Look, of all the ’00s trends that have been resurrected; maybe we thought the Y2K belt would get left behind. But hear us out: the low-slung belt, beloved by everyone from the OG boho-chic goddess Sienna Miller to every member of Destiny’s Child, was bound to make a comeback. From “The Rachel 2.0” hairstyle to baby tees and slinky skirts, it was just a matter of time before the hip-slung belt came in to crown the official return of the ’00s.
Paras Griffin
We should have seen it coming. Zendaya was snapped wearing a silver chain belt around the low-waist jeans and a corset top at the Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards back in March, and we all know anything seen on the Dune actress eventually trickles down to us mere mortals. Then, Rita Ora frolicked around Italy this summer in some seriously nostalgic looks, pairing her exposed bra with a flirty skirt and, you guessed it, a bulky belt slung *way* below the hip.
Raimonda Kulikauskiene
And now, in addition to bag charms, these chunky fasteners have come to dominate street style at Copenhagen Fashion Week, with the stylish set wearing their belts as low as they can go. Some have the belts slipped into low-waist jeans, their hip bones peeking over them, while others wear their slung over mini skirts, adding a boho touch to their feminine ensembles.
Raimonda Kulikauskiene
Raimonda Kulikauskiene
Edward Berthelot
The good news is, this divisive belt trend is less about a specific style than how you wear it. We’ve seen some convincing arguments for the gold chain belt à la vintage Chanel, or some modern styles that have beautiful buckles akin to jewellery. Or perhaps you’re partial to the thick disc chains or leathery Western cowboy staple. The point is, forget about using them to nip in the waist, the Y2K belt is all about hanging loose and low.