Why I’m Right here for the Return of Large Belt Buckles

The craze for Y2K style over the previous few years has left many divided. Whereas some have been absolutely on board with the revival of trucker hats, low-rise denims, and bedazzled brand tees, others have been horrified on the considered Juicy Couture tracksuits and attire over denims coming again into the fray. The last decade’s developments could also be polarizing, however at the very least they weren’t boring. Trying again at photographs from the time interval, I used to be struck by simply what number of stars wore one explicit assertion accent on the pink carpet: the large, daring belt. Ideally with a buckle so large you possibly can see it from house. However guess what? It’s creeping its approach again onto the runways too. I’m absolutely on board with it. 

Now, as somebody who grew up as a young person within the aughts, I’ll admit that I at all times have a smooth spot for the period’s fashions. The sleazy, gaudy aesthetic jogs my memory of easier instances when celebrities had enjoyable with what they wore and didn’t take themselves too critically. The honking belt buckle—ceaselessly paired with low-slung denims and child tees—is a enjoyable little deal with in your outfit. One in every of my favourite examples is when Jennifer Lopez carried out on TRL carrying a bejeweled coronary heart belt buckle, paired with a bedazzled high and denims. You possibly can’t inform me it didn’t immediately tie her outfit collectively! See additionally: stars like Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, and all three members of Future’s Baby.

Immediately, these belts can really feel somewhat too costumey or retro. However as evidenced on the fall 2023 menswear exhibits this previous month, there are methods to make them look cool and present. Simply pair the belts with items which are extra subdued, permitting the brazen accent to shine by itself. Gucci’s new “GG” model elevated a basic tee and denims pairing; Kenzo’s gold brand added a touch of fierceness to a utilitarian inexperienced ensemble. That’s to not say you’ll be able to’t lean right into a cheekier pairing, although: At Dsquared2, as an illustration, an “I Love Beer” belt was paired with a “Choke” tee—a riff on a Coca-Cola tee, after all.