Celine, Dior, and Khaite Agree: This Is the Most Important Accessory to Invest In For 2026
The biggest trends in fashion often emerge slowly, and then all at once. That is exactly what happened with the big-buckle belt trend that is set to be huge in 2026. We first saw the high-impact belts on the runway at brands including Celine. Michael Rider introduced a version which was introduced in his debut runway collection, designed with an oval-shaped buckle etched with the name and address of Maison Celine that houses the brand’s headquarters in Paris. The style just dropped in the last few weeks and is already set to be one of the most in-demand accessories of the year.
We also saw a version of the big-buckle belts in one of Jonathan Anderson’s first collections for Dior with a style that takes on the Dior bow motif through the lens of Rococo refinement. At Khaite, too, an interpretation appeared on the runway with a molten-style buckle that was paired with everything from denim to leather pencil skirts. Regardless how it’s styled—in an editorial look or everyday outfit—big-buckle belts are a key accessory for 2026. Here, shop the best editor-approved styles.
In the Collections
Dior's new Médaillon Belt—a new design by Jonathan Anderson finished with an 18th-century rococo-inspired buckle—is set to one of the big It-items of 2026. The brand teased the style early on the fashion set, but it has now officially dropped.
Michael Rider was one of the first designers to introduce big-buckle belts on the runway and paved the way for the larger trend. The creative director's version is finished with a skinny leather strap that is offset but a giant oval gold-finished emblem buckle at the center.
On the Khaite runway, looks were styled with belts designed with sculptural, molten buckles. Take a styling note and pair one with a cropped jacket and dark denim pencil skirt.
On the Market
Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear where she oversees luxury, runway content, and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, and Tiffany & Co., and her style has been featured in publications including The New York Times, Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.