The Belt Purse : Trend of 2011

belt pouches purse street style on seven halosThis 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 separate accessory – removable, and able to be interchanged with different belts; or can come attached to a strap.

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 nylon 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 trend affectionately as the belt purse or belt pouch – 2011′s elegant take on the fanny pack.

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 on seven halos
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 purse street style on seven halos
Belt purses from Hermes SS11, Pucci SS11, and Dianne Von Furstenberg SS11.

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 pouches purse street style on seven halos
Belt pack at Jaeger London, SS11

Signed, Jennifer of SevenHalos.com


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2 Comments

  1. Raquel Stallworth says
    25 April 11 at 3:00pm

    I think folks will still call them "fanny packs", even though they obviously look much better/streamlined than any other of the orig fanny packs

    (reply)
    • sevenhalos says
      25 April 11 at 6:34pm

      yea prob. I wonder when they will start being seen on sidewalks and such. But your right, they do at least look better than the traditional fanny pack

      (reply)

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