Cinch your style, buckle up: The bolder the belt, the better it is

Bejewelled, broad, fancy or skinny, functionality aside, rest assured that belts can breathe new life to any attire. Photo composite (from left): Chloe, Vivienne Tam, Tods

Men may use them to put their pants in place but some women use them to make a style statement.

We’re talking about belts. They not only personalise an outfit but the right belt could also enhance the feminine figure.

For example, corset-style belts create a stunning hourglass shape and they look especially good with flowy dresses as well as sleek jumpsuits.

The subtlety and simplicity of thin belts give the impression of a more defined silhouette, while wide belts give form to a dramatic contour and can amp up the glam factor to any attire.

Read more: Ropes, brass, salt, stone: How this Kenyan designer is reinventing jewellery

As for chain belts, well, they remind one of 1980s style but guess what, they’re back this season!

So, time to dive into your closet, uncover those vintage chain belts, and flaunt them with flair.

A chain belt in silver lends a modern, edgy style to this ensemble in a classic houndstooth check pattern. Photo: Instagram/Versace

Versace’s latest black-and-red houndstooth check ensemble gets a sterling update with a chain belt in silver, lending a stylish and edgy vibe to the overall look.

Fanciful belts like bejewelled as well as ornate ones are also in vogue, even for daytime dressing, drawing attention to the waist.

Even traditional wear is belted and beaded as seen in a design by Syomirizwa Gupta.

The local designer’s collection for Hari Raya includes a puffed up kebaya-kurung hybrid enhanced with a broad belt encrusted with colourful stones.

Such a sassy design that will surely be a standout at any soiree this festive season.

If blinged up belts are too fancy for you, why not opt for a simpler and easier option to follow the belt trend; a tie-on rope belt with tassels at each end?

Take a look at how Vivienne Tam does it in her Autumn/Winter 2024 collection where bright red tasseled rope belts fasten modern coats and jackets, combining rustic Oriental charm with a contemporary aesthetic.

Chloe’s Autumn/Winter 2024 heather grey number is a charmer with curves.

Read more: Stylishly low-key: Chic shoes to dress up your outfit for any occasion

Apart from gleaming gold buttons that add a touch of brilliance to the outfit’s sombre shade, a serpentine belt complete with scales coils in cool confidence at the waist.

Louis Vuitton offers a thin, gold belt as a luxurious accent that further highlights a nude-coloured dress from the brand’s Autumn/Winter 2024/2025 collection.

Big, bold buckles on leather belts are also on trend, and Tod’s version comes with a stylish twist with its gold buckle featuring an intricate interlace design.

Interestingly, part of the belt is left hanging, giving off a cool, laidback look.

Bejewelled, broad, fancy or skinny, functionality aside, rest assured that belts can breathe new life to any attire. So, waist not, want not!