Fashion: buckle up

This winter, a belt can be worn high just under the bust to give a dress structure and create an empire waist. Choose either a wide belt for a slightly retro feel, or a very fine belt for something romantic. We like the idea of a delicate, detailed belt, such as these cords woven into a tangle of knots that give the piece all its charm. A style that gets noticed without ever shouting.

And while leather belts make an impact, fabric holds its own: a silk band embroidered with tiny beads and coloured stones stands out beautifully against a dark background and adds an elegant touch to any little dress, or even a jumper or top. A precious detail that is enough to transform a simple outfit.

On the worked-leather front, we love the fully scalloped, beautifully crafted belt that combines openwork floral motifs and a large buckle — the perfect piece to highlight the waist of a pair of jeans. A style that embraces its character and can be worn without overthinking.

Studding is having a moment, and here we love the aged-look leather belt, studded with vintage-style coin details. A characterful style at a budget price that is no less fashionable!

Animal print remains one of the season's hits: here, it glamorises a chunky belt to be worn high on the waist. A bold choice that deserves to be the only statement piece in the outfit.

The Japanese-inspired kimono belt comes in black satin, wrapped twice and tied at the front for a glamorous effect — perfect for playing with fashion. We love the gesture of the knot, more flexible to wear than a classic buckle.

And sequins shine under the spotlight: as a wide belt embroidered with multicoloured sequins, they are perfect for brightening up a little evening dress. A piece reserved for occasions — you won't be bringing it out on a Monday morning.

Another graphic belt, whose fine studded leather straps combine into a geometric pattern to beautiful effect against a light background. The kind of detail that stands out from afar when worn with a plain piece.

A jewellery belt again, with rows of pearls gathered into a cameo on a star background: we love its chic, slightly girly feel, worn with dark denim and heels. A contrast that always works.

And the chunky elasticated belt with a jewel buckle works wonders: it can cinch a tunic or loose dress but can also be worn with jeans. There is a style for every shape: if a high belt creates an empire line on a flowing dress, more defined waists are better served by a style worn at the hips.

Chain and fabric for this specimen, again more decorative than practical: we love the faux-leather pom-pom and the jewellery feel of the little chain. An accessory to wear for pleasure, not to hold up your trousers!

A plus for the wide elasticated brown belt studded with gold-tone details, simple and inexpensive: it is no less fashionable. The kind of piece you wear all winter without thinking about it.

When it comes to material, a full-grain leather belt, ideally vegetable-tanned, can last for years and develop a patina. Corrected-grain leather is sanded and then coated: more uniform, less durable. As for faux leather, it is a textile coated with polyurethane, which often peels at the folds.

Alternatives to animal leather exist, but remain in the minority: bonded cork, coated canvas, materials made from grape or cactus waste. Be wary of claims: without a label or precise composition, natural means nothing solid.

A slim belt with gold-tone links also acts as a statement piece without resorting to jewellery. For a total look, match the material of your belt to that of your bag or shoes: the same family is enough, there is no need for them to be identical.

Studs and animal print are still doing the rounds. It is a bold choice: better to have one statement piece per outfit than a pile-up of textures — and the classic mistake remains layering two or three on the same silhouette.

Gold-tone lion heads on a powder-pink elastic band: the jewellery belt with a chic look. A style to wear high on a plain dress; trickier to pull off elsewhere.

A country-style belt that combines a wide leather strap with a costume stone framed by silver-tone jewellery: a very pretty specimen for highlighting any denim!

And with this Western-inspired belt in light brown leather embroidered with floral motifs, we particularly like the discreet pattern running along the strap.

And we finish with the colour of winter, red, for this discreetly studded leather style. We love the wide strap that narrows at the buckle and highlights the waist and hips.

Every season has its accessories, and while bags, scarves and hats prove to be timeless essentials right now, winter is betting above all on the belt. It is everywhere and can be worn with anything, from a blouse to a dress, a jumper, a coat or, more classic, jeans; we wear and overwear the belt, using it even purely as decoration. And as if to prove it, this surge in jewellery belts is catching our eye: gemstones, pearls, cameos, scalloped leather, studs… piling up on heavy belts and delicate leather ties alike.

Budget

Budget-wise, expect around £15–£30 for an everyday faux-leather or fabric belt, £30–£60 for a decent mid-range leather one, and £70 or more for a full-grain, vegetable-tanned leather belt that can last for years. Prices vary according to material (full-grain leather is more expensive to produce), buckle finish and where it was made — a piece bought second-hand can even outperform a new-season buy.