Celine, Dior, Khaite Agree: the Most Important Accessory to Invest In Right Now

The most fascinating micro-trends in the fashion world have a funny way of bubbling under the surface for several seasons before suddenly erupting everywhere all at once. Case in point? The undeniable, inescapable return of the big-buckle belt. As we navigate the current sartorial landscape, we are witnessing a massive shift away from the ultra-minimalist, quiet luxury accessories of yesteryear in favor of high-impact, statement-making hardware. Designers have collectively decided that the belt is no longer just a functional afterthought used to hold up your trousers; it is the absolute focal point of the outfit.

On the Market

You don’t have to wait for the latest runway pieces to officially hit the boutiques to start participating in this massive hardware movement. Contemporary designers and beloved high-street brands alike have already caught on to the big-buckle trend, offering up a plethora of iterations that range from sleek and modern to delightfully bohemian. To expand your options, we’ve added even more top-tier pieces that perfectly align with this wave. Whether you are looking for a heavy western-inspired rodeo aesthetic or a chic, minimalist geometric shape, the current market is flooded with incredible options that will instantly update your existing wardrobe.

Our Top Market Picks:

• Ralph Lauren Rodeo-Buckle Vachetta Leather Wide Belt
• Déhanche Leather Belt
• GABRIELA HEARST Moya Reversible Belt
• Petit Moments Modern Rodeo Belt
• LOEWE Pebble Leather Belt
• B-Low the Belt Briar Leather Belt
• Saint Laurent Leather Belt
• MANGO x Kaia Gerber Oval Buckle Leather Belt
• Bottega Veneta Drop Buckle Belt
• Isabel Marant Lecce Oversized Belt
• Gucci Marmont Maxi Belt
• Alaïa Corset Buckle Belt

In the Collections

If we want to trace the exact origins of this heavy-metal revival, we have to look straight to the recent runways. Just as our title suggests, the luxury houses at the very top of the pyramid have unanimously crowned the big-buckle belt as the absolute protagonist of the season.

At Celine, Michael Rider introduced an utterly striking version during his highly anticipated debut runway collection, paving the way for this larger trend. He cleverly contrasted a surprisingly skinny leather strap with a massive, eye-catching oval buckle finished in gleaming gold. Look closely, and you’ll see the emblem is intricately etched with the name and address of Maison Celine in Paris. This style has quickly become one of the most sought-after accessories, alongside their heritage designs which are also receiving the oversized treatment.

The Celine Picks:

• Celine Maison Celine Belt
• Celine Triomphe Large Buckle Belt

Meanwhile, at Dior, we saw a totally different, yet equally impactful, interpretation in one of Jonathan Anderson’s first collections for the house. Anderson took the classic Dior bow motif and entirely reimagined it through a lens of 18th-century Rococo refinement. The brand teased this heavily ornate, vintage-inspired style to fashion insiders early on, and it is now destined to be a defining It-item, right alongside the brand’s other bold, logo-heavy statement belts.

The Dior Picks:

• Dior Médaillon Belt
• Dior 30 Montaigne Statement Belt

Over at Khaite, the approach was decidedly more abstract and artistic. Models marched down the runway wearing belts anchored by spectacular, sculptural buckles that looked like drops of molten metal. The styling on the Khaite runway was a masterclass in versatility, proving that these heavy metal accents look just as brilliant cinching a cropped jacket as they do slicing through a dark wash denim pencil skirt. Their textural suede options paired with metal are equally stunning investments.

The Khaite Picks:

• Khaite Keefe Belt
• Khaite Lucca Suede Belt
• Khaite Benny Sculptural Belt

Editor’s Styling Notes

Owning the perfect belt is only half the battle—so how exactly are the cool girls wearing these oversized buckles right now?

The trick to pulling off this trend without looking like you’re wearing a costume is all in the juxtaposition. If you opt for an ornate, Rococo-style buckle, pair it with something incredibly casual, like a relaxed white T-shirt and slouchy, low-slung baggy jeans. If you choose a sleek, molten-metal shape, use it to cinch the waist of an oversized, boxy menswear blazer to create an instant hourglass silhouette. The big buckle is designed to do the heavy lifting for your outfit, so let it be the star of the show by keeping your accompanying jewelry relatively minimal.