WORDS BY STEPHEN YU
Ah, the humble belt. Holder uppers of trousers, hider of post pig-out pot bellies, is there anything they can’t do? Pure functionality aside, mastering how to wear a belt can skyrocket your style to brand new levels of ‘on fleekness’. If you’ve never elevated your slouchy tailored suit look with a Chanel belt, then can you really think of yourself as the next Bella Hadid? In fact, a perfectly styled belt can even breathe new life into those long forgotten pieces at the back of your wardrobe. Even your most tired pair of Levi’s jeans are transformed into avant-garde denim with an Off-White belt slung round them. Nobody can tell the difference.
Need more reasons to buy a belt? We didn’t think so. But where to start? While a classic belt can be as dependable as that one single friend when you fancy a night out, there’s a whole world of exciting belt trends out there to choose from. If it’s skinny belts you’re after then the ’Atomic Kitten’ style chain belt (or a necklace for your waist as we like to think of them) is having a bit of a moment, whilst our pick of the best wide belts for women has to include the big logo and monogrammed designer versions as typified by the Louis Vuitton belt.
But don’t take our word for it, we’ve enlisted three stylish women and ‘masters of all things belt’ to give you the lowdown on the best belt trends and how to wear them. Sure, we know even your most basic friend knows how to buy waist belts for dresses, but has she ever coordinated her belt with her accessories like a pro? We think not. These are the dark arts of belt styling about to be revealed to you. But remember, with great power comes great responsibility.
Fashion blogger at Florals and Corals
What makes the belt such a key accessory in your wardrobe?
Designer belts are such versatile pieces that are affordable enough to buy and you can use them in so many different ways with different looks throughout all the seasons. If you buy a staple colour you can transition that belt from winter through to summer: with denim, to cinch in your waist with a floaty dress, or over a jacket or coat to give it an edge and accessorise whilst still staying warm in the colder months.
What belt did you decide to wear with your outfit and why?
I chose to go for the classic Fendi tan leather belt because in the winter I typically wear a lot of black, grey and camel. This colour works so well over the blazer and also works great over my camel and grey coats. For my looks, I love dimension, so I tend to layer a lot, which can make me look bulky. When you cinch your waist in with a belt, it is instantly more flattering and draws your eye to that point. It’s a great trick that I use every year.
What are the big belt trends you're seeing this season and how have you been working these trends into your wardrobe?
Logo belts are still huge and worn so much. I have seen a lot of wide belts being used over sweaters to create that same cinched look and add some femininity to an otherwise masculine look, which I love.
Who are your go-to designers for belts?
I love quality leather belts so Gucci and Fendi are great for those styles. Currently, I am obsessing over Chloe’s new season belts like the C-Logo, and Isabel Marant’s Western style Dern Belt is an edgy all-time favourite.
What buying advice would you give to someone who wants to invest in a designer belt?
I would say decide on the style you want and look at a wide variety of designers. Think of at least fives ways or outfits you could style the belt with before buying anything. That way, you know you have made a good investment that you can get real wear out of due to its versatility.
Chain and wide belts are two throwback trends that have made a comeback. Will you be embracing either of these trends and if so how would you style them?
I love the wide belt trend to look at, but I think it may not work for my body type. I do love them over a sweater or knit dress, I think it can really add something to an otherwise simple look.
Fashion photographer and blogger at Mossonyi.com, and creative director at @thecouplesedit
What makes the belt such a key accessory in your wardrobe?
I tend to use belts to cinch my waist. I love a very feminine style and a belt can be useful in accentuating my silhouette. I also tend to use belts to match my accessories.
What belt did you decide to wear with your outfit and why?
I decided to go with Salvatore Ferragamo Gancini Adjustable Belt because of the gold buckle detail which goes really with the tan leather. I've used the belt to cinch my waist as well as compliment my handbag.
What are the big belt trends you're seeing this season and how have you been working these trends into your wardrobe?
Sash belts and gold chain belts. I've been wearing my gold chain belt over satin slip dresses. It's a simple way to elevate the look.
Who are your go-to designers for belts?
My go-to designers for belts would be Burberry and Versace. Burberry has a collection of classic pieces that could last a lifetime in your wardrobe, while Versace makes a lot of statement belts which are great for moments when you feel like dressing up a bit more.
What buying advice would you give to someone who wants to invest in a designer belt?
I'd suggest starting off with a belt that can complement a lot of outfits in your wardrobe, that way you can play around with it as well as get a lot of wear from it.
Chain and wide belts are two throwback trends that have made a comeback. Will you be embracing either of these trends and if so how would you style them?
I find myself more drawn to the wide belts as they have a very stylish look and feel. I'd be looking to style the wide belt over a blazer or coat to give it a more structured look.
Fashion and lifestyle blogger at Retro Flame
What makes the belt such a key accessory in your wardrobe?
For me, a belt just finishes off a look. I like to match my accessories as much as possible and a belt helps me to do that. I also personally love a cinched waist so I often use a belt to transform a blazer look.
What belt did you decide to wear with your outfit and why?
For this look, I wore my Saint Laurent Monogram Detail Belt. I choose to wear this belt because I love how the gold logo complimented my jewellery. I styled it with a black dress to cinch in my waist and I think it really elevates the look. It’s such a classic piece that I'll have forever!
What are the big belt trends you're seeing this season and how have you been working these trends into your wardrobe?
This season we are seeing a lot of larger belts which I personally love to style with blazers. It creates such a chic look and is a nod to the 80's which I appreciate too. I've also seen these bigger belts being styled with midi dresses which is a look I definitely want to try out myself. Another trend that has been popular this season is the belt bag which can be a daunting piece to style for some but I love them paired with oversized coats. I think the two pieces wear so well together.
Who are your go-to designers for belts?
Right now my go-to designers for belts would be Saint Laurent, Chanel & Fendi. I think these designers in particular nail their belt designs every season, making sure that they are wearable but also show-stoppers. Some of the styles on that I currently have my eye on are include: the Fendi Baguette FF buckle belt - so classic looking – and the Saint Laurent square buckle belt.
What buying advice would you give to someone who wants to invest in a designer belt?
Go with a classic colour that you can style with many outfits. For my first designer belt I went with a black one and have since worn it SO much. I truly think it has been one of my best investments.
Chain and wide belts are two throwback trends that have made a comeback. Will you be embracing either of these trends and if so how would you style them?
I would definitely love to try and incorporate more chain belts into my wardrobe. I've seen them styled so well with dresses so that's something I would like to re-create myself this Christmas. I currently have my eye on a beautiful Chloe style.