The Comeback of the Fanny Pack

It’s an accessory we all thought would stay forever in the 90’s along with mood rings and butterfly clips: the fanny pack. The first time my daughter came home from a thrift store trip with one, I thought she was just being silly. But a few months later, when I saw a fist fight almost break out over a secondhand Gucci fanny pack, I realized the truth. This trend has risen from the ashes and is back in a BIG way.
When you look at the functionality of a fanny pack (or a bum bag, as the cool kids now call them), it makes total sense. You can carry all your stuff with you but still have both hands free. Plus, you don’t have to worry about it sliding off your arm or throwing your shoulder out because it’s so full (I’m not the only person who wayyyyyy overfills her purse, right?). If you’re traveling, you can even wear one under your shirt or jacket. Much better than one of those uncomfortable neck pouches that can give you a headache AND make you look like a tourist. I definitely could have used one in Paris when we were constantly trying to avoid being pick-pocketed!
Today’s fanny packs/bum bags/belt bags/whatever you want to call them are too cute to be hidden, though. Gone are the neon canvas bags of the 80’s and 90’s! Today’s versions are chic and stylish, and many are worn on an actual belt. There are even designer options from Gucci, Rag & Bone, and Rebecca Minkoff, just to name a few:

But this blog is all about AFFORDABLE fashion, so let’s take a look at some that are priced a bit more practically, shall we?

I love the bright pop of color from this red Steve Madden belt bag! It’s on sale right now at Nordstrom Rackfor under $20 but looks much more expensive than it is. This more subtle, sophisticated faux suede Vince Camuto bag is on clearance at Lord and Taylor marked down from $48 to less than $15!

If you’re in the mood for something a little more unique, go for a white one like this chic leather COS bag. It also happens to be detachable in case you want to use it as a clutch! Another fun option is a plush fanny pack like the one seen here from Forever 21. It’s on sale right now for less than $13!
So what’s the verdict? A fashionable reinvention of a convenient accessory, or an unnecessary resurrection of a relic that should stay in the 90s with NKOTB? Leave a comment and let me know what you think! Xoxo