The unsung heroes of the accessories cupboard, belts have the ability to revolutionise one’s wardrobe.
Styled poorly or sized incorrectly, a belt can cause more sartorial woes than it’s worth. However, when paired with a lashing of dreamy denim, a crisply ironed shirt or fastened around an oversized dress, the sculpting pieces can transform any outfit while offering endless practicality.
Designed to secure or fasten clothing, belts are defined by functionality. It’s why we all should have one to hand when rushing out the door. The style of a belt - how it hovers on our hips, how it punctuates an outfit and how it carves the figure - can hugely vary.
Naturally, the crème de la crème of accessories are designer options - belts very much included. From Gucci’s ubiquitous GG leather renditions to Chanel’s rare vintage chain pieces, there’s an endless supply of designer belts for those with some serious dough to drop.
Is a designer belt worth the price tag? Typically crafted from fine, buttery leather and complete with unique house codes from logos to motifs, designer belts are a timeless investment.
There is a dollop of avant-garde designs up for grabs - Vivienne Westwood’s pink befurred number and Alaia’s intricate laser-cut corset belt spring to mind. However, sleek, smooth brown, black and white designs reign supreme, meaning you only need one to see you through the years.
Belts are also signifiers of fashion trends of time gone by, instantly recalling the style of each new decade. Loose, low-waisted belts tapped into the flapper aesthetic of the 1920s woman. Skinny belts and sashes harken back to the hourglass silhouettes of 1950s frocks à la Grease. Metallic Gaucho belts exude Sixties and Seventies bohemia. Thick belts nod to the drama of the Eighties, aided by shoulder pads, leg warmers and perms. Statement, bedazzled belts coveted by Paris Hilton and the Olsen Twins are the pinnacle of Noughties Y2K fever.
Discover the best luxury belts to treasure forever and add a dose of designer flair to your everyday.
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Gucci Buckle Thin Belt
A favourite for a reason, Gucci’s belts have been spotted on style veterans Jennifer Aniston, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Kendall Jenner to name a few. This thin, timeless rendition features a sleek, fine strap crafted from soft leather and embellished with the iconic Gucci spell-out logo.
Buy now £575.00, Gucci
Loewe Anagram Leather Belt
Crafted in smooth black leather and featuring a statement buckle that’s a nod to the logomania trend, Loewe’s belt will be the centre of your look. Paired with an oversized knit French tucked into a pair of straight-leg trousers, this belt will take your outfit from casual chic to fashion week.
Buy now £395.00, MyTheresa
Gabriela Hearst Austin Leather Belt
Tap into quiet luxury with Gabriela Hearst. The brand’s beautiful, buttery belt is crafted from 100 per cent calf leather with gold hardware, adding an eye-catching tinge of metallic drama.
Buy now £471.00, MyTheresa
Saint Laurent Croc-Effect Leather Belt
Available in four chic colourways, Saint Laurent’s leather belt offers a delectable blend of designer dazzle and timeless design. A dark brown and black croc-effect leather structure is enhanced by logo-effect golden hardware, bearing the distinct YSL motif.
Buy now £565.00, Net-A-Porter
Versace La Medusa Chain Belt
Didn’t you hear? Chain belts are back and better than ever. Take a leaf out of Versace’s style book. The brand is home to the La Medusa Chain Belt, which is replete with house codes from mythological symbols to glitzy mixed metals and star motifs.
Buy now £546.00, MyTheresa
Blumarine Logo Embellished Leather Belt
Unleash your inner It-girl with a touch of Blumarine. The kitschy cute brand is famed for feminine, Y2K design, and this logo-embellished, leather belt is a signifier of an expansive fashion vocabulary.
Buy now £208.00, MyTheresa
Jacquemus La Ceinture Regalo Belt
Ready to layer over your favourite summer frock, Jacquemus’ La Ceinture Regalo belt is crafted from smooth leather and tipped with a square and circle buckle to tempt the eye of passersby.
Buy now £305.00, Net-A-Porter
Vivienne Westwood Roller Buckle Belt
Vivienne Westwood’s Roller Buckle Belt features the Brit brand’s archival ‘Rubbish' print that debuted in the Vivienne Westwood spring/summer 2004 collection titled 'Blue Skies'. The gritty graphic features a collage of packaging and cardboard images, nodding to the concept of upcycling newspapers by using them to wrap valuable ornaments when moving house.
Buy now £160.00, Vivienne Westwood
Acne Studios Logo Belt
Acne Studios’ black leather belt is a contemporary alternative to classic logo options. The brand's logo is positioned front and centre of the fun piece, cut in a wavy, contemporary design to add dimension to any everyday look.
Buy now £390.00, MyTheresa
Chanel Iconic Golden Metal Belt c. 1993
An iconic piece from Chanel’s 2003 spring/summer show, this beautiful golden belt holds the highest of sartorial statuses. Featuring a chain design, the brand’s trademark logo lettering and a warm golden hue, this piece is reserved for collectors and the most serious of fashion followers.
Buy now £4556.33, 1stDibs
