Statement Belts You’ll Want To Wear In 2024/2025

Belts never really go out of style because they’re functional. But depending on the fashion era (and outfit) they can be the focal point or just the average hold-up-your-pants accessory. In 2024/2025, belts are making a statement, adding aesthetic value to every outfit. Here’s what to buy, and how to wear your belts this year…

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Are Wide Or Skinny Belts In Style In 2024/2025?

The short answer is both! This year, you’ll see skinny belts, chain belts, and wide belts including corset belts. You’ll find belts in leather, faux leather, braided leather, and croc-effect leather. Animal prints and embellished belts are also in style.

The latest trend that I am seeing right now is Blanket Stitch belts.

What Styles Of Belt Buckles Are Trending In 2024?

This year, you’ll find all buckle shapes in both silver and gold. Choose from round, oval, rectangle, Western style, or abstract shapes. Here are a few buckles that make a statement:

Anthropologie’s Skinny Suede belt has a stylized oval buckle.

Cuyana’s Celestia Belt has a beautiful gold buckle and comes in black, toffee, and cherry.

This Statement Belt has a unique sculpted shape and is available in black, brown, and red.

What Color Should Your Belt Be?

For the illusion of longer legs, wear a wide belt in the same color as your pants or skirt. I also bought this black wide belt as I often wear black bottoms.

If you are short-waisted, try matching your belt color to your top to create the illusion of a longer torso.

A contrasting color or a bright color will emphasize your waist – perfect for creating and emphasizing an hourglass shape.

Wide Belts

A wide belt can add interest to a monochromatic outfit or create an hourglass shape where there isn’t one. My sweater dress has a slightly loose fit, so my wide suede belt not only adds color but shape too.

If you have a round belly that you want to minimize, wearing a wide belt slightly lower on your waist can help. Also, choose darker colored belts as dark colors tend to minimize while light colors tend to make something look bigger.

Corset belts like this elegant Scroll Buckle Belt, this equestrian-inspired Leather Corset, and this Western Belt are gorgeous additions to your belt collection.

Studded And Grommet Belts

In 2024/2025, you’ll also see plenty of belts with grommets or studs, like this Studded Western Belt. Wear this style of belt with jeans, corduroy pants, or structured midi-skirts.

This studded belt is curved to be worn low on the hips, and this one has a straight shape for your waist.

If you want something that really stands out, try this gold grommet belt over a dress or with trousers.

Chain And Metallic Belts

Metallic belts can be worn with just about any color in your closet, and are perfect for drawing attention to your waist.

For a subtle touch of gold, take a look at this skinny belt which has gold chain link details. This one can be worn with jeans, pants, skirts or dresses.

For a classic belt that you can wear with anything, take a look at this Silver Leather belt.

How To Figure Out Your Belt Size

Figuring out which size to buy can be a little tricky, especially when you are shopping online. And yes, it does mean you have to measure your waist and hips!

I tried on quite a few belts from Banana Republic recently and found that even though they were all from one brand, I ended up with sizes XS, S, and M depending on the belt style. So, if you are buying online, look at the size guide but also be prepared to try a few sizes. Your size will also depend on whether you are buying a waist belt or a low-slung hip belt.

The ideal minimum measurement used to be to buckle your belt at the middle hole, and have enough of a strap to fit under the belt loop if there is one. But you can also wear a longer skinny belt (make sure it’s a soft leather) with the ends looped over the belt and left hanging down.

What If You Have An Apple-Shaped Body?

If you have an apple-shaped body (you have a larger bust and waist, and narrow hips and thin legs)? I know many women try to disguise weight around their middle by wearing oversized, loose tops and skipping the belt.

If you want to balance out your shape, or create the illusion of a smaller waist, consider a dark-colored belt. Wear it higher on your waist, with wide-leg pants or a flowing skirt. Avoid light colors that land at your widest area as lighter colors tend to make an area appear bigger.

Try wearing a jacket or cardigan over your belted outfit, to break up that horizontal line created by your belt.

Play with different belt widths and placement, until you find a few that you find flattering. Let me know in the comments below, your favorite belt styles this year.

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