It feels like yesterday—well, I guess more like 10+ years ago—when I was in high school, and the only belt that was considered fashionable/allowed to be seen in daylight was the Gucci belt. If it didn’t have that iconic GG buckle, it was hideous and wasn’t worth wearing. For legit half my life, I’d actually let my jeans sag a bit if they were a little big on me to avoid putting on a belt. That’s how serious it was.
Fast-forward to now, when peplum cuts and wedges are everywhere I look, and belts are having a full-blown moment. Call it a comeback! Any fellow Zillennials getting major déjà vu right now? What I love is that right now, belts are breaking the rules. Going through the loops? Totally optional! Fashion girls are cinching them at the waist over dresses and coats, slinging them low on the hips, and even stacking multiple belts for edgy moments I never saw coming… but will absolutely be recreating. Plus, the sheer variety is insane. It’s no longer about keeping things minimal—it’s about making it your own. Go bold, go subtle, or somewhere in between.
Belts have quietly become the accessory that pulls an entire outfit together (both literally and figuratively). They’re not just an optional extra. The range is what makes them fun: grommet-studded styles that’ll make your inner angsty teen heart sing, playful, all-metal chain belts (hello, festival season!), sleek skinny leather options à la Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. They’re a small addition, with such a big impact. I’ve found myself staring in the mirror way too often lately, thinking: “Yep, definitely missing a belt.”
Personally, I’m fully on the Bella Hadid cowboy wave—wearing gnarly Western-buckle belts but pairing them with muted, chic ‘fits so it reads less “Wild West” and more “fashion week meets Yellowstone.”
Classic black and brown belt styles still reign supreme, but even these basics have expanded their horizons! They’ve got quirky buckles, interesting textures, and statement-making designs that make sure they’re not just a simple touch but an accessory that demands attention.
It’s not just about the belt itself, though; it’s about placement. Where you wear it can completely shift an outfit’s energy. I’m loving them with baggy jeans, giving even the most relaxed denim a pulled-together edge. I’ve also been pairing them with skirts—it’s a small styling move, but it can make a look feel more structured or a little softer and feminine, depending on how I wear it. The way they’re being styled over jackets, blazers, and even dresses is honestly so chic. It adds an unexpected, fashion-forward layer I usually wouldn’t think of.
At this point, we can all agree that belts aren’t just for keeping your pants up. They’re kind of the main event! I like to call them the little heroes that turn ordinary outfits into thoughtfully curated ones. For me, they’ve gone from an afterthought to the centerpiece. I often find myself picking a belt first and building the entire outfit around it. A single belt (or three) can completely set the vibe of a look—and honestly, I am so here for this era of belts taking the spotlight in fashion!
Megan Uy is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, where she searches for the best products in all things fashion, home, beauty, sex, gifts, and more, so you don’t have to. When she’s not writing for the site, she’s whipping up some cool and trendy content for the fashion section of the print magazine. She’s been with the brand since 2019 (when she was an itty-bitty editorial fellow), and she’s also written for Delish, House Beautiful, and People. Follow her on Instagram to get some BTS of the editor life and chaotic NYC content. Also, feel free to hit her up if you ever wanna discuss the madness that is TikTok.
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