By Fiona Ward
Accessories trends come and go, particularly when it comes to handbags and shoes – but it’s not so often that the humble belt is the item of the season. It seems that 2024 is officially the year of the belt, however – with everything from statement studded waist-cinchers to low-slung boho styles drenching the runways.
Recent years have seen designer logo belts dominate sales, from Gucci’s interlocking ‘G’ belt circa 2018 to more recent cult favourites such as Celine’s Triomphe belt or the instantly recognisable Hermes Constance belt – and while these remain popular, the persistent move towards ‘quiet luxury’ has seen favour leaning towards less obviously branded designs from the likes of Toteme and Khaite.
Elsewhere, the Western influence is felt in buckled leather, while looser, hip-level belts have even made a return. Plus, you can always count on fashion-forward celebrities such as Bella Hadid and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley to lead the way. Here’s our pick of the trend…
The Khaite ‘Benny’ belt
Arguably the most coveted ‘it’ belt of the year, Khaite’s Benny belt was actually launched a few years back – but its chunky hardware studs have made it one of the style staples of 2024. Fashion influencers everywhere are styling it with a simple jeans and T-shirt combo, and come summer, expect to see the same with denim cut-offs swapped in.
The Déhanche Hollyhock belt
Along a similar vein, independent brand Déhanche has caught the eye of many an influencer with its Hollyhock belt – featuring loose rounded buckles and a metallic tip. The brand uses only Italian leather certified by the Leather Working Group, and you can choose from silver, gold or mixed-metal hardware. But if you can’t justify the £200 price tag, L.K. Bennett’s version is very similar at £79.
Alaïa’s Multi Slim Leather Belt
The ‘multi belt’ look has been championed by the likes of Bella Hadid and Miu Miu during past seasons, but Alaïa, arguably one of the originators of the statement belt, has made things even easier. Most fashion forecasters are predicting that the cinching waist belt is officially back for 2024, and the brand’s ‘Multi Slim Leather Belt’ adds a distinctly ‘80s twist to any tailored blazer.
Tom Ford’s ‘Hera’ belt
It’s not only waist belts that are having a moment. Boho style has also made a return this year, meaning low-slung styles are back with a bang (and yes, that means Y2K-inspired concho belts too). But Tom Ford’s Hera belt is a decidedly chicer take on the trend, worn with a slinky black dress on the runway and already worn and loved by Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.
Toteme belt
Since the move towards quiet luxury and if-you-know-you-know accessories shows no sign of waning, Toteme’s contrast stitch belt is luxe enough to exude quality while remaining suitably stealth. Undoubtedly, the fashion girls will be styling up tailored linen trousers with this cincher during the warmer months.
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