What’s Going on With Belts?
Staggering straps and bold buckles. Reckless layering and bare-skin styling. We’re diving into the questionable current state of this age-old accessory.
I’ll never forget my first time feeling befuddled by a belt. I was a teenager watching Sex and the City, and Carrie Bradshaw appeared on my screen in a three-piece abomination. (Yes, I’m talking about that outfit.) A patterned knee-length skirt (fine by me), an ultra-cropped pink button-down (not my style, but that’s okay) and a thick green band gripping her bare ribs. It was confusing! Uncomfortable-looking! Just plain wrong! But, as I often do with Carrie’s outré outfits, I’ve learned to come around to this sadistic styling choice. Because these days, the more incorrectly a belt is worn, the better.
Once conceived to carry tools and weapons, today, belts and their utilitarian roots are nearly unrecognizable. We first saw inklings that something was up with belts in 2023, when unnecessary iterations—chainlink bands hugging satin skirts, thick suede straps around sweater dresses—took hold of the zeitgeist. Cut to Coachella 2025, and bemusing belts were deemed the “it” accessory. They were slung ultra-low, stacked unceremoniously and used in place of hot pants. It only confirmed what the runways have been signalling for some time.
Photography via Launchmetrics/Spotlight
Most recently, though, the street style at the Fall and Spring 2026 runway shows was all about unique belts—from dangling chains to double-stacked denim straps and western-inspired chunky pieces.
Masha Popova / Photography via launchmetrics/spotlight
And, of course, the Fall 2026 runways followed suit with an abundance of decorative wrap-arounds that were certainly on-theme. Masha Popova showed them criss-crossed along the waistline of cut-out jeans. Moschino reinforced fashion’s obsession with food by creating a spoon-and-fork piece that would look just as at home in a kitchen as it did on the catwalk. Chanel adorned cobalt blue dresses with classic black pieces that sat on the model’s mid-thigh instead of at the waist. Even Ralph Lauren’s prestigious runways saw belts with hanging chainmail worn high on the chest.
Saint Laurent / Photography via launchmetrics/spotlight
The intentional misuse of belts is a prime sartorial indication of our odd current reality (see Saint Laurent, Burberry and Shiatzy Chen’s uniquely tied Fall 2026 styles above). Personal style is a point of contention. People are shopping less due to economic anxiety. There’s a collective yearning to be both carefree and buttoned-up for corporate life. The result? Revamping wardrobe staples—like the humble belt.
Ottolinger / Photography via launchmetrics/spotlight
Part of the appeal lies in the symbolism of these multi-use straps. They can communicate irreverence for authority when worn low under waistlines or high above pant loops—as Ottolinger and Hermès have styled them in recent seasons, respectively. They can act as a callback to long-gone ages, the way that Miu Miu leaned into medieval references with layered armour-like links. Craig Green showed mixed leathers fastened tightly on top of one another for a pretty poignant—if uncomfortable—take on restraint. That’s the thing about belts: They’re the ultimate sartorial shape-shifter.
Craig Green / Photography via launchmetrics/spotlight
Flashy belt buckles can be used for wealth-signalling. Slender leather designs can add polish to a minimalist ensemble. If you’re Carrie Bradshaw, an attention-grabbing incorrectly placed belt can declare your status as a complicated main character. Of course, if none of that appeals, belts can function in their truest form: providing security, stability, a good, snug fit. In 2026, we need that more than ever. Below, some styles to consider.
Stacking service
Dip your toe into the world of leather layering with a belt that has two built into one.
Hardware heavy
From standout studs to chainmail chicness, wrap some edge around your waist with these metalware picks.
Unexpected buckles
Who says fasteners can’t be fun? The designs make clunky closures into fashion statements.
Skinny belts
Sleek, unassuming, subtle in its approach. The skinny belt adds a touch of styling intentionality without swallowing your ’fit. If you love the Row, the slender strap is for you.
This story was originally published in April 2025.
Additional text by Stephanie Davoli
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Natalie Michie is the Fashion & Features Editor at FASHION Magazine. With a pop culture obsession, she is passionate about exploring the relationship between fashion, internet trends and social issues. She has written for Elle Canada, CBC, Chatelaine and Toronto Life. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and over-analyzing movies on TikTok.
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