Are Designer Belt Bags Back? Shop Elsa Hosk’s Chic Look

If there’s one thing we know about fashion, it’s that no trend ever truly disappears — it just takes a well-dressed it-girl to bring it back. Case in point: the designer belt bag. Once dismissed as a relic of the ’90s (or a tourist staple), belt bags have officially reclaimed their spot on the fashion scene — and Elsa Hosk just delivered the ultimate chic endorsement.

On March 11, the Swedish supermodel shared a Parisian street-style moment on Instagram, and it was her accessory of choice that stole the show. Draped in an elegant high-neck, caped trench coat, Hosk cinched her waist with the Hermès Kelly Pocket 18 Belt — a $2,125 ultra-luxe reimagining of the classic belt bag.

Crafted from Epsom calfskin and finished with the house’s signature Kelly buckle, this hands-free statement piece features a removable pouch perfectly sized to hold your essentials — from credit cards to lipstick. Plus, thanks to a clever sliding system, the belt can be worn at the waist or slung low on the hips, making it as versatile as it is covetable.

Hosk’s look is the latest in a growing wave of designer pocket belts making their way back onto the style agenda. But how did we get here? Let’s take a look!

The Rise, Fall, and Return of the Belt Bag

The belt bag has a long and surprisingly practical history. Initially designed for utility, these hands-free carriers date back centuries — think medieval coin pouches and the 20th-century carpenter’s tool belt. But it wasn’t until the 1980s and ’90s that the modern-day fanny pack became a mainstream fashion accessory. Worn across the waist (and later slung crossbody), the belt bag became synonymous with streetwear and tourist culture alike.

Despite their practicality, fanny packs fell out of favor in the early 2000s, deemed too kitschy for fashion’s increasingly minimalistic tastes. That all changed around 2018 when luxury brands began releasing elevated iterations. Gucci’s Marmont Belt Bag and Prada’s Nylon Belt Bag became the new must-have accessories, blending function with fashion. Then came the pandemic, and with it, the rise of athleisure — a shift that propelled the Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag to cult status. With its sleek silhouette, accessible price point, and endless practicality, the Lululemon belt bag became the go-to choice for errands and everyday wear, selling out repeatedly.

But as the fashion pendulum swings back toward polished, high-end styling, designer belt bags are reclaiming their place in luxury wardrobes. Brands like Hermès and Chanel are leading the charge, transforming the utilitarian staple into a status symbol. Hosk’s Hermès Kelly Pocket 18 Belt — also seen on Jennifer Lopez while doing press for Kiss of the Spider Woman at the Sundance Film Festival — is just one example of how designers are redefining the belt bag for the modern fashion enthusiast.

How to Style a Designer Belt Bag in 2025

If Hosk has anything to say about it, the new wave of belt bags is all about understated luxury. Whether paired with a tailored trench coat, a sleek blazer, or even to cinch a dress, the belt bag can elevate any ensemble while offering hands-free convenience.

For a contemporary take, opt for structured designs in neutral tones. Hermès’ Kelly Pocket Belt, for instance, adds an air of refinement to both casual and formal looks. If you’re feeling bold, embrace statement textures like patent leather or pops of color — Chanel’s quilted belt bags or Fendi’s logo-adorned designs offer playful yet polished alternatives.

Shop the Trend: Must-Have Designer Belt Bags

• Hermès Kelly Pocket 18 Belt: SHOP NOW Elsa Hosk-approved and undeniably chic, this versatile belt bag is the ultimate luxury investment.
• Chanel Waist Bag: SHOP NOW Timeless quilted lambskin and gold accents meets hands-free ease in this iconic style.
• Fendi Baguette Belt Bag: SHOP NOW A spin on Fendi’s beloved Baguette, this belt bag brings a dose of Y2K nostalgia.
• Gucci GG Marmont Belt Bag: SHOP NOW A fan favorite for a reason, this bag seamlessly blends vintage inspiration with contemporary flair.

Shop the Trend: Affordable Belt Bags

• Wolf & Badger Black Slim Envelope Belt Bag: SHOP NOW Sleek and minimal, this envelope-style belt bag adds a touch of sophistication without breaking the bank.
• Miss Sixty Waist Bag Belt: SHOP NOW A sophisticated and practical take on the belt bag trend with an accessible price point.
• Clare V. Grande Leather Belt Bag: SHOP NOW Crafted from croc-embossed supple leather, this versatile belt bag blends function with French-inspired chic, capitalizing on this season’s bordeaux color trend.
• MAISON de SABRÉ Leather Sling Bag: SHOP NOW Modern and elevated, this leather belt bag seamlessly transitions from day to night.
• Zara Fringed Suede Belt Bag: SHOP NOW Embrace a boho-chic aesthetic with Zara’s fringed suede option — perfect for festival season.

As fashion continues to balance form and function, one thing is clear: the designer belt bag is no longer a fleeting trend — it’s a wardrobe essential. So, are belt bags officially back? Elsa Hosk just gave us our answer: absolutely.