You’re Not Imagining It. Belts Are Everywhere.

We’ve all heard of ‘It bags’ and ‘It shoes’. But the past year has given rise to an unlikely new cult accessory: the ‘It’ belt.

Yes, belts are everywhere – slung low on hips, wrapped around coats and encircling an otherwise ordinary pair of pale jeans. And although belts always been the quiet achiever of any wardrobe, this season they’ve arguably become a star in their own right.

Certainly, Khaite’s studded Benny Belt has achieved a unique level of celebrity – for a belt – having been the subject of countless TikTok videos and spotted on everyone from Carey Mulligan to Elle Fanning.

“There’s definitely been a return to belts,” says stylist Bree Macara. “It’s all part of the return to the Y2K trend. Belts with jeans is very Friends-era fashion.”

It’s no coincidence, she adds, that belts have seen a resurgence alongside tailored pants and quiet luxury. “If you’re wearing an otherwise uniform look, in grey, navy or black, a belt can add a little bit of attitude or punctuation.”

Belt beginners should start with a classic, relatively plain belt. “You’re looking for sturdy,” she says. “And the hardware should be classic.”

See Bree’s edit below.