The year of the belt...
- Unhinged Blog
- Feb 8, 2019
- 4 min read
I never thought I’d be writing a post about belts. But, the pieces of material we tie round our waist to keep our trousers up have recently exploded into the latest fashion craze and most wanted buy. With so many cool belts on the market, I’m finding myself building outfits for festivals and raves around my belt, often idolising £3 rope as the centrepiece of my look. The belt game has changed.
My new found obsession and fascination with belts was born when my best friend brought a plain, fabric men’s belt from H&M. Since we live together, we have an open wardrobe policy (yay), whereby we share everything, including her new belt, which earnt the title ‘special belt’. The simplicity of this belt meant that it went with every outfit. The belt added shape to T-shirt dresses, offered a black contrast to bright clothes, added character to trousers and acted as a focal point for swing dresses. Eventually, before it finally broke (probably because we used it so much), the belt had visited Ibiza twice, Amsterdam, Tobacco Docks, 338 and attended countless raves and events.
Ultimately, the time to find a replacement for special belt arrived.
Online I was bombarded by hundreds of belts, varying in width and colour with different buckles, studs, chains, materials, prints and finishes. I wanted them all. Basically, gone are the days of a Primark black leather belt with a simple gold buckle to hold up your jeans. Belts in 2019 are a statement and the panicle of outfits. Whether you share the same belt enthusiasm as me, or just want a cool additional accessory to style with your festival looks, here’s some belts, ranging in price, flamboyancy and adaptability.
Men’s Fabric Belt (aka Special Belt), H&M, £3.99
Right, I’ll apologise if you was expecting more after I hyped up the special belt that blessed so many of my outfits. The belt that inspired this whole blog post is effortless. The metal buckle gives it a flexible fit, with the tail of the belt looking best when it hangs free. Cheap but classy, I am a massive, massive fan of this belt with all its grace and originality. The belt has only recently just come back in stock after being sold out for a lifetime so I’d act quickly and grab your new wardrobe essential now.
Black Triple Row Studded Belt, Pretty Little Thing, £10.00
Sometimes, admittedly, a plain black belt (such as my beloved special belt) just doesn’t make enough of a statement. Without wanting to go over the top, this simple but bold belt does the trick. The thick belt radiates confidence with multiple silver studs and a heavy square buckle taking centre stage. This belt has the ability to complete loud outfits, while also livening up a plain black look.
Black Silver Chained Hoops Belt
While it’s not for everyone, bondage inspired fashion has hit Ibiza hard over the last year with unapologetic, seductive accessories, such as harnesses, fishnets and chockers dominating fashion sites. As much as I like this look on fashion icons Leigh Woods and Hollie Parsons, I have to admit it’s not a good look for me personally. 1) I don’t have the figure to pull it off and 2) I look like a 13 year old, so it’s safe to say outrageously raunchy styles don’t suit me as much as I wish they did. However, this alluring belt, parades chains and studs in a style that even I can pull off, combining provocative with classy. The belt looks great with patterned flares and is the perfect festival accessory.
Red Zebra Tape Belt, Pretty Little Thing, £8.00
One thing you’ll quickly learn from reading my blog is that I LOVE anything animal print. This slightly more sassy belt makes a loud statement and its energetic zebra pattern, it has the ability to add character to any outfit. The quirky D-ring buckle adds a playful element with the belt tail again, looking best when hanging loose.
Yellow Industrial Belt, Off-White, £145
Off-Whites belts range is shameless. A collection of bold, brash and bright colours, it was difficult to pick a single belt to feature in this post. In the end I went with yellow. The yellow and black contrast offers a loud, lurid look and adds that extra ounce of ostentatiousness to every outfit. Cult brand, Off-White is known for its grandiose and elaborate designs and is popular amongst partiers and ravers. This belt does come with a hefty price tag, but it personifies sensationalist fashion with its daring charisma.
Black Canvas Striped Buckle Belt, Missguided, £8.00
This off-beat, quirky belt was designed for denim. The canvas belt is the perfect addition to dress simple mom jeans, flared jeans, denim skirts, and so on. I love it when I find something online that stands-out and looks different to the basic, conventional look and this unusual style of buckle offers a rare, distinct design. Set yourself apart from the crowd and allow your individuality to shine with this eccentric style.
Levi’s Sports Logo Webbed Belt, Asos, £20
Another brand, producing iconic belts this season is Levi’s. This red, white and blue belt completes a white dress or can even be used as the daring accessory to clash colours with bright trousers and skirts. The bold but minimalistic repetition of the logo repeated across the belt creates a simplistic, edgy look which is complimented by the ring buckle.
Black Gold Chunky Chain Belt, Pretty Little Thing, £12.00
I’ve seen this belt worn in so many ways by bloggers. My personal favourite is with a burnt orange maxi skirt, a black bralet and chunky boots. Alternatively, this suave belt can be teamed with black unitards and denim skirt to add a polished, resilient dimension to your outfits. Whichever way you wear it, this flirtatious style radiates sexiness, unleashing the inner golden goddess. NOTE: Also looks brilliant with a tan.
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