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.
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.
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.
