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Important Style PSA: These Are the 8 Rules of Wearing a Belt in 2025

Belt it out

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rules of wearing a belt
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Last year, one accessory snuck its way back into mainstream fashion: the beloved belt. After taking what seemed like over a decade’s long hiatus away from the spotlight (as a fashion accessory, that is; belts are always going to be used for, you know, keeping pants up), they’re back and bigger than ever before. In fact, many fashion people are embracing bold styles, including studded belts, Western buckles (peep Duchess Sophie) and corset pieces, while others are reincorporating classic black and brown styles into their capsule wardrobes. And when it comes to accessories, no one item is the right answer, but I’ve gone ahead and mapped out a few style tips if you want to embrace belts again without looking like you’ve stepped out of the aughts. Here are eight rules of wearing a belt in 2025, whether you’re a fan of the minimalist wardrobe or want to impress in a statement piece.

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rules of wearing a belt When in Doubt, Invest in the Basics
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1. When in Doubt, Invest in the Basics

Sharp and put together, don’t underestimate the power of the basics, including a simple black belt. Whether you style it up for work with trousers, a button-down and a blazer or dress it down for the weekends with black jeans and white T-shirt, a minimalistic belt can instantly elevate an outfit and pull everything together. Feel free to play around with the fabric and color of the belt, swapping from black to chestnut leather or even opting for a soft suede fabric, but be sure to stick with traditional buckles that won’t draw your eye away from the entire look—the key is to create a streamlined ensemble that looks expertly accessorized.

rules of wearing a belt Break Up Opposing Fabrics with a Statement Belt
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2. Break Up Opposing Fabrics with a Statement Belt

We’re all familiar with this popular pairing—a silky, bias-cut skirt and an oversize knit. But did you know that adding a chunky, statement or wide corset belt can be a total game-changer? It can instantly elevate the look from "OK" to "fab" in seconds. Here’s why: The thick, textured fibers of a wool, cotton or cashmere sweater can feel a bit harsh against the smooth, shiny material of a satin or silk skirt. Not to mention, it’s nearly impossible to do a French tuck without weighing the skirt down. A thick belt allows you to tuck in a bit of the sweater, breaking up the two fabrics and creating a defined waistline where there might not have been one.

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rules of wearing a belt Lean Into Shapely Buckles When Wearing a Lot of Texture
Daniel Zuchnik / Getty Images

3. Lean Into Shapely Buckles When Wearing a Lot of Texture

When you’re wearing pieces from your closet that boast a lot of texture, whether it’s a heavy wool coat, tweed skirt, denim shirt or knit base, my rule of thumb is to break up all the noise with belts that have shapely buckles. As you can see in the image above, that curved, oblong buckle perfectly marries the entire outfit and creates harmony amongst the differing pieces and materials. Bonus points if you match the color of your shoes to the belt’s leather.

rules of wearing a belt Use It to Transform an Oversize Blazer
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4. Use It to Transform an Oversize Blazer

At the end of last year, I saw the shift away from oversize silhouettes toward more bespoke, fitted pieces that really accentuate the small of the waist. And guess what? The hourglass jacket trend isn’t going anywhere in 2025. So, if you happen to own one or a few oversize blazers like me, don’t fret. You can completely transform your roomy jacket with the addition of a skinny belt. Focus the accessory just above your hips or in the middle of your frame to get that definition at the waist.

rules of wearing a belt Use a Belt to Create a Waistline from a Shapeless Silhouette
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5. Use a Belt to Create a Waistline from a Shapeless Silhouette

While I love a shift or column dress as much as the next person, sometimes their shapeless nature swallows up my curves. The good news? Women are using belts to create the definition and shape that these styles often lack, completely transforming the look into something flattering and fashion-forward. The best part is, any type of belt can work—it really depends on your proportions, taste and the overall vibe you're going for. Big buckles, like the one pictured above, are great for breaking up the busy pattern of a dress without getting lost. But I’ve also seen women style slinky, understated belts low on their hips with a neutral knit dress. While these are two totally different looks, both are super chic. So, don’t be afraid to experiment with accessories and make the look your own.

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rules of wearing a belt Opt for Maximalism with a Studded Belt
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6. Opt for Maximalism with a Studded Belt

If there’s one belt trend that’s dominated the fashion scene over the past few months, it’s the studded belt. Ever since luxury label Khaite unveiled the Benny belt, other designers and brands have followed suit, putting their own spin on this dome-studded accessory. With the growing trend toward maximalism, I’ve noticed more people incorporating this piece into their everyday wardrobes, using it to add personality, texture and playfulness. It’s surprisingly easy to pull off, too—whether you're grunging up a simple jeans-and-blouse combo or adding a bold element to clashing patterns and colors, like in the example above.

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rules of wearing a belt Swap in a Chain Belt for a Chic Embellishment
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7. Swap in a Chain Belt for a Chic Embellishment

I’m a firm believe that whoever says you must stick to traditional pieces clearly hasn’t experienced the power of a chain belt. While it may not offer the same support as a classic buckle belt, this unconventional accessory more than makes up for it in the embellishment department. Think of a metal chain belt as jewelry for your waist, and a chic way to elevate dresses, skirts, jeans or shorts, especially for special occasions, concerts and festivals.

rules of wearing a belt Lean Into Trends with an Editing Eye
Christian Vierig / Getty Images

As much as I love a capsule wardrobe, I also enjoy splurging on trendy pieces every now and then, like a double-buckled Western belt that channels serious Cowboy core vibes. For my fellow minimalists, I’m here to reassure you that you don’t have to go full-on chaps and cowboy hat to rock the look. In fact, you can tone down the Western feel by mixing in other trends. In the image above, model and content creator Justine Soranzo breaks up a monochromatic outfit featuring trendy pieces from head to toe—think burgundy and hot pants. Consider this is your sign to reach for a Western belt and make it your own.


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Associate Fashion Commerce Editor

  • Covers all things fashion and shopping
  • Boasts over 23 years of experience as an avid shopper, having secured a personal stylist at Limited Too at the age of four
  • Studied English literature, communications and creative writing at the University of San Diego, and completed the Columbia Publishing Course at Columbia University in New York

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