How to Wear Belts (Your New Styling Shortcut)

Often overlooked, the belt is a quiet styling hero – here's how to style them with everything from jeans to dresses

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A woman wears a black blazer over a black skirt with a belt around the waist

The best women’s belts: easy ways to finish an outfit

Don't underestimate a good belt. The best belts do far more than keep your trousers up; they add detail, shape your silhouette and bring a pop of colour to even the simplest outfit.

Skinny belts are ideal for threading through tailored trousers, wide waist belts work cinched over a blazer or column dress, while those that come with statement hardware are great for adding interest to your favourite pair of jeans.

If you want a belt that lasts forever and gets better with age, choose classic leather. The best leather belts will soften over time, hold their shape and work with almost everything in your wardrobe.

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A woman wears high waisted jeans with a grey shirt and a black leather belt

How to wear a belt with jeans

The most classic combination for a reason. Jeans were designed with belt loops for practicality, originally to keep work trousers secure, but now they're all about style.

While all denim styles can benefit from the addition of a belt, high-waisted jeans are made for them. When styling women's jeans with a belt, choose one with a gold snaffle or print (leopard print pairs nicely with denim) to define your waist and add interest. Our tip? Tuck your top in (or at least at the front) to let the belt do its thing and give your denim a more polished finish.

If your belt is a little on the long side, don’t worry, just make it a feature by looping the excess through and tying it into a loose knot.

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A woman wears a lilac knitted polo shirt and a black mini skirt with a buckle belt

How to wear belts with skirts and dresses

While some dresses obviously lend themselves to a belt – shirt dresses, we see you – learning how to wear a belt with a dress starts with choosing the right style. A wide waist belt pairs perfectly with a column or jumper dress, creating curves and definition. Skinny belts complement more flowing dresses, subtly defining the waist without overwhelming the shape.

Most skirt styles benefit from belts as well. When it comes to belts and skirts, a tiered denim midi skirt looks great with a western-style belt for an injection of boho, while a sleek pencil skirt feels extra polished with a skinny leather belt. Just as with trousers, tuck your top half in to show off your waist accessory.

And if you want to keep things really easy, choose a skirt that already comes with a belt. This pleated mini is finished with a simple belt to take the guesswork out of styling.

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A close up of a woman wearing a waist belt over a jumper and trousers

How to wear a belt without loops

Knowing how to wear a belt without belt loops is one of the simplest ways to add shape and interest to outfits.

A wide waist belt looks modern slung over the top of a jumper or tunic when paired with trousers – it creates shape and adds a polished finishing touch to casual separates. Try the same trick with a longline cardigan and a skinny belt. Cinching at the waist breaks up the silhouette and adds definition.

For workwear, wearing a statement belt buckled over a blazer and dress or skirt creates instant structure. It’s an easy way to sharpen tailoring without adding extra layers.

Now sure how to wear a belt without loops? Position the belt where it feels natural and let it do the work of pulling your whole look together.

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Buckle up in style