I'm So Sorry, But We've Reentered the Era of the Unnecessary Belt

If the old-school 20-year trend cycle is to be believed, then we're looking at a rewind that will take us all the way back to 2003. By now, it should come as no surprise that all manner of early 2000s fashion items have come roaring back onto the scene in recent years, but no matter how many of the era's controversial trends reemerge—from low-rise jeans to thong heels—we can't help but feel shocked whenever fashion reaches back into the archives for yet another Y2K style element. So when I deliver the news I'm about to share here, don't get mad at me if you're personally triggered. I'm only the messenger after all! 

Well, I'm so sorry, but we've once again reentered the era of the unnecessary belt. Of all the early aughts trends many of us lived through, the useless belt is perhaps the most pervasive of all in the collective consciousness. Up to now, it was the butt of every joke. Low-rises may be coming back, but at least random belts aren't. Controversial as they may be, nothing defined the half decade's chaotic approach to accessorizing quite like useless belts did, and the most memorable celebrity looks of the era, from Sienna Miller to Paris Hilton to Beyoncé, all feature one.

This year, useless belts are heading for a rerun, and the recent runways are proof. At Tory Burch, Michael Kors, and Blumarine, belts were slung low on the hips atop jersey dresses, knits, and miniskirts.

To provide some inspiration, I looked to fashion people to see how they're styling their Y2K-inspired looks. Whether a belt is layered over a sleek maxi dress or thrown on with basics like jeans, the following outfits will have you seeing the throwback accessory in a whole new light.