Belt bags are fashionable and super functional, so we're on-board with this trend sticking around and evolving into something even better.
Coachella is a music festival, sure, but let's be honest: It's also a fashion showcase, where you see the trends that will be leading spring and summer styles. And as much as we love you, Ariana Grande (and we do!), our eyes were really on the bag trend that everyone seemed to be showing off on their Instagram feeds. Yes, we're talking about the belt bag.
A hands-free bag style is just smart for the music festival circuit—how else can you snag a selfie while swaying to the music and applying your SPF?—but the belt bags we are spotting in the desert aren't just functional, they are super fashionable. While iterations of the style have been around for literally decades, now designers are really playing with what the belt bag can be.
We're seeing other bag trends—like the teeny-tiny bag, box bag, circle bag—pop up in belt form. You can find options with top handles and chains or other fun "belts" or straps. (We're kind of obsessed with the bungee cord-looking woven straps on this Avec La Troupe bag.) Think of the latest plays on the trend. The Lara Croft-looking harness bag has fun with straps and many different pockets. The utility belt bag is like super chic tool belt, if your tools were your iPhone and favorite lipstick. Olivia Culpo showed off this style at Coachella.
And long gone are the days of just leather or nylon. We're now seeing the style in other trendy materials, like straw, raffia, PVC, woven fabrics, and more. Plus, another major '90s trend is coming for the belt bag: logomania. Luxury designers are literally putting their stamp of approval on these bags, including the often copycatted quilted Gucci belt bag and the new iteration of Dior's saddle bag, which OhhCouture's Leonie Hanne was wearing at Coachella.
But it's not just the bags themselves that are changing, it's the way we're seeing people styling them. Olivia Culpo, our Bag Trend Queen, showed us how to style the quintessential belt bag at Coachella, which is a cinched and sleeker style than fanny packs of eras past. Note that she's absolutely slaying this monochrome bike short outfit, which another major trend this season.
And it's not that the traditional fanny pack has gone away! Unlike the belt bag, a fanny pack leans more sporty and bulky, and celebs have taken to wearing it in a crossbody style rather than a bum bag. Gigi Hadid took it in the crossbody direction, and Shay Mitchell showed off this styling with a clear fanny pack from her own line Beis. (Which, BTW, is currently available at Nordstrom!)
Scroll down to see some other ways celebs, influencers, and street style stars styled belt bags at Coachella, and then see our favorite ones to shop, because new versions of these bags are going to be key accessories as the weather heats up!
Shop the belt bag trend!
Can't you just picture this embroidered raffia bag as your companion for all your summer activities?
Get it! Sam Edelman Raffia Belt Bag, $98; Shopbop
The O-ring plus the snake print has us drooling. Cinch this one up around a sleek shift dress for instant after-work style.
Get it! & Other Stories O-Ring Belt Bag, $79; & Other Stories
We love a fold-over bag style, so making it hands-free is even better.
Get it! Thacker Paige Belt Bag, $138; Anthropologie
This gold metallic bag is made for a night out with the girls.
Get it! Ettika Metallic Belt Bag, $165; Revolve
We're getting some Olivia Culpo vibes from this utility bag.
Get it! B-Low the Belt Python Pocket Belt, $178; Free People
Not only is it super affordable, but this bag has a super cute chain strap that ups the ante.
Get it! Forever 21 Quilted Faux Leather Belt Bag, $17.90; Forever 21
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