Belts [1] 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 [2]. 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 [3]'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 [4], 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 [5]. 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 [7] ($12, originally $15)
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 [8] ($49)
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 [9] ($160)
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 [10] ($18)
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 [11] ($19)
How to Wear a Belt
A belt with a sculptural element will make any outfit feel modern and fresh.
Rachel Comey Glider Belt
Rachel Comey Glider Belt [12] ($255)
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 [13] ($1,300)
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.
Ba&sh Boxane Belt
Ba&sh Boxane Belt [14] ($110)
How to Wear a Belt
A slim, double-wrap belt is the perfect cinch over a fluid dress.
Frame Double Wrap Belt
Frame Double Wrap Belt [15] ($190)
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 [16] ($205)
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 [17] ($70)
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 [18] ($995)
How to Wear a Belt
Not into logos but love designer accents? Go for a vintage [19] style like this Gucci horsebit belt I found on Vestiaire Collective [20]
Gucci Leather Horsebit Belt
Gucci Leather Horsebit Belt [21] ($207, originally $345)
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 [22] ($160)
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 [23] ($156)
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 [24] ($150)
How to Wear a Belt
Here for a practical, yet slightly extra belt moment? Look no further than a logo belt bag.
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 [25] ($16)
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.
Mango Metal Buckle Belt
Mango Metal Buckle Belt [26] ($30)
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 [27] ($245)
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.
Zara Wide Studded Belt
Zara Wide Studded Belt [28] ($36)
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 [29] ($59)
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 [30] ($295)
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 [31] ($40, originally $45)
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 [32] ($40)
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 [33] ($210)
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 [34] ($460)
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 [35] ($54)
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 [36] ($90)