Everyone's Favorite Bag Trend Is Dying Out
If you were to rattle off one of the It bag styles of 2018, the belt bag would undoubtedly be one of the first trends to come out of those lips. Full disclosure: I personally love the fanny-pack look for the functionality (hello, hands-free) and the fact that slinging one over your body adds just the right amount of cool to your outfit. But here’s the thing—I just may be in my own little world with that. After chatting with a handbag expert, it appears people are actually buying fewer belt bags than they used to.
Sarah Davis, the mastermind behind luxury resale handbag and accessories shop Fashionphile, filled me in on the latest on this trend, which customers used to pay a premium to own (yes, even resale). “Fanny packs were super hot and flying off the shelves starting in fall 2018 and through this summer, like literally couldn’t keep one on the site,” said Davis. “But we’ve seen them cooling off a bit this fall and suspect to in the coming months.” Well, there you have it, straight from the expert.
Now, if you’re still into the trend, by all means, go for it (I am). But if you too are feeling the decline, consider another stylish crossbody bag instead. To that, go on to shop some of our favorite crossbody bags of the moment (including It silhouettes from Fashionphile), inspired by the street style elite.
Shop more crossbody bags:
Next, check out the It designer bags of 2018.
Bobby Schuessler is a fashion editor with over a decade of editorial experience covering shopping, style, and beauty. He's spent 10 years at Who What Wear, currently leading the market team to deliver highly covetable and convertible content. He creates data-driven shopping guides featuring top retailers like Nordstrom, Shopbop, and Net-a-Porter and is at the forefront of Who What Wear's shopping tentpole strategies, including Amazon Prime Day. He also works on branded content initiatives and appears on camera in video and shopping livestream franchises.
-
The 2025 It Girl's Wardrobe: 9 Highly Specific Brands and Buys They're All Wearing
From handbags to jeans to jewelry.
By Anna LaPlaca
-
I Tested Reformation’s Bags IRL—These 6 Are Actually Worth It
These bags are like if The Row and Gucci had a baby
By Sierra Mayhew
-
Madewell's Insiders Event Is So Good—27 Picks Chic People Will Be Adding to Their Carts
Get 25% off just about everything.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
This Just In: Plushies Are the Freakier Trend Gen Z Is Dumping Bag Charms For
Hot take: I'm obsessed.
By Ana Escalante
-
Wait—Did Elsa Hosk Just Intro the New It Bag of 2025?
One word: Prada.
By Allyson Payer
-
Cameron Diaz Just Wore the Timeless Bag Trend That Makes Every Outfit Look Affluent
That's the goal, right?
By Allyson Payer
-
Okay, I Can't Stop Thinking About the New Louis Vuitton Speedy Bags
Cool. Period.
By Bobby Schuessler
-
I've Lost Count of the Number of Celebrities I've Seen Carry This Genius Handbag Trend
Or should I say anti-trend bag?
By Nikki Chwatt