Buckle Up: Here's Why It Girls Are Obsessed with Belted Bags Right Now

It’s safe to assume that early iterations of the belted bag were born out of function rather than form. But today’s versions draw inspiration from the kitsch of the early aughts—a time when personalizing your belongings meant piling on the accessories and trinkets. 

The formula was simple: Take a bag you wore to death, hook on a handful of charms, wrap a scarf around the handle, and—why not?—fasten a belt around it, too.

On the runway, the concept has been reimagined with a touch more refinement. Straps of varying widths are now wrapped around the body of the bag, often with the tail-end nonchalantly dangling from the buckle. One label embracing this utilitarian flair is Prada, most notably through its aptly named Buckle bags. Seen in the brand’s Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter 2024 collections, the maison sent models down the runway clutching various sizes and colorways of the style, demonstrating its enduring appeal in both form and function.

Even style icons like Dua Lipa and Hunter Schafer couldn’t resist the understated appeal of the belted buckle bag. Though the design may be simple, its impact was strong enough to inspire iterations across the sartorial sphere. It also aligns seamlessly with the design DNA of Asian-founded labels such as Boyy and Osoi—based in Thailand and South Korea, respectively—both of which have championed the buckle detail in their collections.

What might seem like a minor accent has proven to be universally resonant, solidifying the belted buckle bag’s current “It” status.

The Bonnie is ludicrously and perfectly capacious. Characterized by a double buckle situation on a thin leather belt, the carrier rests easily on one's shoulder with its elongated handle. It also flaunts Prada's iconic Symbole on its facade.

Over at Prada's little sister Miu Miu, the Aventure enamors with its familiar silhouette and subtle buckle detailing. Available in a myriad of sizes, the piece can come rendered in either leather, suede, or canvas, each version emblazoned with the house's branding.

The Row's Margaux bag is touted as a titan of quiet luxury. If you require a little more flare with the unassuming carrier, it also comes belted with a singular strap and no-frills hardwear.

With South Korean roots, Osoi releases apparel and accessories that can fit any aesthetic and occasion. Their Brocle bag is pretty straightforward with its horizontal shape and light-on-the-shoulders handle. Aside from the buckle in the center, you can also hinge knick-knacks on the adjacent belt loops.

Boyy makes pieces that are pretty hard to lose sight of. A lovechild of Bangkok's quirks and Milan's finesse, the brand offers playful reimaginations of wardrobe MVPs. The Bobby is a prime example of their philosophy, instantly recognizable for its eccentric design that's pretty buckle-forward.

With a name that translates to "let's go!" the Andiamo possesses key elements of a Bottega Veneta original. It has a leather body fully weaved together through the maison's intrecciato technique, plus a gold knot buckle that secures the opening.

Balmain presents a more unique shape with the Anthem. The handheld tote is seemingly cinched together by a wide belt, making for an endearing scrunched-up appearance.

With Givenchy's Voyou, double the belts means double the fun. The slouchy purse has buckles going through two of the front corners, emphasizing its unique trapezoidal shape.

Metallic accents have always been part of the Chloe DNA, best exemplified by the Camera bag. Intended to house photography equipment, the carrier can be clutched in one's hand or swung across one's torso. The buckle encloses a cavity on the exterior, which provides one with more storage space.

Having recently celebrated its 10th birthday, the Loewe Puzzle is some sort of canvas for reinvention. If varying textiles or designs don't suit your fancy, perhaps a belted version, complete with adjustable incisions, will.