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Belts are the type of accessory that tends to go unnoticed. You may have an entire basket or drawer devoted to them at home, but more than likely they spend most of the time snaked together in a pile, coiled up rather than stretched around your waist. But no more! Breaking out a belt is the easiest way to add texture and intrigue to an everyday outfit. That might mean cinching a pair of sleek black trousers with a coordinated leather style or accentuating the waist of a body-con dress by way of a figure-hugging suede belt. Either way, the best belts for women have the power to put a whole new spin on a look you’ve worn a million times.
Vogue’s Best Belt Guide:
- The Double Classic: Toteme double-clasp belt, $330
- The Cool Stud: Madewell studded western belt, $78
- The Runway-Approved: Alaïa Openwork bustier belt, $1390
- The Minimalist Brown: The Row Frame belt, $590
- The Updated Classic: Savette Symmetry leather belt, $345
- The Must-Have Suede: Khaite Benny belt, $420
So where to start when it comes to belt shopping? First, you want to make sure you have the basics covered. A sleek black or brown leather belt is a must in every closet. Many designer labels—from The Row to Loewe—have created their own iterations, finished with a logo’d buckle that, like a designer bag, can add a low-lift touch of luxury to casual ensembles. Up-and-coming brands, like Déhanche, have made a name for themselves in the space, with statement-making designs that pushes accessorizing into more of an art form. From there, you’ll want to consider belts that are less about function and more about design—a waist belt is great for layering over a wool jacket or breaking up a flowy maxidress. And to put an especially of-the-now twist on a look, consider a suede belt that will add a delightful vintage element to your look.
Ahead, find 28 belts that will help you step up your accessories game—in this case, embracing the look is a cinch.
Skinny Belts
While a skinny belt isn’t necessarily the most statement-making iteration, it does serve a purpose as a put-together add-on to both relaxed and dressy looks. Try layering one of these over a sleek draped black dress—it’s a simple combination with maximum impact.
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Brown Leather Belts
A simple brown leather belt is a staple to make sure you have on hand, especially if your style skews especially neutral. A brown belt has a softer touch than black and is great for mixing up with other tonal separates, like creamy turtlenecks and off-white pleated skirts.
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Classic Black Belts
There are few tried-and-trues quite like a black belt. This piece is often overlooked, but designers have created a range of iterations that, while simple, have an elegance that will convince you to invest in them for your work wardrobe (and casual occasions, too).
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Studded Belts
So you’ve already covered the fashion basics; now it’s time to consider adding something with a little edge—something that retains a subtler grungy feel. The studded belt, thanks to brands like Khaite, has taken over. There are tons of other iterations cropping up from our favorite brands, like Madewell’s western option and Déhanche’s, featuring grommets.
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Suede Belts
Whether camel brown or smooth black with a silver buckle, suede belts exude an artisanal and vintage tone to every look. These styles aren’t just for the modern-day bohemians; they look best when paired with a slick city look. It’s all about the contrast.
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Designer Belts
If you’re not ready to spend splash out on a designer bag or shoe, a designer belt is the ideal way to introduce yourself to a luxury brand without having to splurge. Loewe’s comes clad with its signature anagram, and Hermès has an option that’s both impactful and subtle.
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Waist-Cinching Belts
If you like to accentuate your true waist, a belt that hits right at the midsection is a great way to draw the eye. It can help to break up blocky outerwear or rein in a bulky sweater or loose dress.
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