Just Say 'No' to Fanny Packs

Sometimes, even fashion designers make mistakes. Like when it comes to trying to revive the fanny pack.

Oh, you'll hear it called all sorts of new names: Diane von Furstenberg calls them "hands-free bags," other companies call them hip bags or belted satchels. But you and I both know exactly what these are: fanny packs.

It's not that fanny packs are a bad idea. After all, we humans have been looking for a way to schlep our stuff in more efficient — and fashionable — ways for centuries. Fanny packs even enjoyed a moment in the fashion sun back in the late '80s, then flamed out and became a bad fashion joke.

Now, you are most likely to find fanny packs as part of a tourist's ensemble, along with tube socks and cheesy sun visors. Because despite fashion's best efforts in recent years (Hermes and Louis Vuitton even made versions) they haven't come back in style full force.

But even if they do, this is one fad that middle agers might want to sit out. A few reasons why you want to sit out the fanny pack? Here you go:

1. The fanny pack is firmly retro. It works best on cute young things that can pull off tongue-in-cheek retro looks (like nerd glasses, ankle socks with oxfords, etc.)
2. The fanny pack emphasizes the belly, one area where most of us estrogen-challenged women want to avoid spotlighting.
3. If Donna Karan can't pull it off, neither can we.

More Just Say 'No' features:

• 'No' to Bright Tights
• 'No' to High-Waisted Pants
• 'No' to Baggy Layers