Confirmed: Fashion Girls Are Obsessing Over This "Boring" Yet Chic Basic

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(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

If recent runway shows and street style looks are any indication, belts are going to be huge this spring. Normally, we'd be sitting here predicting that they will be the go-to accessory among the fashion set in a few months' time, but the fact is that fashion people are already proving that a simple—some might even say "boring"—belt is the key to a cool outfit right now. With all the outfit inspiration to be had right now, you don’t need to wait until spring actually hits to try out the look—there are plenty of outfits you can start wearing now and there are plenty of interesting ideas for how to wear a belt. 

To provide some inspiration, we looked to fashion girls to see how they’re styling their looks. Whether you layer a belt over a sleek maxi dress or throw one on with basics like trousers and button-down shirts, the following outfits will have you seeing the humble accessory in a whole new light. So, want to see our favorite ways to wear belts right now?

Keep reading to see how fashion girls are styling belts with their outfits, and then shop our favorite ones inspired by their looks.

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Oversized Sweater + Relaxed Trousers + Belt + Loafers
(Image credit: @lindatol_)

Take any super-simple (yes, even lazy) outfit and it will instantly feel elevated with the addition of a great belt.

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Simple Maxi Dress + Studded Belt
(Image credit: @sophiaroe)

A studded belt dials down the fancy feel of a sleek maxi dress and instantly makes it more casual.

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Button-Down Shirt + Tee + Trousers + Metal-Hardware Belt
(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

A designer belt might seem like a niche investment, but it makes a world of difference in outfits consisting of just the basics.

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Leather Jacket + Denim Maxi Skirt + Textured Belt
(Image credit: @anna__laplaca)

Use a belt to easily pull together the contrasting colors in your outfit.

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Turtleneck + Duster Coat + Trousers + Leather Belt + Loafers
(Image credit: @modedamour)

A classic leather belt breaks up this "oversize everything" look.

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Tailored Coat + Skinny Belt + Kitten Heels + Tights
(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

While a tailored coat looks great all on its own, a skinny belt cinched at the waist makes the whole silhouette look even more luxe.

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Button-Down Shirt + Matching Trousers + Western Belt + Ankle Boots
(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)

You can skip over-accessorizing when you add a cool belt to your look. It does all the talking for you.

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Button-Down Shirt + White Tank + Jeans + Wide Belt
(Image credit: @tylynnnguyen)

Leather belts will always enhance the simplest and most classic basics, without fail.

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Simple Top + Trousers + Metal-Hardware Belt
(Image credit: @ilanatorbiner)

Let a big belt be the statement piece any simple tee-and-trousers outfit.

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Sweater + Maxi Skirt + Belt + Knee-High Boots
(Image credit: @annelauremais)

Use a belt to tie in other accessories like shoes and bags of the same color for one cohesive ensemble.

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Long-Sleeve Top + Baggy Jeans + Long Belt + Flats
(Image credit: @stephaniebroek)

Jeans and a tee have never looked cooler than they do when finished off with an XL belt.

Next: The Low-Key Cool Way to Style Your Sweaters in 2023

Editor

Anna is an editor on the fashion team at Who What Wear and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews with Who What Wear's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.