Waist management: Belts are now more than just functional fashion accessories

Rewriting the rules with an extra-long belt that isn’t meant to be ‘worn’, but knotted and draped to the side for a look that defies the standard. Photo: Prada

A practical wardrobe essential to modern dressing, the belt is evolving from a purely functional waist accessory into a statement in its own right.

Looking at the latest runways, belts now come in a variety of forms, not just in how they look, but also in how they are worn. Some are extra-long, others are enhanced with big buckles or thick leather ties that drape low and sway with every step.

Whichever you go for, let it be known that statement belts are here to be noticed.

Whether cinched over tailoring, worn low-slung on the hips or layered over dresses, today’s belts invite experimentation.

Less about rules and more about personal styling, they offer an easy way to refresh familiar pieces without a complete wardrobe overhaul.

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This thin, black patent leather belt is anchored by an oversized aged-gold buckle for a look that is both strikingly modern and timeless. Photo: Instagram/Celine

Here’s a selection of belt ideas from the runways to inspire your own wardrobe, whether you choose to invest in designer pieces or recreate the look with what you already own.

First up is Prada Uomo’s belt, which is so long it’s tied off to one side rather than worn like a regular belt with its buckle front and centre on the trousers.

A clever idea if you already have a belt that runs a little too long to wear conventionally.

Then there’s Ralph Lauren’s take on the belted waist by using a wide, weathered leather belt to give a blazer shape and some edge.

It’s a brilliant way to pull in an oversized or boxy silhouette, making it feel sharp and put-together.

French brand Maje takes the heavy metal route, decorating the waist with a silver chain looped through washed black denim.

Paired with a beribboned white shirt and blue cardigan, the look strikes a balance between feminine and biker chic.

The best part? You can easily replicate the style with any chain and it doesn’t have to be long, as a shorter piece can just be hooked across a couple of the belt loops. 

Let your creative instincts take over.

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A sculptural approach to cinching takes centre stage at Chloe, accentuating the waist and hips with a thick, wide leather tie-belt, knotted at the waist and left to trail languidly to one side for an effortless drape.

The look can just as easily be recreated with a long, scarf should leather not be at hand.

It’s a low-effort, high-impact way to highlight your curves.

At Celine, a whisper-thin black patent leather belt meets an oversized oval buckle in rustic gold. Engraved with the French maison’s monogram and name, the contrast feels quietly bold.

Bunched up and deliberately rumpled, the trousers at Saint Laurent menswear feature belt loops positioned slightly lower than usual.

A matching fabric belt is pulled tight, forcing the fabric above to gather and billow, creating that intentionally bunched-up effect. It’s an eye-catching tweak to classic tailoring and a cool menswear update for Spring/Summer 2026.