Fanny Packs: From Tacky To Chic

The accessory that was the staple of every 80s and 90s kid's childhood accessory is back for good.

The Old School Accessory

Joshua Heller / Via Flickr: joshuaheller

When you look back at pictures of you and your friends as kids, you might see some common things: overalls, tamagotchis, roller-blades, and those horrific neon fanny packs. There's no big reason we really needed them when we were that young other than to carry cool rocks you probably found, so thanks mom for making sure we all looked a little goofy.

Revived? Nice Try

Wikimedia / Via upload.wikimedia.org

Around 2008-2010, fanny packs DID try to make a comeback. I only know this since I had one to carry my motorola flip phone to call my mom in case of emergency, but they weren't cute yet. They were still pretty big- and honestly it's not a surprise they didn't stick around long. Sure they had cool patterns that were popular then-splatter paint, neon was back in, even animal print [yikes]- but it wasn't enough to make it last.

Back For Good

Sharpshooter Images / Splash

Everything changed when the fire nation attacked... I mean Coachella, and so many concerts. This once silly accessory became sought after since it was easier to carry around the essentials: lip gloss, cash, phones, you name it.

The VARIETY of Styles

Today, you can go to almost any clothes store in the mall or online and find some cute fanny packs. Plus, many of these are slimmer or sleeker now, and designed to match more outfits. You can rock holographic ones for a night out or a festival, or even sport a simple black belted one with gold accents on it to be a little more classy. There's some funny ones you can find with patterns like tacos or ramen too!

Where to Get 'Chic' Styles

Forever 21 / Via forever21.com

Of course, Forever 21 will always have these in stock. If you're trying to ball on a budget check theirs out! They're so easy to wear casual, but also so easy to dress up. You can definitely fit the basics in here while still looking good, and not like the 'mom' of the group.

Where to Get 'Festival' Styles

Dickies, Zumiez / Via zumiez.com

Of course it will vary by what type of festival, but let's be real: you want to wear something fun. Colorful? Maybe. Double it later in the year with other concerts? Of course. A big one a lot of people look for is those holographic styles. Super easy to pair to outfits, plus if you're daring enough you can also wear it on Halloween if you decide to go with a space theme.

What's next?

It's up to you what you choose to do with this information. Either step into the next decade with fanny packs, or let it get stuck behind?

image credits:

-Joshua Heller, https://www.flickr.com/photos/joshuaheller/3908135394

-Wikimedia

-Sharpshooter Images

-Splash

Forever 21

-Dickies

-Zumiez