Nuevo Culture

After a Year of Waist-Up Dressing, The Belt Is Making a Comeback

After spending a year dressing from the waist up for virtual gatherings and meetings, the neglected belt is making its way back into our everyday wardrobes. But this season, the formerly deprioritized accessory is anchoring our reemergence looks. Whether it’s a pair of trousers for a chic return to the office or cutoff shorts perfect for weekend escapades, adding a vintage, woven leather, or designer belt helps to elevate just about any summer outfit.

And your outfit doesn’t need to have belt loops to support the accessory. Recently, Katie Holmes buckled a wide belt over an Ulla Johnson frock, and Janet Mock fastened a laser-cut Alaïa design over a delightful Brunello Cucinelli dress. Both looks proved just how essential the accessory can be.

If you’re in need of a refresher on how to style a belt this season, you’ll find five celebrity-inspired ways to wear the subtle outfit maker below.

Kendall Jenner

Photo: Getty Images

Thanks to The Row’s classic designer belt worn here by Kendall Jenner, business casual has never looked better. Follow the style star’s lead and make sure your closet has at least one timeless option in it.

The Row classic leather belt

$595

NORDSTROM

Rag & Bone boyfriend belt

$160

AMAZON

Madewell perfect leather belt

$45

SHOPBOP

Raey multi-hole double-wrap belt

$123

MATFCHESFASHION.COM

Janet Mock

Photo Courtesy of @JasonBolden

Lean into summer whites and elevate those neutral dresses by pairing them with a matching belt just like Janet Mock did here with a divine perforated Alaïa band.

Alaïa laser-cut leather belt

$1,080

MYTHERESA

Bottega Veneta ruched leather waist belt

$450

NET-A-PORTER

B-Low the Belt Erin croc-embossed belt

$156

NORDSTROM

J.Crew skinny braided belt

$40$20
J.CREW FACTORY

Kate Middleton

Photo: Getty Images

For a subtle dash of glam, anchor your suits with a textured belt, similar to Kate Middleton’s croc one by Anderson’s.

Anderson’s croc-effect leathere belt

$160

NET-A-PORTER

Frame Le Double-F belt

$228

NORDSTROM

Saint Laurent croc-effect leather belt

$375

NET-A-PORTER

Banana Republic skinny croc belt

$48$38
BANANA REPUBLIC

Sienna Miller

Photo: Getty Images

No need to wait for the return of music festivals. Take notes from Sienna Miller and her Isabel Marant belt covered in silvery accents.

Isabel Marant Tehora Faithful belt

$480

SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

B-Low the Belt Mia moto belt

$172

SHOPBOP

Maje high-waisted leather belt

$150

MAJE

Givenchy mid-chain belt

$1,150

FWRD

Olivia Culpo

Photo: Getty Images

Get out of an all-black rut and test out a cognac-colored belt, like Olivia Culpo’s Khaite belt. The unexpected hue will make those T-shirt-and-jeans combos look chic.

Khaite The Bambi belt

$360

KHAITE

Lizzie Fortunato skinny Georgia belt

$195

SHOPBOP

Frame Le Circle leather belt

$170

NET-A-PORTER

Gucci thin belt with G buckle

$460

GUCCI