Trending belts: Stylist advice on how to wear them and which styles are hot right now
Belts are, of course, a practical daily accessory, but they're also having a fashion moment.
Western belts, layered belts, statement belts, you name it: The season's hottest accessory is the one you wear around your waist.
To discover more on why belts have landed in the spotlight for 2025, we got in touch with personal stylist and coach Samantha Dawn, who uses a "style meets psychology" approach when helping clients find their personal style and methods for dressing their bodies.
Read on to find out why she thinks belts are so important to personal style, which type will work for your body and more.
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Why are belts increasingly popular?
"I think there are two distinct reasons," Samantha said. "More people are interested in dressing for their body shape, and belts are an easy way to define the waistline while adding dimension to your outfit. People are tired of hiding their shape and don't want the unrealistic standards of what a 'perfect body' is."
While relaxed, oversized clothing is still very much de rigueur, Samantha said she believes people are less interested in hiding behind baggy clothes and are opting instead to use tools like belts to enhance and highlight their shape.
"They know it's possible to dress for their shape and define their shape ... belts are an easy way to get started," she said.
Samantha also said she believes belts are gaining popularity because they offer the chance to add a personal touch to your ensemble.
"Individualism and having your own personal style is a core focus in style," she said. "Maximalism is in, and belts come in all shapes, sizes and textures that can bring out someone's personality through their outfit."
Streets Ahead Ariel Western Belt
- $250
- Anthropologie
What are the popular belt styles right now?
Samantha called out "leather belts, chain belts, printed belts and belts that have fun textures" as her top picks to look for when shopping right now, noting "pony hair, leopard print, metals [and] suede" are great ways to play with texture in your outfit.
petit moments Polished Faux Fur Belt
- $65
- REVOLVE
Chain Belt
- $58
- Anthropologie
Choosing belts to complement your body type
While "flattering" is clearly subjective and secondary to wearing what makes you feel your best, Samantha had easy tips for playing up the parts of your body you love.
"A thicker belt is great when you want more of a corset type of vibe or when you want extra waist definition," she said, cautioning that people with larger chests might find this style covers too much of the torso, further emphasizing the upper half of their bodies.
If you want to add volume and accentuate a small waist, though, they're perfect. For those looking to downplay a busty physique, Samantha said she likes layering thinner belts for a more elegant, less-is-more approach.
Victoria Hyde Belt Noa
- $65
- Macy's
She also noted that a medium-width belt will work on any body type, adding that "understanding your proportions will help you decide if you need a thinner or thicker belt in your closet."
Classic Buckle Cut To Size Reversible Belt, 25 Mm
- $44.80
- Coach Outlet
Layering belts: How to pull it off like a pro
During a recent styling session with "GMA," Samantha pulled out one the best tricks in her arsenal: layered belts. She took two thin-to-medium belts and tied them around the waist with the buckles staggered, then wove a chain belt into the mix to tie it all together. The result was an intricate but ultra-polished focal point that took the outfit to a whole new level -- think jewelry for your waistline.
3-pack Belts
- $17.99
- H&M
Her biggest tip for achieving this look is simpler than you think: "Layer belts that are not alike with each other. You want different belt buckle types and different materials (leather, chains, prints)."
Triple Metal Keeper Belt
- $88
- Madewell
She also suggested sticking to a metal palette throughout your outfit.
"If you wear all gold, do all gold. If you do silvers, do all silvers, and if you mix metals, make sure your jewelry matches that too," she explained.
"I also like to make the buckles sit in all different directions," she added. "It creates dimension into the outfit and really snatches the waist. It's fun, it's different, and it looks high fashion when done right.
One final styling tip
When asked for her favorite tip, Samantha replied, "Have fun with it."
"Many people struggle to find their personal style and one of the easiest ways to incorporate more of yourself into your outfits is to play with belts," she added.
Shop more stylish belts
Slim Vegan Leather Belt
- $22
- $44.95
- Gap
TOPACC Western Metal Concho Belt
- $14.98
- Amazon
Streets Ahead Mia Heart Belt
- $340
- Anthropologie
Cow Print Calf Hair Belt
- $39
- $79.95
- Gap
Leather Corset Waist Belt
- $119.99
- $150
- Banana Republic
Betty Stamped Leather Western Belt
- $35
- Urban Outfitters
