It's 2016 and distant cries of "NO! Not the bumbag!" can be heard in the distance - but not anymore. Soft echoes of distain for arguably one of the worst trends of the 80s are quickly being silenced as bumbags make a fashionable return.

2017's most common trend is still flourishing into 2018's fifth month. For anyone that has any interest in fashion, you would know that bumbags are everywhere. Seriously. We can't get away from them. From celebrities to bloggers, social media influencers and It-Girls on the street, bumbags are attached at the waist of nearly every fashionista around. Another blast from the past that has now been recycled to suit the modern woman, this throwback style is one we're definitely not complaining about. Back in the day, bumbags worn by hikers or tourists for storing their passports and money were...just...not cute. Like, at all. However, it's 2018 and our most beloved designers and fashion-forward creatives have a funny way of turning anything once ugly and dorky into something chic and avant-garde.

Bumbags or fanny packs (if you're from North America) are now commonly referred to as "hip bags" or "belt bags" for well...obvious reasons. A quintessential accessory to have in the 80s and early 90s (especially for men), the belt bag has been transformed into a contemporary, glamorous must-have. Effortlessly cool, youthful and a staple piece for the modern young woman's luxury handbag collection, the belt bag has come a very long way from what it once was.

Everyone knows that a belt bag is supposed to go around your waist. But of course, in this experimental, creative day and age, like anyone would just wear something the generic way - DUH. Belt bags are now seen draped across the chest and are now commonly worn as high cross-bodies as well as on your hips.

Lately, mini cross-body bags have been the ultimate must-haves as huge tote bags are just so last year (make that 10 years) as going about your day handsfree is the way forward. Belt bags took that notion and went 0-100 real quick - now you don't even have to have to responsibility of something dangling on your hips. You can have a structured piece that will remain firmly at your waist, something you're not even aware you have on.

Belt bags have become the ultimate statement. Often seen over coats and blazers, or peeking out behind open leather and jean jackets, the belt bag is the primary aspect of your outfit. Easy-going and laid-back aesthetics are the way forward - and the belt-bag is the ultimate accessory that doesn't require any fuss. Largely affiliated with streetwear, belt bags actually made a comeback in mens fashion before womens. However, they are now commonly sported by both males and females, a rarity when it comes to bags.

Let's take a look at some of our personal favourite belt bags that you just might need to get your hands on immediately:

Gucci

Under the creative direction of Alessandro Michele, Gucci introduced their Marmont belt bag as part of their Pre-Fall 2017 collection. Carefully crafted from matelassé chevron leather, this belt bag is one of the most popular accessories around. Seen on the waists of fashion's favourite bloggers during Fashion Week and on the street, this belt bag is the number one go-to for those of you looking to invest in your first glam-belt.

Valentino

A Valentino classic has followed suit in fashion's bumbag trend. Under the creative director of Pierpaolo Picciolo, Valentino has presented a few bumbags in the last couple seasons that are just to die for. Crafted from smooth leather with the brand's signature gold tone studs, or crafted from quilted lambskin embossed with tiny studs, a Valentino belt bag is a well-worthy addition to any luxury bag collection.

Chanel

Under the creative direction of Karl Lagerfeld, of course Chanel is one of the first brands to release a product when a new trend is underway. Chanel stays true to its original roots by crafting the belt bag in quilted leather with their signature CC logo, but remains innovative and creative by keeping up with the fashion-forward trend. Worn by Kendall Jenner, Kourtney Kardashian and Chiara Ferragni, the Chanel belt bag is a true must-have.

So whether you're a young man or woman keeping up with modern day fashion, or you're a mature woman re-living her permed hair and neon-clothed days, there is a belt bag out there for you. Fashion is constantly changing, and with it comes past trends you thought (or hoped) you'd never see again back in style. I mean...let's not get crazy now. Though it's safe to say we definitely don't want to see every aspect of normcore again (PLEASE no, not the dad-fits!) we're open to seeing some more re-vamped throwbacks - just like the belt bag.

By: Isabel de Carteret