Earlier this summer, it was hard to ignore the slew of stars styling silk scarves around their waists. Although clearly well-considered, the accessory move has a carefree feel, suiting it to vacation wear, or just conjuring a beach-day lightness on a slog through the sweltering city. But scarves aren’t the only happening waist wear. Celebrities and fashion brands alike have been showing off belts in unexpected ways, including layering them and bringing back the so-called useless belt. Encircling a skirt with no loops to hold it up or paired with pants, the styling choice is similar in spirit to the waist-tied silk scarf but with a slightly harder edge.
As BritishVogue reports, Dua Lipa, Kate Moss and Blackpink’s Lisa are among the luminaries who’ve tricked out outfits with loosely coiled belts that serve no utilitarian purpose. Moss’s take — a white peasant top over a bikini, accompanied by an Hermès Kelly bag — showed that it’s possible to take the accessory high-low. Although it suits a myriad of styles, the look is very much in line with the boho-chic comeback.
As we reach summer’s twilight, the best part of the belt trend just might be that it can easily transition into fall. Whether you rededicate it to its traditional function or style it over a dress, chunky sweater or coat (as Hilary Swank did on the Miu Miu runway) once the weather turns cold, it’s good have an extra belt hanging around.
