Buckle Up: Belts Are the Accessory of the Season – Here Are 15 To Shop

As layers return to the (seasonal) fold, it’s not just coats and knits doing the heavy lifting. Belts are stepping back into the spotlight, but this time less for practicality and more for punctuation.

At Australian Fashion Week, the accessory appeared in full force. Think hardware-heavy styles slung low over slip skirts, or slim leather belts around oversized blazers. Off the runway, street style followed suit, cinching waists with double straps, chain links and exaggerated buckles.

So, whether you’re looking to add definition to tailoring or embrace maximalist metalwork, we’ve pulled together the five new-wave trends to get around.

Metal-detailed belts

The nod to early ’00s punk is subtle, but it’s there – circular studs, eyelets and perforated leather step in for the square spikes of the Blink-182 era. This season, metallic detailing feels less nostalgic and more like a natural extension of fashion’s ongoing chrome obsession.

Utility-style belts

Pockets, please! With sharp silhouettes, structured pockets and functional detailing, this season’s take on utility is more tailored than tough. And when it comes to belts, designers are leaning into the aesthetic with built-in pouches, hardware accents and exaggerated proportions.

Statement buckle belts

These aren’t the kind of accessories that fade into the background. Bold clasps and exaggerated hardware bring definition to straight-line silhouettes like boxy coats and knit dresses. Or wear your belt slung low over a slip dress or skirt to create the illusion of low-rise (without the full commitment to Britney Spears circa 2000).

Not-leather belts

This new wave of belts isn’t just focused on structure – it’s about softness, too. Linen, cotton and woven textures lend ease and dimension to layered outfits, while stainless steel chains act like jewellery, adding shine and movement.

Slim-cut belts

For those who prefer their accessories understated, slim belts offer just the right amount of polish. These barely-there styles work best when breaking up volume – looped through wide-leg trousers or soft suiting – but they also make an everyday staple for minimalists, too.

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This story is part of Broadsheet’s May 2025 Fashion issue, proudly sponsored by Mini, which lays down the new rules for Australian style in 2025.