Often overlooked, belts are a wardrobe essential that can elevate your style in an instant. While fashion trends come and go—swinging from minimal to maximal, preppy to nautical, and everything in between—belts remain a timeless accessory. They provide an economical and sustainable way to refresh your look without the constant need for new outfits. Some of my favourite belts have been working overtime in my wardrobe for decades. One might coil up certain belts and let them hibernate in the back of a drawer for a fashion cycle, but they are always there ready to awaken when the time is right. Small yet powerful, they pack a polished punch for such a compact closet staple.

Belts are the ultimate no-brainer accessory. The belt loops on your pants, skirts, and dresses practically beg you to add one, and for good reason. Heed the plea of the humble belt loop! But don’t stop at just threading belts through loops. Belts over jackets and outerwear are one of my favoitite ways to add interest and structure to an outfit.

What makes belts unique is their ability to redefine or enhance a garment’s silhouette. Cinching a belt at the waist of a body conscious knit highlights the curves and complements its close-fitting design. On the other hand, belting a billowy dress  transforms it into a more structured, flattering shape. To  maximize versatility, consider investing in a leather hole     punch. This simple tool (or visit cobbler if DIY isn’t in your
vocabulary) allows you to adjust your belts for both high-waist and low-waist outfits.

With a seemingly endless variety of belts out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. To simplify things, we’ve categorised them into two types: the classics and the statements.

The Classics

Everyone should have a simple black or brown neutral belt (preferably both) in their belt collection—the belt you put on with jeans or a crisp pair of trousers. With classic belts, always invest in high quality and natural materials so that they will last a lifetime. While I say classic, it’s not a one size fit all description. It should be a classic for your personal style and lifestyle. Are you a fierce six-figure siren going into a conservative office each day? Are you a boho chic free spirit in a more creative field? Are you a busy mom on the go with a taste for luxury? These are all different types of classic, so find one within your own personal style archetype that you love and want to reach for again and again.

A note about logo belts: Yes, they can still be a classic that infuses luxury into an otherwise simple (or budget) outfit. However, easily recognizable brand logos should be used sparingly. Think of a logo like an exclamation point—if there are too many, they lose all impact. Too many different logos or too many matching logos are not a whisper nod to luxury, but a screaming match of tackiness. If you choose a logo belt, let it be the star and opt for less branded details throughout  your look.