The Fashion Memo

Why A Statement Belt Is The Ultimate Accessory

This season, a trophy belt is the key to elevating any look, for any occasion, with everything from waist-defining shapes to jewelry-like embellishments

Words Madeleine KillickFashion editor Millie Parry
Fashion
All belts, Déhanche

From practical staple to defining statement, belts have returned to the fashion conversation this season in spectacular style. Having emerged as the runway’s most unexpected accessory standout, a belt has become the street-style set’s new favorite flourish. These waist-cinchers are anything but average and have been radically reimagined – think supersized, skinny, layered and knotted styles in a rich spectrum of tactile and embellished finishes that will instantly revitalize your wardrobe.

At Valentino Garavani’s fall/winter 2026 show, all eyes were on the waist, as creative director Alessandro Michele accentuated sharply tailored blazers and sweeping gowns by satin cummerbunds in contrasting jewel tones. To nail the look, style the Italian house’s salmon-pink sash over an evening jacket or bold-shouldered blouse. Alternatively, for a more understated take on the trend, consider Le Sundial’s ‘Vesper’ belt in versatile black. Exclusive to NET-A-PORTER, it features braided tassels that can be styled in multiple ways – try adding it to a crisp white shirt for a touch of glamour.

  • VALENTINO GARAVANI
    Plissé satin belt
    د.إ5,800.00
    Select a Size
    small - out of stock
    medium - out of stock
    large - low stock
  • LE SUNDIAL
    Vesper tassel-detailed grosgrain belt
    د.إ1,920.00
  • BOTTEGA VENETA
    Alto Intrecciato leather belt
    د.إ5,150.00
    Select a Size
    65
    70
    75
    80 - low stock
    85 - out of stock
    90
    95 - out of stock
  • ALAÏA
    Vienne laser-cut leather-trimmed calf hair belt
    د.إ7,300.00
    Select a Size
    65 - out of stock
    70 - out of stock
    75 - low stock
    80 - low stock
    85 - out of stock

While a classic buckled belt is undoubtedly one of the hardest-working staples in your wardrobe, it needn’t be purely functional. Instead, think of it as bringing an element of embellishment to an outfit, much like a statement piece of jewelry. Aptly described as “jewelry for the waist”, Déhanche’s signature ‘Hollyhock’ belt is defined by its distinctive interlocking rings and comes in an array of on-trend finishes and mixed metals. From leopard-print calf hair and smooth suede to gold plating and crystal embellishments, there’s a style for every occasion. Wear yours to elevate denim or tailored pants.

  • DÉHANCHE
    Revenge embellished leather belt
    د.إ2,025.00
    Select a Size
    x small - low stock
    small
    medium
    large
    x large - out of stock
  • ANDERSON'S
    Croc-effect leather belt
    د.إ490.00
    Select a Size
    65 - out of stock
    70 - low stock
    75 - out of stock
    80 - out of stock
    85 - out of stock
    90 - out of stock
  • SONIA PETROFF
    Zinnia gold-plated, enamel and woven cord belt
    د.إ4,520.00
    Select a Size
    S - low stock
    M - out of stock
    L
  • DÉHANCHE
    Hollyhock embellished leopard-print calf-hair embossed-leather belt
    د.إ1,500.00
    Select a Size
    x small - low stock
    small - out of stock
    medium - out of stock
    large - out of stock
    x large - out of stock
However you wear yours, a belt is the perfect accessory to elevate or personalize your outfit
Whether you double up, opt for a chain or prefer a cummerbund, a statement belt is the season’s ultimate investment piece

As the holidays approach, delicate gold and chain belts make the ultimate finishing touch to your party outfits. Crafted from sculptural sunburst-shaped medallions, Juju Vera’s ‘Soleil’ belt – another NET-A-PORTER exclusive – catches the light beautifully, making it the perfect accompaniment to a lustrous satin gown. Similarly, Saint Laurent’s ‘Cassandre’ belt, finished with a dangling YSL charm, is a timeless investment that will transcend the seasons.

  • KALLMEYER
    Jovi chain belt
    د.إ1,405.00
  • JUJU VERA
    Soleil gold-plated belt
    د.إ2,185.00
  • SAINT LAURENT
    Gold-tone belt
    د.إ10,800.00
    Select a Size
    75
    80
  • ALAÏA
    Embellished leather waist belt
    د.إ11,900.00
    Select a Size
    65 - out of stock
    70
    75 - out of stock

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