Update Consent

How to Wear a Belt | Outfit Ideas

Belts Are Having a Big Moment Right Now; Here's How to Wear One Like a Street Style Star

As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work.

Belts are one of those accessories that ebb and flow in terms of popularity. Right now, we're in a serious flow phase, if you will, as evidenced by the street style scene at New York Fashion Week. From wide waist-cinchers to thin and skinny styles, belts are popping up on showgoers from fashion editors to stylists and influencers, including myself. The last time I was this fixated on belts was in college when my assortment was vast and few outfits were sans the accessory. This time around, I'm here for a range of styles from Bottega Veneta's buzzy and sculptural shapes to vintage versions in a variety of textures and widths. While I've got a few ways I love to wear my belts, I'm always seeking out new styling inspiration be it over a coat, atop a blazer, wrapped around a dress at my waist, or slung lower on my hips.

If, like me, you're finding yourself really into belts right now, keep scrolling to see some of my favourite street style outfits from New York Fashion Week. Not only will you pick up a few helpful styling tips, but I've shopped out similar and exact styles, so you can have a solid assortment at the ready this season and beyond.

How to Wear a Belt

When you're wearing layering, specifically by way of a tonal look, a slim and printed belt will define your shape and add a textural element for added interest.

A New Day Snake Print Thin Belts With Metal Wrap

A New Day Snake Print Thin Belts With Metal Wrap ($12, originally $15)

Image Source: target.com
A New Day Snake Print Thin Belts With Metal Wrap
$12
from target.com
Buy Now

How to Wear a Belt

A simple black belt becomes eye-catching when cinched over a patterned coat.

Treasure & Bond Leather Belt

Treasure & Bond Leather Belt ($49)

Image Source: shop.nordstrom.com
Treasure & Bond Leather Belt
$49
from shop.nordstrom.com
Buy Now

Watch This!

Pop Quiz

Watch the Cast of Fear Street Play a Creepy Game of Horror Movie "Would You Rather"

How to Wear a Belt

A knotted belt feels fresh over classic pieces like a sweater and blazer — look for one in a small to medium width so as not to feel too busy or layered separates.

Isabel Marant Lecce Leather Belt

Isabel Marant Lecce Leather Belt ($160)

Image Source: Net-a-Porter.com
Isabel Marant Lecce Leather Belt
$160
from net-a-porter.com
Buy Now

How to Wear a Belt

Instead of a simple black belt, try one with a vintage-inspired buckle for a subtle twist.

H&M Waist Belt

H&M Waist Belt ($18)

Image Source: www2.hm.com
H&M Waist Belt
$18
from www2.hm.com
Buy Now

How to Wear a Belt

A utilitarian belt takes a tailored coat into edgy territory. When cinching outerwear, be sure to go for a thicker width or substantial leather style that will hold its shape. You'll probably want to size up to ensure a comfortable fit over layers, too.

Charles & Keith Chain Link Belt

Charles & Keith Chain Link Belt ($19)

Image Source: charleskeith.com
Charles & Keith Chain Link Belt
$19
from charleskeith.com
Buy Now

How to Wear a Belt

A belt with a sculptural element will make any outfit feel modern and fresh.

Image Source: Style Du Monde

Rachel Comey Glider Belt

Rachel Comey Glider Belt ($255)

Image Source: shopbop.com
Rachel Comey Glider Belt
$255
from shopbop.com
Buy Now

How to Wear a Belt

Speaking of sculptural, this Bottega Veneta ring belt is a cult-loved style among the street style set.

Bottega Veneta Ring Belt

Bottega Veneta Ring Belt ($1,300)

Image Source: bottegaveneta.com
Bottega Veneta Ring Belt
$1,300
from bottegaveneta.com
Buy Now

How to Wear a Belt

A leather belt with a well-worn look makes tailored pieces feel a little less fussy. Plus, it comes with a slight, rock 'n' roll edge.

Image Source: Style Du Monde

Ba&sh Boxane Belt

Ba&sh Boxane Belt ($110)

Image Source: ba-sh.com
Ba&sh Boxane Belt
$110
from ba-sh.com
Buy Now

How to Wear a Belt

A slim, double-wrap belt is the perfect cinch over a fluid dress.

Image Source: Style Du Monde

Frame Double Wrap Belt

Frame Double Wrap Belt ($190)

Image Source: shopbop.com
Frame Double Wrap Belt
$190
from shopbop.com
Buy Now

How to Wear a Belt

A thick, corset-style belt is perfect for defining your shape under a blazer.

Raina Leather Corset Belt

Raina Leather Corset Belt ($205)

Image Source: shop.nordstrom.com
Raina Leather Corset Belt
$205
from shop.nordstrom.com
Buy Now

How to Wear a Belt

When trying out a belted tonal look, select a belt that's a slightly different shade than the rest of your layers.

Massimo Dutti Mock Croc Leather Belt

Massimo Dutti Mock Croc Leather Belt ($70)

Image Source: massimodutti.com
Massimo Dutti Mock Croc Leather Belt
$70
from massimodutti.com
Buy Now

How to Wear a Belt

A logo belt makes an all-black more exciting in an instant.

Valentino Reversible V-Logo Belt

Valentino Reversible V-Logo Belt ($995)

Image Source: valentino.com
Valentino Reversible V-Logo Belt
$995
from valentino.com
Buy Now

How to Wear a Belt

Not into logos but love designer accents? Go for a vintage style like this Gucci horsebit belt I found on Vestiaire Collective

Image Source: Style Du Monde

Gucci Leather Horsebit Belt

Gucci Leather Horsebit Belt ($207, originally $345)

Image Source: therealreal.com
Gucci Leather Horsebit Belt
$207
from therealreal.com
Buy Now

How to Wear a Belt

A thick, suede belt is perfect for cinching over a thick knit sweater or dress.

Rag & Bone Boyfriend Suede Belt

Rag & Bone Boyfriend Suede Belt ($160)

Image Source: neimanmarcus.com
Rag & Bone Boyfriend Suede Belt
$160
from neimanmarcus.com
Buy Now

How to Wear a Belt

When wearing an oversize coat in cold weather, a cinched waist creates a flattering shape beneath your layers. nn

B-Low The Belt Tumble Suede

B-Low The Belt Tumble Suede ($156)

Image Source: b-lowthebelt.com
B-Low The Belt Tumble Suede
$156
from b-lowthebelt.com
Buy Now

How to Wear a Belt

A fanciful belt is a playful way to dress up layers in the cold. Avoid bulk by sticking to thinner pieces underneath your belt.

Lele Sadoughi Single Stretch Belt

Lele Sadoughi Single Stretch Belt ($150)

Image Source: shopbop.com
Lele Sadoughi Single Stretch Belt
$150
from shopbop.com
Buy Now

How to Wear a Belt

Here for a practical, yet slightly extra belt moment? Look no further than a logo belt bag.

Image Source: vestiairecollective.com

How to Wear a Belt

A black belt with a unique buckle is perfect for drawing in an oversized cardigan.

Glamorous Black Mock Croc Waist And Hip Belt

Glamorous Black Mock Croc Waist And Hip Belt ($16)

Image Source: asos.com
Glamorous Black Mock Croc Waist And Hip Belt
$16
from asos.com
Buy Now

How to Wear a Belt

Some jackets and coats come with a beautiful built-in belt, but if not, a classic belt with a sculptural buckle creates a similarly luxe effect.

Image Source: Style Du Monde

Mango Metal Buckle Belt

Mango Metal Buckle Belt ($30)

Image Source: shop.mango.com
Mango Metal Buckle Belt
$30
from shop.mango.com
Buy Now

How to Wear a Belt

A belt bag feels really wearable in a neutral colour like tan, brown, beige, or black.

Chylak Mini Croc-Effect Leather Belt Bag

Chylak Mini Croc-Effect Leather Belt Bag ($245)

Image Source: Net-a-Porter.com
Chylak Mini Croc-Effect Leather Belt Bag
$245
from net-a-porter.com
Buy Now

How to Wear a Belt

A thick studded belt adds edge to any outfit, though we love it with a utilitarian jumpsuit as pictured on this stylish showgoer.

Image Source: Style Du Monde

Zara Wide Studded Belt

Zara Wide Studded Belt ($36)

Image Source: zara.com
Zara Wide Studded Belt
$36
from zara.com
Buy Now

How to Wear a Belt

An ultrawide waist belt is another way to make an all-black outfit feel fresh and exciting.

& Other Stories Wide Waist Belt

& Other Stories Wide Waist Belt ($59)

Image Source: stories.com
& Other Stories Wide Waist Belt
$59
from stories.com
Buy Now

How to Wear a Belt

A thick and printed belt is a great way to break up a single tone like a dress or jumpsuit. Stick to solid or neutral clothing for a streamlined look that's not overly complicated.

Veronica Beard Cinzia Wide Snake-Print Leather Belt

Veronica Beard Cinzia Wide Snake-Print Leather Belt ($295)

Image Source: neimanmarcus.com
Veronica Beard Cinzia Wide Snake-Print Leather Belt
$295
from neimanmarcus.com
Buy Now

How to Wear a Belt

A thin to medium-width knot belt is perfect for breaking up a patterned dress.

LOFT Pull-Through Knot Belt

LOFT Pull-Through Knot Belt ($40, originally $45)

Image Source: loft.com
LOFT Pull-Through Knot Belt
$40
from loft.com
Buy Now

How to Wear a Belt

For a subtle nip-in at the waist, you can't go wrong with a skinny black belt.

Ann Taylor Skinny Leather Belt

Ann Taylor Skinny Leather Belt ($40)

Image Source: anntaylor.com
Ann Taylor Skinny Leather Belt
$40
from anntaylor.com
Buy Now

How to Wear a Belt

A chain-link belt is a fanciful way to draw in the shape of a loose, button-down shirt.

Vintage Chain Belt

Vintage Chain Belt ($210)

Image Source: chokedbyathread.com
Vintage Chain Belt
$210
from chokedbyathread.com
Buy Now

How to Wear a Belt

Forever trying to figure out how to wear a poncho? How about a Gucci logo belt to cinch the blanket-style layer.

Gucci GG Marmont Leather Belt With Shiny Buckle

Gucci GG Marmont Leather Belt With Shiny Buckle ($460)

Image Source: gucci.com
Gucci GG Marmont Leather Belt With Shiny Buckle
$460
from gucci.com
Buy Now

How to Wear a Belt

A gold belt bag is an unexpected way to cinch a printed dress.

Mali + Lili Metallic Vegan Leather Belt Bag

Mali + Lili Metallic Vegan Leather Belt Bag ($54)

Image Source: shop.nordstrom.com
Mali + Lili Metallic Vegan Leather Belt Bag
$54
from shop.nordstrom.com
Buy Now

How to Wear a Belt

A simple black belt is surprisingly impactful in contrast with light and tonal separates.

Black & Brown Harper Leather Belt

Black & Brown Harper Leather Belt ($90)

Image Source: Net-a-Porter.com
Black & Brown Harper Leather Belt
$90
from net-a-porter.com
Buy Now

Want More?

POPSUGAR Would Like To Send You Push Notifications.