If you’re looking to add a burst of personality, a statement belt is the perfect choice for your transitional outfits this season. It’s no surprise they were everywhere on the Spring 2026 runways at Ralph Lauren, Celine, Khaite, and Chloé. In the world of accessories, think of these belts as your easy, elevated go-to for an instant style update: wear them high on the waist, low on the hips, or even doubled or tripled over a bold, swingy skirt or a little printed dress. One of the best things about today’s belts is that there are no rules—just look at Miu Miu, where, alongside woven belts wrapped around the waist, tiny buckled styles also adorned necks and wrists.
Vogue’s Favorite Statement Belts:
The Modern Medallion
Khaite Keefe belt
$980 | KHAITE
The Oversized Buckle
Free People WeHo hip belt
$98 | FREE PEOPLE
The Luxe Braided
A.Emery Kya braided belt
$170 | FWRD
The Chain Belt
Mango beaded chain belt
$50 | NORDSTROM
The Western-Inspired
Anderson’s Narrow western belt
$190 | SHOPBOP
The Utilitarian Style
Miu Miu leather belt
$910 | MIU MIU
The Embellished
Black Suede Studio Spur belt
$275 | NORDSTROM
The Tassel Belt
Nour Hammour tassel braided belt
$250 | NOUR HAMMOUR
“Belts are such an easy, under-utilized accessory in my opinion,” says stylist Caitlin Burke. “Jewelry, bags, and shoes get all the love, but I think a statement belt can really make a look.” Lately, she’s been wearing extra-wide, oversized buckle belts low on the hips, almost like a cummerbund. If you’re already planning your fall shopping, this is one trend that works for seasonless style, too. “Matthieu Blazy also showed plenty of colorful statement belts at Chanel, and now a red croc belt is high on my wish list,” Burke adds. “Think of them like jewelry for your clothes—they’re worth investing in.”
Stylist Ib Abdel Nasser has also been making great use of the statement belt with his client Zooey Deschanel, who embodies the 2010s Tumblr-coded Twee aesthetic that fashion still loves to reference. “My favorite look we did that incorporated a statement belt was a Saint Laurent by Hedi Slimane Pre-Fall 2016 ensemble that I sourced from his iconic show at the Hollywood Palladium,” he says. “The symbolism of the Ouroboros buckle—the cyclical nature of the universe; birth through destruction—resonated with what I was feeling at the time, and I’m always here for a Hedi Slimane moment. His attention to detail is symphonic.”
Abdel Nasser suggests adding a statement belt when wearing pieces like oversized blazers to effortlessly cinch the waist, as he did for Lili Reinhart at the Fall 2026 Ralph Lauren show. For another client’s press tour, he stacked three identical belts over a custom Elisabetta Franchi corset dress, and for a different event, he chose a dress from Gianni Versace’s Fall 1992 collection, which featured the iconic Miss S&M built-in belts around the neck and waist. “I love belts that tell a story,” he says. “You tend to find this more with vintage belts—whether it’s a stunning buckle, a beaded motif, unique metalwork, or the patina of the leather—nothing beats vintage in my opinion. Rodarte made these beautiful brass rose chain belts in Spring 2016 that I’ve been obsessively looking for secondhand for the past few years.” He also recommends personalizing a favorite belt with pins, charms, or talismans. “Most importantly, be authentic to who you are at the moment—there aren’t any rules.”
Shop inspiring transformational statement belts here.
Modern Medallions
You can’t get more classic than a medallion belt. This statement piece anchors an outfit and adds flair with its hardware. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can mix silver, gold, and gunmetal tones.Wishlist
Dior
Médaillon belt
$1,100 | DIOR
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Ralph Lauren
Plaque-buckle wide belt
$900 | RALPH LAUREN
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Khaite
Keefe belt
$980 | KHAITE
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Celine
Maison Celine belt
$1,200 | CELINE
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B-Low the Belt
Myra washed belt
$168 | REVOLVE
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Mango
Leather belt
$70 | MANGO
Luxe Braided
A woven or braided leather belt adds a boho touch that pairs well with almost anything. It’s a great way to add texture to everyday pieces like jeans or pleated trousers.
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The Row
Cord woven belt
$870 | NET-A-PORTER
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Dragon Diffusion
Woven leather belt
$100 | NET-A-PORTER
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Bottega Veneta
Solo belt
$850 | BOTTEGA VENETA
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A.Emery
Kya braided belt
$170 | FW
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Miu Miu
Leather belt
$1,050 | MIU MIU
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Madewell
Domed-buckle wide belt
$88 | MADEWELL
Oversized Buckles
When in doubt, go big and bold with your buckle. Consider it a one-and-done piece that draws the eye. These belts look just as good over a blazer as they do wrapped around a midi skirt.
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Chloé
Anita belt
$1,260 | CHLOÉ
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Loewe
Rounded soft belt
$750 | LOEWE
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Free People
WeHo hip belt
$98 | FREE PEOPLE
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The Frankie Shop
Calan wide belt
$140 | THE FRANKIE SHOP
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Polo Ralph Lauren
Leather belt
$300 | NET-A-PORTER
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Artemas Quibble
Barrow belt
$1,195 | ARTEMAS QUIBBLE
Vintage-Inspired Chains
Think of chain belts as an extension of the jewelry-for-your-clothes concept. Multi-layered chains are an easy way to get a vintage-inspired look. Plus, they layer well over just about anything—including swimwear. Most importantly, they’re fun.
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Saint Laurent
Cassandre graduated chain belt
$2,900 | SAINT LAURENT
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Ralph Lauren
Brass-finished toggle chain belt
$95 | RALPH LAUREN
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Mango
Beaded chain belt
$50 | NORDSTROM
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Chan Luu
Nerida chain belt
$490 | CHAN LUU
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Zimmermann
Alight rounded chain belt
$495 | ZIMMERMANN
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Sandro
Chain belt
$135 | BLOOMINGDALE’S
Nouveau Western
Brands have been heavily inspired by Western fashion this season. Think conchos, big buckles, and even horse-shaped buckles—after all, it is the Year of the Horse. Wear them with jeans and a button-down shirt, or with an eyelet maxi skirt.
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Anderson’s
Narrow western belt
$190 | SHOPBOP
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Ralph Lauren
Metal-accent belt
$598 | RALPH LAUREN
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Déhanche
Santo leather belt
$395 | NET-A-PORTER
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The Great x Stetson
The Big Buckle belt
$195 | SHOPBOP
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B-Low the Belt
Adley leather belt
$188 | BLOOMINGDALE’S
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J.Crew
Western buckle belt
$80 | J.CREW
Utilitarian Chic
Pockets! Carabiners! Clips! Multi-functional belts have never looked so good. They add an extra dynamic layer to any outfit, meeting both form and function. Plus, many of them reference that ’90s style the runways can’t get enough of lately.
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Miu Miu
Leather belt
$910 | MIU MIU
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Zara
Leather skirt belt
$100 | ZARA
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Free People
Crew cargo pocket belt
$128 | FREE PEOPLE
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Prada
Saffiano leather belt
$1,200 | PRADA
Gemstones
Vibrant stones and jeweled cabochons on belts are one of the best ways to inject a bit of color and attitude into your look. Look for buckles covered in turquoise-hued gems or leather options embellished with pretty green malachite.
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Valentino
Vlogo Signature belt
$980 | VALENTINO
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Gabriela Hearst
Embellished leather belt
$1,550 | NET-A-PORTERAdd to Wishlist
Etro Embellished Leather Belt
$790 at NET-A-PORTER
Sonia Petroff Nest Embellished Belt
$1,255 at NET-A-PORTER
Aureum No. 2 Stud Belt
$550 at NORDSTROM
Black Suede Studio Spur Belt
$275 at NORDSTROM
Tassels
Add antique flair with a tassel belt, perfect for tying around a chic robe or blazer. Choose leather for a sculptural effect or fringe tassels for a softer, bohemian look.
Alaïa Tasseled Belt
$1,380 at NET-A-PORTER
Nour Hammour Tassel Braided Belt
$250 at NOUR HAMMOUR
$270 at MYTHERESA
Le Sundial Tassel Belt
$330 at MODA OPERANDI
$330 at LE SUNDIAL
B-Low the Belt Caroline Wrap Belt
$192 at REVOLVE
Posse Tassel Belt
$150 at POSSE
Ulla Johnson Tassel Belt
$290 at ULLA JOHNSON
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of helpful FAQs about Discover Springs MustHave BeltsStyled by Top Fashion Experts
General Style Questions
Q What makes these belts musthaves for spring
A Our experts curated this collection to include versatile ontrend styles that instantly refresh your wardrobe They focus on key colors materials and silhouettes that define the spring season
Q Im not very fashionable How do I even start with belts
A Start simple A classic mediumwidth belt in a neutral color is the easiest way to begin Use it to define your waist over dresses blazers or tunicsits a foolproof style trick
Q Can you give me an example of how a fashion expert would style one
A Absolutely A top stylist might take a relaxed linen dress and cinch it with a woven raffia belt to create shape and add texture Or they might layer a slim chain belt over a solidcolor knit sweater for a modern polished look
Q Are skinny belts still in style for spring
A Yes but often as layering pieces Experts suggest pairing a thin leather or chain belt with highwaisted trousers or using it to add subtle detail over a long cardigan
Sizing Fit Practicality
Q How do I find the right belt size
A The best method is to measure a belt you already own that fits well Measure from the inside of the buckle to the hole you use most Alternatively measure your waist or hips and add 2 inches for a comfortable fit
Q Whats the biggest mistake people make with belts
A Wearing them at the wrong spot For the most flattering look place the belt at the smallest part of your waist not your hips This creates better proportion
Q How can I use a belt to make an outfit look more expensive
A A highquality belt in a complementary color can pull an entire outfit together making it look intentional and tailored It adds structure which is a hallmark of sophisticated style
Q My belt always slides around or twists Any tips
A This is common with smoother