Chunky belts and statement belt buckles are yet another facet of y2k fashion that are coming back in full swing this year. It’s important to know the (shortened) history of the belt before talking about what’s trending right now. In the 80s, chunky belts were still in, but they were more seamless and colorful. The 90s introduced the webbing belt and the 2000s brought the big belt buckle back. Eventually, they dropped off in popularity by the 2010’s, likely due to the belt burnout from previous decades. The Gucci belt had its moment in 2017 when logomania was taking over, then we were back to minimalist belts and minimalist everything, for the end of the decade.
Thankfully maximalism is back, and the chunky belt trend is a personal favorite of mine. After Diesel’s hot belt skirt “B-Berny” in 2022, the trend really started decorating the runways with designers like Versace, RTA, Rokh, and Gucci embellishing their looks with unique chunky belt designs, along with other statement accessories. Rokh’s Fall Ready to Wear collection consists of sultry office wear. In one look in particular, the model, wearing a suit jacket bra and skirt, wears both a belt low on her hips and high on her waist. Styling multiple belts is a fun and easy way to participate in this trend. Diesel’s Pre-Fall 2023 collection shows their beloved chunky belt styled with baggy denim jeans and skirt, paired with the classic y2k baby tee and zip up hoodie. This is arguably the most classic and foolproof way to style a chunky belt. RTA’s Fall 2023 collection used a low-slung silver belt for some looks, as well as some statement silver necklaces, which are also both popular right now.
For fashion connoisseurs and experimentalists, wearing chunky belts isn’t enough. The use of chunky belts, or belts in general, is being reimagined as a whole. In February, Julia Fox wore belts, and nothing else, as her top and skirt to Milan fashion week. Gucci also came out with an upcycled belt top in partnership with Hodakova which possibly pioneered this sector of the trend. Belts were also seen sprinkled throughout Coachella, most likely for the western theme.
Trends are constantly being recycled, and chunky belts may very likely be out of style in a few seasons then come back in a few more. While it is valuable to know the current trends and to refine your wardrobe accordingly, following every single trend is not the end all be all in fashion. I am excited about the return of these maximalist and chunky accessories, but I’m wary about how long they will last in style. My most important advice is to just follow your own style, wear what you want to wear, and purchase what you can and want to. Belts may very well be out of style come next spring.
Words by Alix Russell-Mann.
Graphic by Anca Dubalaru.