How to Style a Belt Bag Without Looking Like a Camp Counselor

Fanny packs are fancy now.

If you hate carrying a purse, or simply like your accessories to be hands-free (where my Pisces at?), you're going to want to learn how to style a belt bag ASAP. Belt bags have the range. You can wear a belt bag over your shoulder, strapped across your chest, or, you know, around your waist. While the list of types of belt bags is long, there are three styles that are really speaking to us this summer.

The chain strap belt bag is the style most often worn by fashion girlies going to and fro Fashion Week events. Frequently, these belt bags are dainty, very luxe, and paired with larger, more practical handbags. The second style, the accessory lovechild of a crossbody messenger bag and a '90s fanny pack, is great for active folks on the go and you've likely seen your fave celeb wearing one on the way to the gym.

Last, but not least, there's the structural belt bag, a.k.a. what would happen if your dad's embarrassing faux leather phone case ran away to the big city and got a job at a fashion magazine. These pouch-style belt bags are worn like traditional belts, and feature more structured, architectural details. Ahead, we break down how to wear a belt bag by sharing our 13 fave looks starring this hands-free accessory.

Related: The 15 Best Belt Bags, Tested and Reviewed by Our Editors

Over Your Shoulder

Shop Similar: Coach Sprint Belt Bag In Signature Leather, $105.
You'll often catch celebs wearing a belt bag over one of their shoulders. This approach is a great way to wear a belt bag on the way to the gym, but the over-the-shoulder styling approach also works beautifully with more dressed-up looks.

Accentuate Your Waist

A belt bag isn't just a trendy accessory, it's also a great way to cinch your waist — after all, it is part belt — in a pair of loose-fitting union-alls or a baggy jumpsuit.

As a Backup Bag

Shop Similar: Chanel Belt Bag, $1,850.
If you're an accessories fanatic, you're going to love this way to wear a belt bag. Instead of choosing between a belt bag and your favorite purse, just wear both. This look works best when there's visual cohesion between your bags. They could share a brand logo, color, treatments like quilting, or even a pattern.

Across Your Chest

Shop Similar: Wunderlust Belt Bag 1.8L, $58.
Absolutely effortless, this crossbody way to wear a belt bag is distinguished from the over-the-shoulder style by virtue of where on the body it's worn. Rather than resting on the hip or under the arm, this approach places the body of the bag more prominently on your torso.

Related: Amazon Shoppers Say This Hands-Free Accessory Is a Must-Have for Carrying All Your Essentials

With a Crop Top

You know Carrie Bradshaw’s famous outfit featuring a belt over bare abs? The same can be done with a belt bag and low-rise pants. We can’t speak to its comfortability, but it sure looks cool.

Over a Maxi Dress

Shop Similar: rag & bone Commuter Fanny Pack, $325.
Add some structure to your favorite slinky maxi by wearing it with a belt bag slung low on your hips. Not only will it not add bulk, but it won't catch or tug on even the thinnest of jersey or cotton fabrics.

With a Skirt Set

Skirt sets give off a polished, elevated air, which makes them a great outfit to pair with a hands-free, designer belt bag.

With High-Waisted Pants

Shop Similar: Saint Laurent Lou Belt Bag in Quilted Leather, $1,090.
If you're celebrating your figure with a pair of high-waisted, wide-leg pants, keep the party going by wearing a belt bag looped through your belt loop.

Add an Edge

Shop Similar: Rebecca Minkoff Edie Chevron-Quilted Leather Chain Belt Bag, $248.
Give your fave floral 'fit or summer whites a bit of punk rock energy, not to mention visual contrast, by adding a deep-toned or dark belt bag.

Brighten Up a Monochromatic Look

Do you have a sleek midi dress that needs a bit of flair? A belt bag works just as well as a pair of vibrant heels and offers more function and comfort.

Over a Blazer

Shop Similar: Clare V. Grande Fanny, $325.
Break up a long-line blazer by wearing a belt bag high on your natural waist. Rather than matching, this way to wear a belt bag benefits from contrast in both texture and color, like a leather belt bag in a vibrant shade of orange with a sandy linen suit.

With Loose-Fitting Layers

Jumpsuits and overalls aren't the only clothes that get a waist-cinching boost from a belt bag. If you have baggy tops and loose-fitting paper-bag or denim shorts, you can bring a bit of shape in by adding a belt bag at your waist or hips.

Show-off Your Half-Tuck

Shop Similar: See by Chloe Saddie Belt Bag, $435.
Tucking a shirt into jeans is an art form, but the admittedly complicated geometry behind the effortless style is simplified if you tuck your shirt around a belt bag set at an angle on your hip.

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