How to style a statement belt, according to five local creatives
IMAGE VIA @marissalepps_/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY daisy henry
“Although it doesn’t hold up my pants, it’s the main character of the whole outfit.”
If I’m taking one piece of wisdom into the new year, it’s to have more fun with my personal style. And I’m starting with the statement belt. The bigger, chunkier and more impractical, the better.
I first tuned into the belt renaissance a couple of months ago and before I knew it, all of my favourite fashion icons (as listed below) were styling anything from chunky leather belts to naughties-inspired disc belts in their OOTD videos. I hit save and kept an eye out on eBay, at markets and whenever I popped into an op shop to find one of my own.
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The primary appeal of the statement belt is in how it ties an outfit together. Whatever the style, a good belt adds shape, colour, texture and a playful edge to your look. You can match it with elements of what you’re wearing or use it to contrast and act as a focal point for what might otherwise be a muted outfit.
Whether your mindset is ‘the bigger the better’ or you’re after something classic and simple, belts are a constant source of joy when it comes to getting dressed.
Josephine Ainscough, content creator
This oversized leather belt from Aritzia reignited my love for statement belts and officially marked the beginning of my personal ‘big belt renaissance’. I adore the touch of early 2000s drama a statement belt brings to any outfit. Since then, I’ve been curating a growing collection and have declared 2025 as my year of mastering accessorising.
In this look, I’m using the belt to break up an all-black ensemble, layering it over a dress over jeans. The best part is with each wear, as the leather softens, it’ll transform into a buttery, worn-in accessory that’ll sit perfectly low-slung across the waist.
Ashleigh Williams, actor
If I can add this belt to an outfit, I will. If it doesn’t work, I make it work. I got it at the Melrose Trading Post in LA when I was a woman about town a year ago. Among perhaps 150 others there, this one caught my eye due to its pronounced proportions which I love in a… belt.
It takes my outfits from chic to terribly chic, so what’s not to love? Whether it’s simply over a dress or the top layer of a skirt and pant combo, I wear this with anything that makes my aesthetic, brain and inner creative go yippee!
Joanna Cameron, content creator
The first time I wore this belt to work, I definitely earned a lot of looks and laughs. One of my favourite things is rocking up to the office with an edgy accessory and watching people’s reactions. The bigger the shock, the better the compliment.
This particular belt is from one of my favourite Sydney spots, the Surry Hills Vintage Markets on Collins Street, which is held on the first Saturday of every month. Although it doesn’t hold up my pants, it’s the main character of the whole outfit. I treat my belts like jewellery – using them to adding playful patterns and textures to elevate simple outfits. I’m always on the lookout for pieces with a Paloma Wool or Gimaguas vibe.
Angelina King, content creator
I love accessorising my outfits to the max, especially when it involves pushing the envelope with pieces that aren’t traditionally meant to be ‘seen’. While a classic belt is both cute and functional, I wanted something that added just a little more sparkle. That’s where the Honey Birdette suspender belt comes in.
Available in nearly every colour imaginable, it takes functional accessories to a whole new level. Not only does it serve the traditional purpose of a belt but it also holds up stockings and adds an extra touch of flair to any outfit. For me, it’s the perfect way to elevate my look and add that little bit of something special.
Marissa Leppala, content creator
I’d been obsessing over belt bags for a while when I finally found the perfect one from Silfen Studio, a Danish brand. It’s the ideal mix of style and practicality and comes in a beautiful brown colour that goes with everything! I always reach for it when I feel like something’s missing from my outfit or when I want to add a little extra oomph.
Whether I’m heading to the markets, a wine bar or a festival, this belt bag is so versatile. It’s one of those pieces that makes me feel great without overthinking it. I’ll definitely be wearing it a lot for the foreseeable future!
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