As a fashion writer, I have time for every trend, big or small, old or fresh. That said it’s often the smallest and most understated of trends that excite me the most. Their subtlety gives them staying power, outlasting the flashier, show-stopping styles that tend to burn bright and fade fast.
Thankfully, the spring/summer 2025 runways delivered a wave of quietly elegant accessory trends that have been on my mind ever since. Of them all, the one I simply can’t stop thinking about is the refined and understated skinny belt.
Barely noticeable at first glance, the skinny belt has a way of quietly enhancing an outfit—adding a touch of texture and structure to even the simplest looks. Whether cinching the waist of a tailored blazer, defining the silhouette of a flowing coat, or elevating a chic pencil skirt, this versatile accessory is worth its weight in gold.
On the runways, designers like Peter Do, Lacoste, and Hermès embraced the barely-there belt, styling it with jeans, skirts and over dresses. And it’s not just luxury brands taking part—high-street labels are already playing with this growing trend, and producing some chic iterations in the process.
What makes this trend even more appealing is how easy and affordable it is to incorporate into your wardrobe. I’ve found beautiful skinny belts for as little as £15, and they’re also a breeze to shop second-hand. Leather, being such a durable material, holds up remarkably well over time. Platforms like eBay, Vestiaire Collective, and Vinted are treasure troves for preloved pieces—I even found a pre-loved Chanel style currently on sale (linked below).
Inspired by the common denominator amongst the chicest outfits I've seen this season, read on to discover my edit of the best skinny belts below.
SHOP OUR EDIT OF THE CHICEST SKINNY BELTS HERE:
Massimo Dutti
Leather Belt With Oval Buckle
This dark brown shade will add a subtle point of interest to an outfit.
This also comes in burgundy and brown.
Chanel
Pre-Loved Chanel Leather Belt 33"
I've been eyeing this up for the last week.
& Other Stories
Mid-Waist Leather Belt
Style this in your belt loops or wear it over a blazer.
I alway come back to The Row for their elevated basics.
This comes in sizes XXS—XXL.
Savette
Symmetry Leather Belt
A sleek leather belt is a capsule wardrobe staple.
COS
Reversible Leather Belt
This reversible belt can be worn on either the burgundy or the black side.
This also comes in seven other colours.
Style these with suit trousers or wear them over a tailored skirt.
Explore More:
Belt Accessories
English (US) ·