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The Fanny Pack Trend Is Real—Here’s How to Wear It Without Looking Like a 1980s Tourist

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Spandex and neon and power suits, oh my! The ’80s are responsible for fostering some of the most iconic fashion trends in history. While we could probably all agree that mullets had their time and, legally, should not return, we’re otherwise happy to re-welcome a solid 1980s statement back into the mainstream. The latest and greatest ’80s trend to moonwalk its way back into the spotlight? The fanny pack.

Made lovable by its quirkiness and undeniable convenience, the fanny pack has worked its way back into our hearts and has taken the fashion accessories market by a storm. December 2018 sales trends demonstrated that the pack is back, and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon.

When I hear the term “fanny pack,” I picture my father, circa 1998, proudly sporting an embroidered Mickey Mouse bag around his waist. It was large, boxy, and a bit of an eyesore, but it gave him the ability to trek effortlessly around any amusement park while allowing for easy access to snacks, fast passes, drugstore-grade reading glasses, and a map to guide our clan’s next move. When my dad’s old-school fanny pack emerged, we knew that he meant business.

 

Source: @kateogata

 

Though the fanny pack has stayed true to its original, functional design, the style has evolved significantly from a dated “eager father at Disney World” vibe to reflect a more fashion-forward, Kendall Jenner-inspired street style. Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton are among the many high-end designers who have developed their own modern-day versions of this crowd favorite, rebranding it under the name “belt bag” and giving the rest of us a nod of approval to pursue our wildest belt bag dreams. Whether you want to complement a sporty look, keep it casual, dress up an outfit, or make a statement, the belt bag is for you. On-the-go has never looked so fetch.

 

Source: @trulyjamie

 

Play it cool

We all know that animal print gives the ultimate cool-girl vibe, and there’s no better way to take it up a notch than with a fanny pack. Invest in an athleisure-inspired option in a canvas material and wear it diagonally across your favorite leopard-print midi dress, skirt, or shirt. It’s the foolproof way to rock a real-life, wearable, Instagram-model look.

Asos Design
Mesh Fanny Pack
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Express
Leopard Fanny Pack
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Beis
The Fanny Pack
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Herschel Supply Co.
Fourteen Light Belt Bag
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Source: Fashion Jackson

 

Keep it classy

This fall, below-the-knee coats are the new it-jacket of the season, and they bring a sophisticated, pulled-together look with them. Emphasize the tailoring of your look with structured fanny pack that looks more like a purse on a belt than the one your dad donned at Disney World in the ’80s. The combination makes for an extra chic, seamless, tied-together look.

Madewell
The Simple Pouch Belt Bag
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Asos
Yoki Quilted Fanny Pack
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Asos
Yoki Belt Bag
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Asos
Urbancode Real Leather Belt Bag
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Urban Outfitters
Rachel Half-Moon Crossbody Bag
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Mali + Lili
Quilted Vegan Leather Belt Bag
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Sole Society
Garyn Faux Leather Belt Bag
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Sole Society
Cassie Faux Leather Belt Bag
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Source: @hillaurenn

 

Make a statement

If you’re wearing a fanny pack, you might as well go big or go home. Make it the focal point of your look with a bright color, eye-catching hardware, or an out-of-the-box texture (furry and sherpa bags are all the rage this season). Pair it with your go-to jeans, sweater, and booties as an easy way to take your look from basic to ultra-trendy.

Madewell
The Whipstitch Belt Bag
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Asos
River Island Quilted Circle Belt Bag
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Topshop
Blair Belt Bag
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Topshop
Blair Snake Embossed Faux Leather Belt Bag
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