Fashion Week never fails to leave its mark. Every year, and handful of trends from Fashion Week trickle to mass market stores, populate our Pinterest boards, and eventually end up on *some* of our wish-lists. What trends from Fashion Week are going to impact the fashion world? Good question. That’s why I’ve started this new series, Fashion Week in Five. In each post, I’ll share runway research I’ve performed and explain a trend we’re seeing, how its being worn, and how you can implement it into your own style.

Fashion Week in Five: Methodology

For each analysis, I’ll use the methodology I explained here. I typically analyze 40-50 shows and will display my findings in a few, select photos. For this analysis, I studied Spring 2024.

So what did we see this Fashion Week?

What will we see this season?

Trending

2008… is that you?

Designers seem to be loving the early 2000s lately. From the recent denim craze to this seasons new affinity for big, bulky belts, I cannot help but reminisce the days when Disney Channel was *peak fashion* and bigger and bulkier was better. (Did I just compare high-end fashion to Lizzy McGuire? No comment.)

As seen above, belts are being sported by the biggest of fashion houses. Few of these looks are subtle. From Ferragamo, Louis Vuitton, Meryll Rogge, and Giorgio Armani, we see a “cross-belt” silhouette being ridden either on the hip or accentuating the waist. Hermes and Chloe both show the return of belt buckles, Michael Kors plays with the texture of the belt strap, and Miu Miu gives the illusion of a belt with the skirts waist-band.

Implementing Belts into Your Personal Style

Do I have to wear belts with pants?

Belts are not limited to hiking up your mom-jeans. As seen above, belts are being worn as decorative pieces to bring texture, form, are even a “surprise” element to your outfit. I like Louis Vuitton and Ferragamo’s use of texture by pairing leather belts with softer, flowing linen and chiffon. That’s how I would style a belt.

Do you wear the belt on your hips or waist?

At the end of the day, it’s your choice. As seen above, belts are being worn mid-hip or waist. My rule of thumb is to always accentuate my smallest section–which for me–is right above my hips.

How can you start wearing belts in the winter?

Try wrapping belts around your coats, long sweaters, or cardigans to define your figure.

Are mass-market brands going to be following this trend?

While Fashion Week was only a month ago, retailers are able to replicate show trends in no time. Zara is one of the fastest brands to take a look from runway to retail and is my go-to when researching what is trending. And guess what? Voila! Belts.

Would you wear a belt?

Me personally? Oh my. I’ve never been a big fan as my style practically breathes “less is more…” but maybe this is the season to do something different!

What is your thought on belts? Does this trend look fun to you? How would you wear it?