Likewise, stylist Ib Abdel Nasser has been putting the statement belt to good use on his client Zooey Deschanel, who embodies the 2010s Tumblr-coded Twee aesthetic that fashion continues to reference so fondly. “My favorite look we did that incorporated a statement belt was a Saint Laurent by Hedi Slimane Pre-Fall 2016 ensemble that I sourced from his iconic show at the Hollywood Palladium,” he says. “The symbolism of the Ouroboros buckle—the cyclical nature of the universe; birth through destruction—resonated with what I was feeling at the time, and I’m always here for a Hedi Slimane moment. His attention to detail is symphonic.”

Abdel Nasser suggests incorporating a statement belt when wearing pieces like oversized blazers, to effortlessly cinch the waist, as he did for Lili Reinhart at the fall 2026 Ralph Lauren show. Likewise, for her Forbidden Fruits press tour, he stacked three identical belts over a Elisabetta Franchi custom corset dress, and he chose a dress from Gianni Versace’s fall 1992 collection, with the iconic Miss S&M built-in belts around the neck and waist for a different occasion. “I love belts that tell a story,” he says. “You tend to find this more with vintage belts whether it’s a stunning buckle, a beaded motif, unique metalwork, or the patina of the leather—nothing beats vintage in my opinion. Rodarte made these beautiful brass rose chain belts in spring 2016 that I’ve been obsessively looking for secondhand for the past few years.” He also recommends adorning a favorite belt with pins, charms or talismans to make it your own. “Most importantly, be authentic to who you are at the moment—there aren’t any rules.”

Shop inspiring transformational statement belt here.

Modern Medallions

You can’t get more classic than a medallion belt. This statement-maker anchors an outfit and adds panache with hardware. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can mix silver, gold and gunmetal tones.