Trends: Cinching on high waist

Practical garment fasteners or perhaps more, belts have proven to be a must-have accessory in your wardrobe.

At their core, belts serve a practical purpose: holding up trousers and cinching loose garments. This basic role remains important, especially in formal and professional settings where a polished appearance is crucial.

A well-chosen leather belt in brown or black can be the finishing touch that pulls together a suit or business casual outfit, creating a smart and put-together look.

One of the most striking belt trends at the moment is the rise of chunky, statement belts. These wide, eye-catching accessories can completely transform an outfit, often becoming the focal point of an ensemble.

Chunky belts add structure to flowing dresses, define the waistline of oversized tops or add an edgy touch to simple jeans and t-shirt combinations.

Materials for these statement pieces range from thick leather with large, ornate buckles to woven fabrics with wooden or resin buckles.

The variety offers endless possibilities to match or contrast with outfits. A wide black leather belt with a gold buckle can add a touch of glamour to a little black dress, while a colourful woven belt can add a bohemian touch to a summer maxi dress.

At the other end of the spectrum, slim belts offer a more delicate approach to accessorising. These narrow belts can add a subtle detail to an outfit without overpowering it. Slim belts are particularly versatile and work well with both casual and formal outfits.

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For formal wear, a thin metallic belt can add a touch of elegance to a simple sheath dress. For casual looks, a slim leather belt in an unexpected colour can add interest to jeans or chinos without being too dominant.

The subtlety of these belts makes them perfect for layering or for use in more conservative settings where a loud accessory might be inappropriate.

Layering is the technique of wearing more than one belt at a time to create a unique and textured look. Layering can be done with belts of different widths, colours and materials to create contrast and visual interest.

For example, a wide leather belt could be paired with a thinner chain belt on top for a mix of textures and styles.

Alternatively, several narrow belts in complementary colours could be worn together for a rainbow effect. This trend allows for creativity and personal expression, allowing wearers to create truly unique looks.

The options are expanding far beyond traditional leather. While quality leather belts remain a staple, especially for formal wear, contemporary fashion embraces a wide range of materials.

Fabric belts, often in cotton or canvas, offer a casual, relaxed feel that is perfect for summer outfits. Woven belts, whether in strips of leather or textiles, add texture and often a handcrafted feel to ensembles.

Metallic belts, with chain links or metal plates, add a touch of edgy glamour to outfits.

These can range from delicate silver chains to bold, armour-like gold pieces. For evening wear or special occasions, belts with rhinestones, sequins or other embellishments can add sparkle and drama.

Exploring colour is also an exciting part of belt styling. While shades such as black, brown and tan remain popular for their versatility, bold colours have found their place in the world of accessories.

For example, a wide leather belt could be paired with a thinner chain belt on top for a mix of textures and styles.

The possibilities extend far beyond traditional leather. While quality leather belts remain a staple, especially for formal wear, contemporary fashion embraces a wide range of materials.

Fabric belts, often in cotton or canvas, offer a casual, relaxed feel that is perfect for summer outfits. Woven belts, whether in strips of leather or fabric, add texture and often a handcrafted feel to ensembles.

Metallic belts, with chain links or metal plates, add a touch of edgy glamour to outfits.

These can range from delicate silver chains to bold, armour-like gold pieces. For evening wear or special occasions, belts with rhinestones, sequins or other embellishments can add sparkle and drama.