here?" From totes and purses to a belt bag? Well, this bag has undergone some rebranding. In the past, the British term for a small bag attached to a belt was known as the Bum Bag. Americans referred to this bag as the Fanny Pack. A fanny pack was convenient for running errands when you needed a place to store your keys, phone, and lip gloss. Initially, this bag was quite small, but over time, it has grown to a size similar to a regular handbag or tote.
These bags predated pockets because including pockets in some styles of clothing was challenging before 1962. It was in this year that Melba Stone produced the prototype, although it did not gain traction until the eighties. A notable example is seen in an episode of 'Sex and the City' where Charlotte and Trey attend an event where Trey had to wear his kilt. We can observe the belt bag clipped to his garment. This attention to detail adds a touch of history to modern-day television, which we appreciate!
So, as you can see, it wasn’t always the fashion staple it is now; it took some time to get here. Once upon a time, being caught wearing a belt bag meant you were old, greasy, and lacked any fashion sense. But now, we're witnessing the resurgence of belts around the waist and, of course, that beloved little bag that every woman loves to add to her outfit of the day.
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WHEN TO WEAR A BELT BAG
Belt bags have their purpose, so it’s not typical to find yourself reaching for one for Sunday brunch with the ladies. In this case, you may want to wear it when you’re going for a walk with your partner or even with your pet. It's a nice accessory for a leisurely day in the park or if you're planning to go for a bike ride and need a secure place to store your belongings—this is it.
BELT BAGS WE RECOMMEND
Now that belt bags are regaining popularity, of course, there are brands rushing to capitalize on it, but we can recommend some brands that we believe would leave a better impression.
Pebble Leather Fanny Pack by Bandolier (MSRP $128.00) The look and feel of this Fanny Pack exudes affordable opulence. Nothing else can really describe it because while this bag should be nothing to fuss over, it’s not a bad idea to invest in its quality. It's something that you may find yourself wearing quite often since it’s perfect for those lazy days and running errands. It’ll endure rough use, so you need something sturdy yet chic.
Fanny Pack Pretty in Pink by PopUps (MSRP $55.00) Hop on the back of a scooter or bicycle and strap this one on. As a fashion girly, I am all about envisioning a look before investing my time and money into a product. If you enjoy being active and need to ensure that your items are secure and safe on your person, this one works perfectly. Pair it with the Baseline Essentials Tennis Zip-Up from LUEQ (MSRP $88.88). Between that pink fanny pack and the turquoise tennis zip-up (bodysuit), you’re going to be the sexiest thing walking into the gym, trust me!
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Take a moment to reinvent your wardrobe like the Fanny Pack did for its appearance and purpose, then see what works for you and what does not. Sometimes it’s not all about trends and what’s making it down the runway or what the TikTok girlies are calling trendy; it’s all about you and how you feel inside. Wear what makes you happy. But most importantly, wear what makes you feel confident. Stepping outside with a strong sense of self is the one thing money can’t buy.