ANN/THE DAILY STAR – Enter the bold and audacious resurgence of wide belts – a sassy and daring trend that sparks as much love as it does skepticism.
These much-adored accesso-ries from the early 2000s are stealthily making a comeback in today’s unpredictable fashion landscape.
In the contemporary fashion scene, spontaneity reigns supreme. It’s a world that encourages bold choices and vivacious styles, promoting the freedom to wear what you desire with confidence and grace.
Channeling the spirited attitude of the current generation, the once-controversial accessory from the early 2000s, the chunky belt, has decided to make a triumphant return to the fashion scene.
Originally used to accentuate the hip line, this vintage trend found its revival on TikTok, where influential personalities showered them with praises like “cute” and “perfect”.
The wide belt is back, ready to join the lively and ever-evolving fashion party.
Pretty soon, the fashion world caught up. From Michael Kors to Alexander McQueen and Versace, large and exaggerated belts are being used as a must-have accessory to add a touch of glam to any outfit.
Millennial opinions are polarised. Some have lauded the trend, calling it a full-circle moment.
“Lesson learnt,” said one 30-something on Tiktok. “DO NOT throw away any ‘out of fashion’ clothes, ‘cuz they will come back in style”.
Others, however, are not so welcoming. Having gritted their teeth through the trend in its peak Y2K years, these millennials cannot believe their misfortunes that the biggest fashion faux pas of their generation has decided to return.
“Everyone in their late 20s/early 30s are completely traumatised RN,” commented a TikToker.
To be very honest, fashion savants who are getting the creepy crawlies thinking about the resurrection of this trend are not completely in the wrong.
Most of the belts from the past served no purpose but to make outfits look tacky with their girth and ginormous and bling-y buckles.
Quite a few celebrities have retrospectively laughed at themselves for wearing some atrocious pieces in the name of fashion.
In defence, one could perhaps argue, that the newer crop of belts is far sleeker and classier than its ancestors. Touted and declared a hit by Bela Hadid, the Gaultier Supreme logo buckle won plenty of hearts in New York.
Endorsed again by Jennifer Lopez, the Valentino’s unmistakable buckle shone out. Other celebrities also brought out their belt A-game, justifying the trend.
Despite their flaws, of which there are many (remember, Britney Spears’ utterly useless chain belt?), there is in fact, a right way to flaunt the statement accessory. The idea is to wear the belt, and not have the belt wear you.
Keep the girth three inches or lower, and have the belt be the break between (preferably) bulky top-and-bottom items.
Some websites, of course, have a much more comfortable variety to choose from, starting from and going as high as a few thousand. – Munira Fidai
