No Polished Outfit Is Complete Without a Belt—4 Styles I'm Adding to Trousers and Skirts Now

I’ll admit it—for the longest time, belts were never really on my radar. Up until recently, I saw them as purely functional, barely considering their style and never entertaining the idea of investing in them beyond the basic leather style I would reach for. But lately, I’ve had a complete change of heart—a lightbulb moment. While scrolling through Instagram for outfit inspiration, I realised that all the chicest looks I’d bookmarked had one thing in common: a low-key yet undeniably stylish belt.

After spotting this pattern between polished outfits, I’m newly inspired to bring belts back into my wardrobe. Whether worn in the loopholes of your favourite jeans, cinched over a sleek pencil skirt or effortlessly layered on top of a wool coat, belts are having a major moment right now.

As with all trending items, there are a few particular iterations that are proving especially popular right now. Read on to discover the key belt trends I'm seeing the most of.

1. ROPE BELTS

Influencer wears a rope belt.

(Image credit: @christietyler)

Style Notes: Breaking through as a new-season trend, chic rope belts are taking over my timeline. Striking the perfect balance between effortlessly undone and impeccably polished, this playful accessory injects texture, movement, and a touch of drama into any outfit.

Shop Rope Belts:

2. COW PRINT BELTS

Influencer wears a cow print belt.

(Image credit: @silviadusci)

Style Notes: The animal print trend shows no signs of slowing down, and a particularly chic iteration is currently stealing the spotlight. This season, fashion insiders are embracing cow print belts, and I'm entirely on board.

Shop Cow Print Belts:

3. SKINNY BELTS

Influencer wears a skinny belt.

(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

Style Notes: Now a staple in my daily wardrobe, skinny belts have become my go-to accessory. Offering structure and a sleek focal point, this rising trend effortlessly pulls an outfit together with understated chicness.

Shop Skinny Belts:

4. BROWN BELTS

Influencer wears a brown belt.

(Image credit: @fredrika_ekerot)

Style Notes: Slowly but surely, the chocolate brown colour trend has been making its way into wardrobes over the past few years. For me, the most stylish way to embrace this rich and versatile hue is through a chic brown belt woven through the loops of my favourite blue or white jeans.

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Natalie Munro
News Writer

Natalie Munro is Who What Wear UK’s news writer and has worked in the fashion industry since she graduated with a degree in Journalism from the University of the Arts London. Natalie’s experience in the industry spans journalistic and styling roles that have seen her work for publications including British Vogue, Conde Nast Traveller, Vogue Ukraine, AnOther Magazine and Elle UK.

With an interest in uncovering the latest fashion trends, Natalie takes a leading role in identifying news for Who What Wear UK. Reporting on a daily basis, Natalie focuses on trends on and off the runway, as well as street style and celebrity fashion. Natalie also creates content for Who What Wear’s social channels including TikTok and Instagram on a weekly basis.