Fanny Packs for Knick Knacks

I heard a radio station deejay say the other day, while I was out and about completing errands, that he was going to bring fanny packs back this summer by pairing them with denim shorts and a tee. I wonder if anyone broke the news to him that he is late to the game because they are already back. Fanny packs were noticed in the 1980s but really took off as a trend in the 1990s. They have briefly returned since that time but now it seems they are being propelled again into prominence. They did not really go to fashion purgatory like so many trends do when they are out of the spotlight. They just returned to being solely the sporty accessory that they were initially designed to be rather than a fashionable accessory that a stylish woman or man would aspire to wear even when not engaging in sporting activities. Note: Tory Burch Pre-Spring 2014 Ready to Wear photos courtesy of Style.com

Before I heard the deejay’s comment, thoughts of fanny packs were already floating around in my mind. This is perhaps the result of all of the runway images I have seen recently of these notorious pouches. Designers like Tory Burch and Karl Lagerfeld, with help from celebrities like Rihanna, Selma Blair and Kanye West, are responsible for bringing back these hip slingers. They have been widely seen since last year in runway collections, lookbooks and slung on the hips of the famous crowd. The way they are currently being re-packaged is splendid. Modern fanny packs are in so many attractive prints and shades that they are a tad appealing. Follow along with me, please, as I explain how I have categorized fanny packs.

Photos Courtesy of Why Did You Wear That

One version is what I have dubbed the camouflage fanny packs. They show up on runways in the same shade or color palettes which exist in the outfit worn by the model. Camouflage fanny packs obviously still shoot straight from the hip but in a subtle manner. Of course, the problem is that it is doubtful if people will purchase a large quantity of fanny packs just so they can coordinate them with outfits in the same shade or color palettes. Talk about unrealistic. This version is most likely to be worn by women. I truly can not picture men color-coordinating a fanny pack with their outfit. For any gentleman reading this, please, please I beg you to correct me if I am wrong.

Another version of the fanny pack just begs to be looked at even though it is already fairly easy to spot one on the wearer. They are in a variety of prints and patterns that don’t even try to cower into the background. These are what I call the statement-making fanny packs. They are bold and sassy. They are the type of accessory that can overpower an outfit if worn with the wrong pieces or which can cause a separates clash when worn with bold-colored separates that already take center stage. It takes a confident woman or man to embrace this version of the fanny pack.

The third version is the neutrals. Not as flamboyant as the first two types they, nevertheless, serve the same purpose; a safe place to store valuable knick knacks. I think of neutral-colored fanny packs as those which are most likely to be worn by individuals who appreciate the purpose of the hip pouch yet still may be a fraction embarrassed about wearing a fanny pack. Neutral fanny packs sometimes come in the form of a belt pouch. I hate to break it to you belt pouch wearers but whether you wear it directly strapped around your hip or attached to a belt a fanny pack is a fanny pack. It won't magically disappear from view just because it is attached to a belt.

Fanny packs from Nicole Lee may be in contention to be worn on my hips soon. They beckon to me even now. I am thinking about taking the plunge and purchasing one. I don’t suppose I can wear a fanny pack with my bags though and I am so attached to my handbags. I don’t have to take my bags everywhere though. Let’s face it, taking a bag some places can literally be a drag. The reason I like these so much is that they have personality. Take a look at two of my favorites below. You'll see what I mean. Can I get away with wearing a fanny pack if it has personality? You be the judge. Note: Nicole Lee fanny packs are available on Nicole Lee's website.

"Bicycle" Fanny Pack

"Dolly" Fanny Pack

Fanny packs are being forced back into popularity but they are still considered to have a nerdy reputation. I am not sure that will change despite being pushed into the fashion mainstream by designers and retailers.

You have probably deduced by now that I am not averse to fanny packs if they are stylish, of course. What do you think of fanny packs? Are they a fashion do or a fashion don’t?

Related Stories:

Huffington Post, Designers, Stop Trying to Make the Fanny Pack Happen

Yahoo! Shine, Designers Force Fanny Packs Upon Us, yet Again

New York Post, It's a Fanny Pack Frenzy!



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Edith A. Miller Camo Pants; Keaton Row lookbook