Buckle up: 5 ways with a belt

A highly satisfying feature of this season’s most coveted accessory – the humble belt – is that you probably have half a dozen already stashed in your wardrobe. If you don’t, the good news is that it’s an easy and inexpensive way to refresh your autumnal look, perfect for breathing new life into knitwear or transforming a winter coat. Take inspiration from stylish fashion week attendees and discover how to buckle up in style.

The clever way to make your winter coat utterly unique is to trade up the coordinating belt. Clash colours, complement your scarf, seek out a studded style – the options are endless. Play around with different combinations for every day of the week.

It sounds obvious, but accessorise around what you’ve got – namely loops on trousers. This is perfect for giving a polished touch to smart/casual trousers that you need to elevate for work. And purely for fun, swap out the tie waist on paperbag jeans and mix it up with different styles.

The beauty of a blazer is that you can wear one to add an instant touch of polish to everything, especially jeans. This season, go one step further by throwing on a belt. If your tailoring is plain, try a woven or embossed style for texture. Make sure it sits right on your waist and enjoy the ladylike, nipped-in look.

Don’t be dictated to by a waistline when it comes to cinching; use a belt to create shape and customise your silhouette when wearing loose or knitted dresses. Animal prints and brass hardware loops are big news this season. 

Whether you like your knitwear big and boxy or slim and balletic, there’s always room for a belt. With an oversized, thigh-grazing cardigan, experiment with pulling the material over the top of your waist belt for a slightly undone look. With a neater style, leave the lower buttons open as per the image above and choose a slim belt. It’s the perfect recipe for updating a pleated midi skirt. 

Images: Getty Images