The Return of the Belt

Gucci Resort 2024, Look #22,
Image courtesy of Gucci

When was the last time you saw someone wear an interesting belt? I’m not talking about a logo belt, but a piece that adorns the waist and adds statement-making style. Starting with Fall 2023, we saw designers revive the nipped-waist jacket, and it is a trend that Balmain, Erdem, and Givenchy are all continuing to show for Resort 2024. But another way designers are bringing attention to the waist is through that long-lost accessory - the belt.

Chain belts led the way at several brands, including at Chanel where a single and double wrap logo version was shown paired with low-slung shorts and skirts. Gucci featured an oversized link belt worn over knee-length fitted shorts and statement outerwear, including a trench. Blumarine accented micro-mini draped jersey skirts with a gold metal flower option. And at the newly (and silly) re-branded Rabanne, a wide silver mesh belt with draped tiers of tiny metal balls accented jersey maxi dresses.

But there was more! Wide belts were seen at Giambattista Valli, where gold belts with bejeweled clasps adorned floral print dresses, while Balmain opted for a wide 1980’s inspired version with oversized metal buckle to cinch statement outerwear pieces like an elevated Western fringed leather jacket. Even the minimalists got in on the trend; Brandon Maxwell featured a high-shine, elegant, narrow metal belt to accent his beautifully cut knit dresses and at the more casual Plan C, an ultra-long strap belt was worn knotted at the waist and left to hang to the knee.