I hazard to use the term ‘fanny pack’ (or, ‘bum bag’ as it’s colloquially known in Australia and the UK): not only do such terms lack elegance, but they tend to hark back to the days where such items were made from neon coloured nyon and fastened around with parachute clips. More importantly though, the term is not entirely accurate as it relates to this particular fashion trend in 2011; as an accessory trend it has not only moved on, but moved up – several inches.

So we’ll label this trendlet affectionately as the belt purse or belt pouch – 2011′s elegant take on the fanny pack.

belt purse trend
Belt purse at Jaeger London, SS11

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The belt purse: what is it

This one is fairly self-explanatory. It’s a small pouch or purse that’s worn strapped around the waist or hips. The pouch can be a seperate accessory – removable, and able to be interchanged with different belts; or can come attached to a strap.

belt purse street style
Belt purse worn by Hanneli.

In 2011:

  • It’s best when sitting higher, at the waist, to create a sophisticated shape and to seperate the look from being too functional. That said, it can also work at the hip or lower-slung for a more casual take as long as the style is elegant.
  • Either way, go for luxury fabrication: leather belt purses are definitely best, and the strongest style for 2011.

belt pouches
Belt purses from Hermes SS11, Pucci SS11, and Dianne Von Furstenberg SS11. Images: style.com

What to wear it with

  • A waist-cinching leather belt with a little belt bag / belt purse is perfect for pairing with a long, flowing maxi dress.
  • With some tassel detailing to add a luxury bohemian touch, a la Emilio Pucci pictured above.
  • Through the belt-looks of a sophisticated, high-waist pair of tailored pants or flares.
  • With a clean, minimal cocktail dress for evening time, perfect for storing a credit card and a lipstick.

belt purse trend
Belt pack at Jaeger London, SS11

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Archived Comments
CaptainKaupp
CaptainKaupp wrote on 4th January 2011 at 07.26:
Oh yes! I get so sick of carrying a purse around to appointments, and purse-backpacks are out of style. This is a God-send!
Serene
Serene wrote on 8th January 2011 at 11.14:
I thought it was funny that I ordered a belt purse a couple days before I even looke at this website!!!
Tina
Tina wrote on 8th January 2011 at 12.02:
a more chique version of the fanny pack....I'm not too crazy about this one
Joan
Joan wrote on 10th January 2011 at 12.35:
I'd love to be able to have both hands free, but I think I need something that holds a little bit more. I really like my ruffled satchel , it holds a lot more!

Nahla AL Marri
Nahla AL Marri wrote on 16th January 2011 at 02.13:
i still have my vintage Belt purse .. it is good for a change
Kaccee
Kaccee wrote on 17th January 2011 at 06.48:
Agreed w/Tina. Looks like a fanny pack to me. Not sure if I can do this one...
Page
Page wrote on 21st January 2011 at 07.41:
I LOVE IT! I have to get one of those!
simone
simone wrote on 25th January 2011 at 07.04:
heey
its not in the shops yet in holland
do you know where I can buy belt purses online that ship to holland?
agni
agni wrote on 31st January 2011 at 13.19:
i love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i had one since i was a girl.... i may find it
Kittyjm
Kittyjm wrote on 1st March 2011 at 20.25:
Sweet! I'm a huge fan of messenger bags so this is just the icing on the cake:)
lauren
lauren wrote on 7th March 2011 at 14.52:
i love this!
Naomi
Naomi wrote on 26th March 2011 at 07.28:
This is wrong on all levels. The good news is my dad will be on trend again with his "male belt purse" also known as the fanny pack that he's been toten' around his waist for last 15 yrs!!
Norma
Norma wrote on 7th April 2011 at 11.45:
Looks cute. But it reminds me of a fanny pack. On the other hand I am getting so sick of my purse so maybe if i found just the right one i would wear it.
Sabrina Bella
Sabrina Bella wrote on 13th April 2011 at 23.29:
I love that this is fashionable yet oh so practical as well! You don't see that too often in fashion trends, I must admit =P
Kirstyn
Kirstyn wrote on 21st June 2011 at 07.15:
Fanny packs! I love it!
Author

Written by .

Some people's wardrobes are about a small selection of pieces that all fit within one aesthetic - Tania Braukamper isn't such a person. With a wardrobe that spans three different rooms, her approach to fashion is a mixture of current-season key pieces mixed with vintage finds she's sourced on innumerous shopping trips around the world's more cultured capitals. Despite a disparate approach to shopping, Tania is adamant that the key to mixing vintage with new season is to stick to key looks and colours that work for oneself. And it's a theory that she works into her writing for Fashionising.com, where she serves as the publication's Editor.