It’s time to buckle up, baby. Belts have evolved way beyond their original function of merely holding up a pair of slacks—they’re fashion statements in their own right with the power to entirely transform your look. Whether it’s a wrap design to cinch the waistline of a maxi dress or a skinny belt to add a pop of color, there are a few benefits to having more than one belt in your wardrobe. “Belts are an ideal accessory for playing with proportions and changing the silhouette of an ensemble,” says celebrity designer Paul Hardy. “Apart from wearing a belt in its traditional format (through belt loops), consider styling an outfit by layering a belt over a blazer, a dress, or a sweater. A belt is also a way to fashion hack proportions, like turning a maxi dress into a midi (especially for people with petite frames),” says Hardy. He recommends adding varying sizes and finishes to your wardrobe, taking note of the buckle type, the leather finish, and the width of the strap. “For example, a suede strap can have a less tailored appearance than a polished leather,” he adds. When it comes to on-trend looks to pair with it, stylist Ashlyn Greer says that “slouchy denim and low-rise maxi skirts have been everywhere this summer, and adding a leather belt to either look really helps pull it together.” You can “opt for a skinnier to medium width belt with denim jeans and a wide, low slung belt with a maxi,” she says. If wide-leg trousers are more your thing, Hardy recommends going for a thin belt with a logo or novelty buckle. Meanwhile, “a skinny belt over a knit dress can add chicness, whereas a wider belt can break up a bold visual,” he notes. With the advice and recommendations from our style experts, we’ve selected the 20 most coveted, versatile belts to complement a variety of looks. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Best Vintage-Inspired: Best Trendy: Best Vegan Leather: Matt & Nat Path Vegan Leather Waist Belt at Mattandnat.com ($32) Best Oval Buckle: Treasure and Bond Oval Buckle Leather Belt at Nordstrom ($49) In This Article Our Picks Final Verdict What To Look For FAQ Why Trust Byrdie This is our favorite belt on the list for its chic, classic look and affordable price point. The all-leather style from Madewell features gold-brass hardware and comes in three shades, but we’re partial to the luxe pecan hue. It’s an everyday belt that can be worn with virtually everything, from casual, slouchy jeans to high-rise slacks. It’s designed to be worn at the hips, but you can also size it down to pair it with dresses. Sizes: XXS–XXL | Colors: Desert Dune, Pecan/Gold, True Black/Gold, and Pecan/Silver This genuine leather belt from Amazon certainly has the best price point around. It gets rave reviews and the oval buckle is made using a zinc-alloy plating process to prevent rust. It also comes in 10 hues (including all the classics). Sizes: 27–40 inches | Colors: 10, including Beige, Tan, and Black Since you always want at least two belts in your wardrobe, this two-pack deal on Amazon has garnered over 1,500 reviews and nearly a 4.5-star rating. It’s not genuine leather, but we like the sleek, interlocking buckle and the adjustable back, plus the fact that it comes in fun different colors so you can mix and match. Sizes: Adjustable (below 37 or 43 inches) | Colors: Black, Brown Another fav of Greer, this sturdy, chocolatey brown leather belt adds a touch of texture to your outfit when you’re looking for a subtle statement. It’s embossed for a mock-croc look, two inches wide, and backed by the Leather Working Group, a non-profit dedicated to responsible leather manufacturing. Sizes: XS–XXL | Colors: Chocolate Brown With its classic black color with creamy beige on the reverse side, the Kennedy Belt gives off ‘90s throwback vibes with a modern twist. We love the contrast the gold hardware offers, though you can also opt for the bone or camel hues for a subtler impact. Sizes: XS–XL | Colors: Black/Gold, Bone/Gold, Camel/Gold The beauty of a skinny belt is its versatility: You can don it with jeans, a mini skirt, a long dress, or dress slacks and it’ll add just the right accent. Greer recommends this one from Anthropologie that features gold-tone hardware and bright red leather. Though, the luscious white is elegant, too. Sizes: XS–XL | Colors: Red, Cream, Black Known for its eye-catching, prominent buckle featuring the interlocking “G” logo, this Gucci belt has been seen everywhere over the past several years, and quickly became a favorite amongst celebrities and fashionistas. There have since been a lot of knock-offs of the now-ubiquitous belt, but the OG version is still a timeless investment piece. Sizes: 23–34 inches | Colors: White, Black, Light Pink, Beige/Ebony GG Canvas The right belt can really complete an outfit and this classic smooth leather belt with a D-shaped buckle is a favorite of Greer. Made in Mexico, you can ensure the right fit since the company offers exact-inch options before you purchase online. And since many people are particular about their preference between gold or silver, here, you can choose either hardware hue. Sizes: 26–46 inches | Colors: Black/Gold, Biscotti/Gold, Cheetah Calf Hair/Gold, Black/Silver, Biscotti/Silver A brand favorite of Greer, this belt has a double-wrap waist and features a minimalist, square buckle in a silver hue. It’s completely vegan (as is most of the brand’s products) and we’re especially into the hot pink option. Sizes: S–L | Colors: Black, Scone, Chocolate, Coast, Flora If a square buckle isn’t your thing, try this burnished oval buckle belt instead. The 100% genuine leather is dyed in a cognac hue to complement any outfit (it also comes in a beautiful burgundy version), and the width is just over one inch. The only downside is the exact measurements aren’t available online, so choosing between medium or large, for instance, might be a little challenging. Sizes: XS–XL | Colors: Cognac, Black Traditional and elegant, this Jane Wishbone belt features a unique buckle design in gold-tone hardware. We love the rust-colored hue, but reviewers mention it runs a little large, so you might want to size down with this one. Sizes: XS–XL | Colors: Rust Argan Oil, Black If you’re looking for a little Western flair with a modern twist, this belt from Kate Hewko features a series of burnished, silver-tone conchos across vegan leather and a crux quadrata buckle. It has a laid-back appeal, while still being fashion-forward and pairs best with jeans. Sizes: S–L | Colors: Black Kate Spade is a master at the accessories game and this sophisticated bow belt is no exception. It’s priced right at under $60 bucks and comes in six shades, including French Cream and Dark Merlot. There’s a '50s appeal to this belt, which would look especially cute with A-line dresses. Sizes: XS–XL | Colors: 7 shades, including Black, Dark Merlot, French Cream Crafted in Italy from cowhide leather, this Isabel Marant belt recommended by Greer instantly pulls an outfit together, especially if you’re looking to show off the waistline of high-waisted jeans. We’re loving the tie-wrap design, which looks like it’s been knotted together without the actual bulk. Sizes: XS–XL | Colors: Black, Natural Valentino is a favorite “classic” brand for Hardy. He loves this belt that sits somewhere between a skinny and wide width size-wise and is reversible (the black and red combo is our favorite). “The safest bet is to pick a classic style that fits most body types and is timeless. Typically one that might be on the higher end of the price spectrum has more longevity,” Hardy says. Sizes: 28–39.5-inches | Colors: Selleria/Nero, Nero/Rouge, Smokey Brown/Nero Known for her ultra-cool, high-end styles (without the high price tag), Kate Hewko’s glitzy, diva-esque belt is perfect for a night out on the town. It’s made with vegan leather (polyurethane), comes in both black and silver options, and looks great over monochrome dresses. Sizes: OS | Colors: Black, Silver Recommended by Greer, this curiously luxe wrap belt has a slight sheen and cinches at the natural waistline, making it a great choice for long, flowy dresses. But we’re here for the color options, which range from neon green “Palm Leaf Python” to supple cognac and metallic rose. Sizes: OS | Colors: 10, including Black, Truffle, and Sunray YSL has been dominating in the accessories department, whether it’s purses, handbags, or wallets—and now belts. This slim, stylish monogram belt is made with structured leather and silver-tone hardware that can easily be looped through dressy slacks or skinny jeans. Sizes: 28–42 inches | Colors: Black/Bronze, Dark Beige/Bronze Made in Italy and crafted from dyed calf leather, not only does this skinny belt come in the cutest “avocado” green shade, but the Bottega Veneta buckle is truly distinctive. Unlike circular or square designs, it features a unique triangle shape, and the belt also comes in a classic taupe. Sizes: 28–40 inches | Colors: Taupe Gold, Avocado Gold, White +more For a rocker-style, go bold-or-go-home look, this mixed-material stunner from Kate Hewko has it all. The polyurethane-based belt is covered in glittering blue and clear rhinestones, tiny skulls, and pony hair with a leopard print. Sizes: S–XL | Colors: Multi Given the timeless look and popularity of the Madewell Medium Perfect Leather Belt, it’s definitely our favorite on the list. It gets excellent reviews, looks super cute with either jeans or dressy slacks, and has an affordable price point (we’re partial to the pecan color for an ultra-sophisticated look). If you’re going for a sleek, sophisticated, 1950s look, the Kate Spade Bow Belt is well-priced and comes in great hues. FAQ How do I know my size? “A belt size can vary based on where you wear it on your body (i.e., lower waist versus natural waist) or if you plan to layer it over pieces that add to the circumference of your natural size,” says Hardy. “The [best move] is to purchase a belt based on the largest circumference that will be worn, but has enough holes or adjustment to reduce it to the smallest size.” After you decide how you want to wear your belt, grab some measuring tape! “For belt sizing, the general rule of thumb is adding two inches to your waist size,” says Greer. “If you're looking for a belt to wear higher or lower than your natural waist, grab a measuring tape and choose the closest belt size by the inch.” Does jean style matter when it comes to selecting a belt? “For belt and pant pairings it's all about balancing proportions in the overall look. There are no hard and fast rules, but a high rise wide leg jean usually looks great with a mid-width belt and billowy top, or a more form fitting top and skinnier belt,” Greer says. Amber C. Snider is an New York City-based journalist and editor specializing in culture, design, and lifestyle stories with bylines in The New York Times, Architectural Digest, Teen Vogue, Refinery29, Elle Décor, Town & Country, Atmos, HuffPost, Fodor’s Travel, Lonely Planet, House Beautiful, Veranda, and more. She currently holds a Master of Arts degree in Liberal Studies, teaches college art & culture and English literature in Manhattan, and her debut nonfiction book on spiritual awakenings is set for late 2024 with Llewellyn Publishers. As research for this story, she spoke to the below:Best Budget
CHAOREN Leather Belt with Gold Buckle
Best for Short Dresses
Isabel Marant Lecce Belt
Best Monogram
Saint Laurent Monogram Leather Belt
Best Buckle
Bottega Veneta Triangle Buckle Skinny Leather Belt
Final Verdict
What to Look for in a Leather Belt
Why Trust Byrdie
FAQs
How many belts should a woman have? ›
The answer is quite simple. At the very least, you need THREE belts. These belts obviously should differ in style, as you can have as many belts of the same design as you want (but they will only count as ONE belt). We will be talking about what STYLES of belts you should have.
What belts are in style? ›- Bold and Flashy Statement Belts: These belts stand out for their striking designs, making them the centrepiece of any outfit. ...
- Quality Leather Belts: Leather belts remain a timeless choice due to their durability, elegance, and versatility.
Double Butt Cut - The Best Hide for Belts
This is the thickest and firmest part of the hide and yields the most consistent and even material. Double butt cuts are great for making thicker items like belts.
To ensure a proper fit, select a belt that is at least 2 inches larger than your pant size (usually the next size up). For example, if you pant size is 34, choose a size 36 belt.
Should a woman wear a belt with jeans? ›But usually it is a good idea. Many women chose not to wear belts with their jeans and look great. Somehow, it doesn't seem that something is missing. But, if you want to belt your jeans — especially when tucking in your top so there are no lumps beneath the shirt at the waistline — go right ahead.
What designer belts are in style 2024? ›We particularly love the corset-style belts coming through in 2024, with patent leather bustiers layered underneath an in-built belt, but we're also big fans of an architectural buckle for a more subtle statement.
What is the fashion rule for belts? ›The width of the belt should be proportionate to the belt loops on your pants. Generally, belts between 1.25 to 1.5 inches (3.2 to 3.8 cm) in width are considered standard and versatile for most casual and formal outfits. For formal occasions, the thinner the belt the better it will fit in the overall attire.
How much should a good belt cost? ›Generally, the lower price belts cost around $15 to $25, and middle price belts cost around $40 to $50 if we go for a bit good quality, and if you want the best quality of 100% pure leather, then it might cost you around $100 and above that. So that depends on you whether you want a good quality belt or average.
What is the highest quality leather? ›Full-grain leather is considered the highest quality, and is left in the most natural state: It is not split at all, and consists of the entire top layer of the leather. It is durable, and maintains many of the natural characteristics and inconsistencies of the leather.
When should you not wear a belt? ›It's more formal. You'd never wear a belt with a tuxedo (in fact, most tux pants don't even have belt loops – but more on that in a minute) because it detracts from the perfectly polished, well-fitted image you're trying to project. You can apply the same logic to a suit in any kind of dressed-up situation.
What belt to wear with jeans? ›
As a general rule, leather belts will look better with more conservative jeans. That means darker denim, slim-fit or straight cut, usually with a clean cuff and some Chelsea boots. Woven or synthetic belts are better for more casual jeans, which means anything distressed, stacked or lighter in colour.
Are skinny belts out of style? ›Skinny belts are not new, nor are they particularly special. But what IS special about them—now and always—is that they are easy and failsafe to use, wear, and experiment with.
How many belts should you own? ›Do you work from home or have a more casual dress code at work? You might want several casual belts. Generally, though, you'd probably be safe with 1-2 formal belts and 1-2 casual belts. It's even better if you can get a few that can be used in both casual and formal situations.
When should a woman wear a belt? ›Belts work when items are tucked in, so do not wear a belt if your intention is to wear your top untucked. And if you want to tuck in but go sans belt, use this tip: blouse your top so that ½ of the pants waistband is hidden (or ½ the pants button).
What side should a woman wear her belt? ›This also leads us into which direction women will wear a belt. Women have historically worn their belts clockwise, from right to left, with the end of the belt going through the buckle and ending on the right side of the buckle or zipper.