The return of belts as a trend for autumn 2023
From male tradition to style icon - the history of the belt
G-Club
August 31st, 2023
August 31st, 2023
At the beginning of its life cycle, the belt was far from being just an accessory. For the ancient Romans, for example, it was a sign of social status, and if we think of martial arts, we see that on the kimono it represents the training level of the athlete. Much later, it loses its authority and becomes just another accessory that completes our look, but it really has the power to change and transform our figure.
The maxi belt of the 1970s
The bigger the better? One trend that has already gained its following on the internet and on TikTok is the maxi belt from the 1970s. This accessory came in leather versions, with metal buckles and handcrafted inlays that cheekily and irreverently adorned the figure. In those years, the belt was the first part of the outfit to catch the eye and define, for example, a more hippie style, as opposed to a more Jane Birkin classic style or a Bardot bombshell look. The more enamelled, colourful and visible the embellishments, the more the look takes on a bohemian retro flavour. We recommend choosing from well-stocked vintage boutiques.
Let's not forget that in those years, the rock star figure was admired and emulated. In a skirt outfit, a maxi belt could of course not be missing, paired with extremely tight bootcut jeans and a low waist. No more colours, but silver buckles and monochrome studded inserts that matched the metallic tones of the smokey eye on the face.
The ideal role model for this kind of look is British designer Alexander McQueen, a rebellious fashion genius who has always brought a kind of rock romance to his catwalk shows. Belts and corsets are still present to refine the waist and shape the perfect feminine and curvaceous silhouette, transforming the standard canon into a gorgeous, more confident revaluation. In leather, with double buckles, with velvet ribbons or fiery red latex: an undying inspiration, especially this autumn.
The Skinny Belt
As with bags, there are no half measures when it comes to belts. Even for those who don't like maxi belts, there is hope: the super skinny belts. Proenza Schouler showed us how to properly pair a belt with an over blazer at New York Fashion Week. The US brand Nanushka is known for its commitment to the environment, which is reflected in its careful design. Their take on the "super skinny belts" trend is an ultra-thin double buckle belt that defines the waist with gold detailing and is made from soft vegan leather.
Belt or corset?
Are corsets still in vogue? Certainly a corset never goes out of fashion, but it has become a super focus on archive pieces, vintage from certain collections and brands: Jean Paul Gaultier and Vivienne Westwood are the most coveted online and in boutiques.
By closely following the maxi belt trend, they satisfy those who now have a corset for every outfit, and those who love having a super defined waist. In short, as always, one trend pleases everyone: It has to be tailored to your own body.