The Coolest Accessory of 2018 Is Here

Lately, I’ve been noticing a cool accessory trend all over my Instagram feed: chain belts. There are cool versions trimmed with leather, adorned with charms, and even strung with seashells—and there are lots of amazing designer vintage styles that I have my eye on. The trend isn’t exactly new and actually has roots in the ’90s. Since pieces from the decade are making a resurgence in a big way, it’s no surprise that the trend is coming back into play.

In fact, I recently stumbled upon a photo of Naomi Campbell and Carla Bruni shot by Karl Lagerfeld in 1994. Wearing head-to-toe Chanel, they paired high-waisted swimsuits with PVC heels and topped off the look with chain belts. This is noteworthy because it’s exactly the way we’re seeing fashion girls wearing chain belts again in 2018—almost 25 years later. Ahead, get some inspiration for how to wear chain belts for yourself and shop our favorite styles.

The trend has roots in the '90s.

We're tracing the trend back to the ’90s, when it was hugely popular thanks to designers like Chanel.

Our editors are on board.

Who What Wear's managing editor, Michelle Scanga, is an early adopter of the chain-belt-and-swimsuit outfit formula.

Wear it to the beach.

Whether you're wearing a bikini or a one-piece, throw a chain belt over your hips for your next trip to the beach.

One of my favorite versions:

This seashell version from Australian designer Christie Nicolaides has to be one of my favorites on the market right now. It perfectly taps into '90s style in all the right ways.

Shop more chain belts:

And now, more travel pieces you'll want to pack in your suitcase this summer.