If Your Goal Is to Look French, Start With This One Accessory
Raise your hand if you've ever been scrolling through the Instagram feed of your favorite French fashion influencer and thought to yourself, "How do they manage to look so chic?" Don't worry—you're not alone. As embarrassing as it might be to admit, our editors spend an egregious amount of time doing the same thing as you! We're constantly looking for outfit inspiration, shopping recommendations, and runway trends from Paris. You could say that's cemented us as connoisseurs of all things French related. Sure, we might not call Paris home. But we've done enough work to answer the age-old question about why they're so stylish. Spoiler: It has nothing to do with them having that je ne sais quoi.
The secret to their style always lies in their solid curation of accessories—shoes, bags, belts, and so on. This is possibly the most important piece in their toolbox, and a great belt, specifically, can transform an outfit from mundane to magnifique. If you're unsure what types of belts are worth investing in, don't fret. Ahead, we've done the heavy lifting for you by sharing a few tips on how to shop for a belt and shopped out the 23 best belts for women you can buy online right now. We were able to craft this list by taking into account reviews, quality, price point, trends, editorial perspective, and how much the style set wears these belts. Even if you're not Parisian, you can look the part.
Photo:
@aidabadji_While shopping for a belt may seem easier than finding the perfect pair of jeans or saving up for that trendy designer bag, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
1. Determine your needs up front: Before you buy a belt, you should know whether you want your belt to be functional or ornamental. Do you need a belt to hold pants or cinch in a dress? Can it be purely for accessorizing? Ensure you're clear about what's missing in your closet before checking out.
2. Take your measurements: You definitely can get away with guessing which belt size works best for you based on the typical size you take in jeans, but if you want to avoid having to make a return, it's best to measure yourself. Just be sure to measure directly around the waist or below the bust based on where you want the belt to lay on your body to ensure the best match for sizing.
3. Shop with adjustability in mind: Everyone's body is always fluctuating; there's no shame in it! Instead of stressing about sizing, consider opting for a belt with adjustable elements (e.g., elasticity, extra loops, or longer lengths) so that you can wear it throughout the years.
Photo:
@tamaramory4. Consider design details: When choosing the right belt, it's not just about knowing what function you want it to serve or your measurements. You should also consider the smaller details like the width, hardware, and color of the belt. For instance, a belt with a broader shape can define the waist well, while narrower ones work well from a functional perspective. The hardware—the belt buckle, studs, belt loops, etc.—can determine whether a belt feels trend-forward or timeless. Lastly, the color of the belt itself can cement it as a staple or a statement item, so it's essential to consider all of these elements when shopping for a belt.
5. Pay attention to materials: As time-consuming as it might be when shopping for a belt, it doesn't hurt to take a few extra minutes to look at the product details. Some accessories may be advertised as being made from "leather" or "sustainable materials" but actually aren't made to last.
6. Evaluate the cost per wear: No matter what your budget is for buying a belt, it's important to consider how much you'll actually be able to wear said item. For some, belts are an everyday essential that warrants investing in a designer version. Others might be searching for a cheap way to make their clothes look cute. Whatever the case, make sure you're making the best purchase by considering how much you'll actually wear it.
Ready to find a belt? Keep scrolling for our roundup of the best belts for women based on reviews, quality, trends, and editorial perspective.
Photo:
@leasy_inparis
Reviewer highlight: "This is the softest leather belt I've ever bought! The slim silhouette makes it perfect for pairing with jeans, trousers, etc. It's a must-have designer item for a capsule wardrobe."
Photo:
@thevisuelofgrace
Reviewer highlight: "Great value for genuine leather, great buckle, and width. I would recommend sizing down."
Photo:
@emmanuellek_
Editor highlight: Another belt that's gained a cult status among the Parisian set? The Celine Triomphe Belt. Made from luxurious leather, this belt comes in eight colorways and boasts sizes that range from small to extra large or 26 to 46 inches. But the biggest selling point of this belt is the buckle itself, which is inspired by this French fashion house's iconic logo.
Photo:
@lenaherrmann
Reviewer highlight: "I've worn this belt almost every day since I bought it. It’s perfect with jeans and a T-shirt or with a pencil skirt and a button shirt. I didn’t realize how much my minimalist wardrobe needed this black belt; I ended up ordering two more! In terms of the sizing, I typically wear a size 27 in jeans, and the medium fits true to size."
Photo:
@lenafarl
Reviewer highlight: "Brought this so that I could bring one belt on trips to Europe. The width is really nice, as it's wide enough to be a bit of a statement, but it fits in all my belt loops. And it looks great over sweaters and dresses. Plus, it's super easy to switch the buckle. Buy this!"
Photo:
@pia_mbd
Reviewer highlight: "I love this belt as it dresses up any outfit! I thought it would be heavy, but to my surprise, it wasn't; it's a very comfortable weight."
Photo:
@erinoffduty
Reviewer highlight: "I love this belt! The dimensions are great, the width fits most belt loops, and the length is adaptable!! As a bigger person, it's nice to buy a belt in a size that reassures me it won't have to be returned for not fitting. It adds a little texture to a linen trouser or skirt and looks great."
Photo:
@estellepigault
Editor highlight: Khaite's Benny Belt has become a must-have among the fashion crowd because of its trend-forward details. Crafted from luxurious black leather and adorned with a Western-inspired buckle and prominent studs, the belt strikes the perfect balance between being a statement item and a staple piece. If you can get your hands on this almost-sold-out belt, it's sure to become an essential part of your wardrobe.
Photo:
@iamzoefoster
Reviewer highlight: "This belt is good quality and very cute. It feels sturdy, and the buckle is a great size—not too big or small. I would recommend sizing down. I bought a medium and wear it on the tightest notch. I plan to add another notch or two."
Photo:
@sylviemus_
Reviewer highlight: "This belt is not only beautiful but noticeably well made. I can tell I'll keep using it for years to come—it's timeless. My only complaint would be that for the smallest size, it's really not as small as I perhaps would've expected. But it's a belt, so you can always get more notches put into it."
Photo:
@annelauremais
Editor highlight: Searching for a no-frills option that you can wear with trousers, jeans, and skirts? Look no further than this classic COS belt. With a traditional square buckle and sleek leather, its minimal design will ensure this belt serves as your functional everyday belt without sacrificing style.
Photo:
@endlesslyloveclub
Reviewer highlight: "Madewell is the only place I buy belts anymore—the quality is always great, and they look so fashionable. I also love that they have a bunch of sizes, so you're not left with an awkward amount of belt left to tuck in. The brown color is really lovely, and the gold hardware is so cute and really elevates a basic outfit!"
Photo:
@fakerstrom
Reviewer highlight: "This is a well-made, well-fitting, true-to-size, stylish belt that accents my neutral-toned wardrobe. It looks as good with jeans as it does with more tailored attire."
Photo:
@melodiebance
Editor highlight: Many French women opt for belts featuring unique buckles, making this Zara pick a fail-proof buy. You can rest assured that it's lobster clasp hardware and thin leather band will add an air of sophistication to anything you pair it with.
Reviewer highlight: "Love this belt, and I wear it often. I did not size up and bought my usual size. Great quality, and unlike some other belts meant to be tied in a similar manner, this one stays in place. I suspect that is due to the size of the slit relative to the width of the strap that passes through it and the degree of stiffness of the leather."
Editor highlight: BY FAR's belts may seem simple, but upon second glance, you can see just how special they are. Case in point: this Kat belt. Made from calf leather in white, this belt seems minimal, but its buckle hardware is meant to look like chains, giving it a touch of glamour.
Editor highlight: When it comes to crafting leather goods that make for an excellent long-term investment, none entirely do it like Bottega Veneta. A prime example of this is the brand's Intercciato Leather Belt. Made from soft strips of leather that have been woven together, the belt speaks to the fashion house's rich history of leather craftsmanship.
Editor highlight: Don't be afraid to opt for a belt in a vibrant hue—e.g., this cherry-red belt from Mango! The benefit of buying an affordable belt in a fun color is that it can spice up your arsenal of neutral-hued staples.
Editor highlight: With stacked belts trending, there's no better way to tap into the trend than with a belt that gives off the illusion of being layered. With Toteme's belt, you get that stacked look, but its timeless buckle shape and luxe glossed-leather will ensure it's still stylish long past its peak.
Editor highlight: Searching for a thin brown belt? Start with this one from Banana Republic. With only a width of one inch, the style is relatively narrow, allowing it to be easily slipped through various types of belt loops on pants.
Reviewer highlight: "A lovely quality belt. It is the perfect accessory to wear around the waist with a dress or around the waist with jeans. You need to decide whether you'll wear it as a waist belt or on the hips with jeans, as there are only five holes, so if you buy too small a size you won't be able to wear it in both ways. It's always good to have the option to add an extra hole if needed. Overall, it's a good investment piece."
Reviewer highlight: "Surprisingly great belt for the price point! I was trying to find more of a white or off-white shade, but this is more of a darker eggshell color. It's okay though. I will keep it because of the quality!"
Reviewer highlight: These belts are stunning! The fit is true to size; for reference, I'm 105lbs and 5'3", and I bought the small version of this belt to wear around the hips. So far, I've purchased 4-5 of these in the past two weeks in different colors! Please buy this; it's a yummy belt at a great price."