Statement belt: a polarising icon from the noughties returns
Buckle up, the statement belt is back and it can be pretty much anything - a mini skirt, a piece of jewellery and above all: completely pointless.
There was a time when Shakira wore voluptuous concho belts over skin-tight leather trousers, Avril Lavigne strapped wide studded belts loosely over the loops of her trousers and the girls from Destiny's Child adorned their hipster jeans with rhinestone-studded chain belts. In the early 2000s, tightening trousers or emphasising the waist was not the main purpose of the belt. It was primarily intended to adorn the body. To be as extravagant as possible. Make a fashion statement.
A look at the catwalks and the fashion corners of social media now suggests that we are in the midst of a renaissance of the purposeless statement belt. Whether at Versace, Michael Kors or Dior Men: belts are eye-catching and are used purely for decorative purposes. In line with the low-waist trend, the majority of them are also worn lower down.
Source: Spotlight
Source: Spotlight
Double up or as a mini skirt
Instead of sitting neatly in the loops, belts are rebelliously trumping them, sometimes coming in a double pack, adorning thin summer dresses, skimpy skirts, even tops - or even bare skin. Wide belts are also being misused as micro skirts or bandeau tops. Belts are no longer just belts, but also jewellery and clothing.
Source: Spotlight
Source: Spotlight
Wearing such a functional accessory without a sense of purpose may seem idiotic to some. At the same time, this break with the conventional way of wearing can be wonderfully refreshing, almost self-deprecating and make an outfit more interesting.
Source: Spotlight
Source: Spotlight
It can also be discreet
If eccentric combinations such as huge boho belts over skin-tight spandex shorts are too much for you to experiment with, there are of course also subtle ways of interpreting the comeback. For example, wear a slightly wider leather belt over a low-cut maxi skirt or even more subtly: a fine chain belt over a slip or bodycon dress. For a very classic look, strap a pretty one over an oversized blazer.
Source: Instagram @milaradojevicc
Source: Instagram @nikkkkes
And otherwise: just have fun. The key to wearing the pointless belt is to dare to try new things, experiment with different styles and - in keeping with the chaotic aesthetic of the noughties - not take yourself too seriously.
Cover picture: Spotlight
Has endless love for shoulder pads, Stratocasters and sashimi, but a limited tolerance for bad impressions of her Eastern Swiss dialect.