How to Wear a Belt Bag

Belt bags, waist packs, bum bags whatever you want to call them, they are a hotter than hot trend this season.

But what EXACTLY are belt bags? Simply put, they are fanny packs but don’t call them that. Belt bags are more polished, prettier, more sophisticated, more glam, more adorned and more high-fashion than their predecessor.

They are basically micro bags standing on a belt. You can wear them around your your waist, as a fanny pack AND/OR as a belt over your coat or blazer OR slung across your shoulders cross-body style. The trend seems to gravitate more towards leather belt bags BUT classic fanny packs still totally hit the trend.

Of course it’s total #fashiongoals to nab one of those gorgeous quilted and bejeweled Gucci belt bags but that may not be in the cards for those of us on a budget. The good news is there are plenty of affordable options too. In fact, there’s a belt bag out there for every style, from the boho, festival-going girl to the chic street city gal.

They are great for breaking up a dress, adding an unexpected twist to an evening look or (when belted on top at the waist) for giving more shape to a blazer.

However you choose to rock them, belt bags are a fun, quick, functional and hassle free way to elevate your look this season!

Pro-Shopping Tip: Whenever possible I try to shop with my own re-usable bags like this fun Locher’s Paris tote. Did you know that there are a bunch of stores out there that will reward you for being sustainably chic? Target and Sprouts both offer a 5 cent discount for each re-usable bag you use. Bring your own bag to Whole Foods, and you can score up to 10 cents off per reusable bag. BYOB to Trader Joe’s and spend at least $25- you are entered into a weekly raffle where winners receive a variety of rewards, including $25 gift cards to the store. See, it literally pays to reduce, reuse and re-purpose!

Click to SHOP some of my Favorite Finds in Belt Bags:

Full Velvet Takeover

Wearing a trend head-to-toe has been officially “a thing” for the past few seasons and it isn’t slowing down any time soon.

From donning all one color to full body florals, wearing the “full look” was all over the spring/summer runways from Chloe to Valentino, Emilio Pucci, and Chanel.

Put on the training wheels and start experimenting with this trend now in the form of lux velvet, winter whites, millennial pinks or nudes then once Spring hits you’ll be a pro at it and ready for something a little more adventurous like head-to-toe yellow, bold monochromatic top to bottom reds or all-in hawaiian prints.

Whether you choose to make your head-to-toe statement with color, patterns or fabric the key to pulling off the trend is texture. Make sure that there are details to break up the monotony of the recurring theme. Lace, sheer pieces and ruffles are great accents to bring life to a head-to-toe look. Small touches like a pop of another bright tone in the form of accessories will also lift your ensemble to the next level.