Why I’m Right here for the Return of Huge Belt Buckles

The craze for Y2K style over the previous few years has left many divided. Whereas some have been totally on board with the revival of trucker hats, low-rise denims, and bedazzled emblem tees, others have been horrified on the considered Juicy Couture tracksuits and clothes over denims coming again into the fray. The last decade’s tendencies could also be polarizing, however at the least they weren’t boring. Trying again at pictures from the time interval, I used to be struck by simply what number of stars wore one explicit assertion accent on the pink carpet: the large, daring belt. Ideally with a buckle so huge you possibly can see it from area. However guess what? It’s creeping its manner again onto the runways too. I’m totally on board with it. 

Now, as somebody who grew up as a youngster within the aughts, I’ll admit that I at all times have a mushy spot for the period’s fashions. The sleazy, gaudy aesthetic jogs my memory of less complicated occasions when celebrities had enjoyable with what they wore and didn’t take themselves too significantly. The honking belt buckle—ceaselessly paired with low-slung denims and child tees—is a enjoyable little deal with on your outfit. One among my favourite examples is when Jennifer Lopez carried out on TRL carrying a bejeweled coronary heart belt buckle, paired with a bedazzled prime and denims. You possibly can’t inform me it didn’t immediately tie her outfit collectively! See additionally: stars like Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, and all three members of Future’s Youngster.

At present, these belts can really feel a little bit too costumey or retro. However as evidenced on the fall 2023 menswear reveals this previous month, there are methods to make them look cool and present. Simply pair the belts with items which might be extra subdued, permitting the brazen accent to shine by itself. Gucci’s new “GG” fashion elevated a traditional tee and denims pairing; Kenzo’s gold emblem added a splash of fierceness to a utilitarian inexperienced ensemble. That’s to not say you possibly can’t lean right into a cheekier pairing, although: At Dsquared2, as an illustration, an “I Love Beer” belt was paired with a “Choke” tee—a riff on a Coca-Cola tee, in fact.