When Did Fanny Packs Become Cool? How We're Updating Your Favorite Retro Accessory In 2023

The swiftness of the trend cycle never ceases to amaze us. One day, an accessory can be something that we're all collectively making fun of, and the next day, we see Jenna Ortega sporting it, and we feel compelled to add it to our Amazon cart ASAP. From giving the denim maxi skirt a second chance to sporting socks with sandals, lately, it feels like some of the biggest trends are looks that were bonafide fashion faux pas not too long ago. 

You may have noticed that fanny packs, as they were once called, can be added to this list of items that we used to hate that have come back in a new, cooler way. The fanny packs of yore are now referred to as belt bags, and the it-girls of today wear them in very different ways. You can sport a belt bag around your waist like a belt like the OG fanny packs, or you can sling it across your chest or back like an updated twist on a crossbody bag. From being the perfectly convenient bag to grab whenever you're running out the door to adding a bit of pizzazz to a fancy 'fit, our advice when it comes to the updated fanny pack? Don't knock it 'til ya try it (in 2023, we mean.) There are plenty of ways to wear the belt bag, and if you let its old reputation dissuade you, you'll miss out on one of the best accessory trends of today. 

Over-the-shoulder bags have to be one of the most convenient ways to carry your belongings with you on a day out since it stays on your shoulder without slipping but doesn't store your stuff out of reach like a backpack. Any belt bag can be loosened up to wear like a crossbody bag either in the front or in the back. There's something about the belt bag that just looks so much fresher and more updated than a small crossbody bag would, and it has the same effect when it comes to convenience. 

Many of us love having a bag on us when we're out so that we can have all of our essentials on-hand. That said, bags are one of the best ways to accessorize. Who among us hasn't used our bag both for carrying purposes and for adding a pop of color to a neutral outfit? This turquoise bag slung over a white T-shirt and under a denim jacket keeps the bag close and easy to access while still adding some welcome interest to the whole ensemble. How cute is this pink one that's under $20? 

Many of the belt bags out there have a bit of an athleisure vibe and come in sporty fabrics. This kind of belt bag is a great investment because you really can wear it with basically anything. These bags are one of the most convenient options for heading to the gym, out for a walk, or running errands. At the same time, a belt bag with a sporty look can add dimension and a bit of edginess to a more dressed-up outfit or something you may want to wear on a night out. 

We can all agree that pocketless women's clothing isn't just an inconvenience; it's a patriarchal pain point, so why not have a pocket we can add on to clothing that doesn't have pockets? That must have been the thought process for whoever it was that brought the fanny pack back for 2023. While plenty of folks sport their belt bags across their chests these days, that doesn't mean that you can't wear it around your waist like the good old days. We love a faux leather option for this because it adds to the belt look. 

While most of the belt bags you're likely to run into will be on the sportier, simpler side, that doesn't mean that there isn't a time and place for a belt bag that makes a fashion statement. A belt bag with a funky, bold print or unique texture can be a great way to upgrade a neutral outfit and make your everyday look feel a bit more elevated and on-trend We can't get over how cute this lemon-shaped one would be for summer or how cool this gold chain bag would look for a night out.