The right belt can take your outfit from boring to WOW! This simple accessory can change the entire look of an outfit. Belts are an easy way to add a pop of color, change the silhouette of your clothing, and add a finishing touch to your look. Just by switching out belts, your outfit can look different. Let's discuss 23 types of belts and how to incorporate them into your wardrobe.
This article may include affiliate links and elements that were carefully created by our team using advanced ai to help you envision the best style advice.
Buckle Belt
The buckle belt is a traditional style of belt and what most people think of when you mention a belt. Typically a metal buckle is used to join the ends of a strap or belt. This type of belt is usually functional in keeping your pants held up, but can also be a fun accessory. Choosing a large buckle style will create a focal point, or you may select something understated. The width of the belt can vary. Wear a buckle belt with pants that have belt loops.
Click here to see this popular double O buckle belt on Amazon.
This traditional buckle belt would look great with jeans for a casual look.
Click here to see this belt on Amazon.
Leather Belt
Leather belts are another traditional style. These are usually a more casual and functional style; however, a high-quality leather belt is timeless. A leather belt will usually have a buckle style closure, but you may find other kinds of belts made from leather or leather-like material. If you'd like to know how much to expect to pay for a leather belt, click on this link to read more.
Click here to see this leather belt on Amazon.
Horseshoe Buckle Belt
The horseshoe buckle belt is a casual buckle belt that is usually worn with pants. This belt is best for everyday occasions and pants with belt loops. The horseshoe belt would look great with a denim skirt as well as jeans.
Click here to see the horseshoe buckle belt on Amazon.
Cummerbund
A cummerbund is a wide sash-like belt usually worn under a tuxedo type jacket. A cummerbund can hide the bunching that sometimes happens when you tuck in your shirt. Cummerbunds are generally associated with a men's tuxedo, but women can also wear them. Black skinny pants and a white button-up shirt separated with a cummerbund is a classic style. For an extra touch, try matching a colored cummerbund with matching stiletto heels.
Click here to see this classic cummerbund on Amazon.
Metal Belt
Metal belts are perfect for dressing up an outfit. They can range from a metal chain style to a broader metal belt, as shown below. The type of metal can vary from silver to gold or even mixed metals. Think of a metal belt as a piece of jewelry and coordinate with your other accessories.
Click here to see this metal belt on Amazon.
Click here to see this metal belt on Amazon.
Cinch
A cinch belt is usually wide with a closure in the front. Cinch belts do not need belt loops to wear. The cinch belt can create a focal point and slim the waistline. This style of belt is excellent for someone with a long torso. It helps shorten the body and create proportion.
Click here to see this cinch belt on Amazon.
Military
A military belt is usually made of webbing. The buckle on a military belt is unique in that it closes with a clasp rather than a pin mechanism. The military belt is a functional piece and worn through belt loops. The width of your belt should match the width of your belt loops. If your belt is too thin, it will slide around too much and need constant adjusting throughout the day.
Click here to see this military belt on Amazon.
Yoke
The functional design of the yoke belt is to distribute weight between the back, shoulders, and waist. It has suspender like shoulder straps attached to a waistband.
Click here to see this yoke belt on Amazon.
Suspender Belt
The suspender belt is worn around the waist and has garter straps attached to hold up stockings. Suspender belts can be a slip-on stretch material or fasten with hook and eye closures.
Click here to see this suspender belt on Amazon.
Sash
The sash is a wide ribbon belt that is tied around the waist. A sash is not worn through belt loops but instead tied with a bow worn in the front or back. Sashes are most often worn with a formal style dress.
Click here to see this sash on Amazon.
Obi
The obi is a Japanese style of belt. Traditionally worn with kimonos, the obi can be tied in various ways. The obi belt is wide and can be used to accentuate the waistline. Obi belts slim the waist and can shorten the torso.
Click here to see this Obi belt on Amazon.
Click here to see this Obi belt on Amazon.
Braid
Braided belts consist of material woven together in a braid pattern that makes up the strap portion of the belt. The braided belt is made out of many different materials - from leather to nylon.
Click here to see this braided belt on Amazon.
Twist Belt
The twist belt is another classic belt. It is available in various buckle and material styles. Twist belts may be reversible, which can make them even more versatile in your wardrobe.
Click here to see this twist belt on Amazon.
Bow Belt
Bow belts add a feminine touch of whimsy to any outfit. The bow belt can be wide or thin and accentuates the waist. No belt loops are necessary for the bow belt, as it is worn in the front as a focal point.
Click here to see this bow belt on Amazon.
Peplum Belt
The peplum belt is a fun accessory. A skirted piece is attached to the belt. The peplum is a great way to accentuate the waist while minimizing the lower abdomen. It adds a feminine look to your outfit. The peplum looks great with either a pencil skirt or skinny pants.
Click here to see this peplum belt on Amazon.
D Ring Belt
The D ring belt is a specific style of closure. The strap is threaded through the rings to close the belt. D ring belts are often made of webbing material. This style of belt is functional and casual.
Click here to see this D ring belt on Amazon.
Elastic
The elastic belt can be thick or thin. Elastic belts do not need belt loops and can be used to accentuate the waistline, similar to a cinch belt. Different closure styles can either make this belt dressy or casual, depending on the look you'd like to achieve.
Click here to see this elastic belt on Amazon.
Skinny Belt
The skinny belt is a wardrobe staple. It can add an instant pop of color to an outfit without being too distracting. Skinny belts work with both dresses and pants. If you are short-waisted, a skinny belt is a great accessory because it won't cut you in half visually.
Click here to see this skinny belt on Amazon.
Grommet
This belt is an edgy look, where grommets are spaced out along the belt strap. This belt is usually a wider style and worn through belt loops.
Click here to see this grommet belt on Amazon.
Western
The western belt is traditionally a leather belt with metal detailing. Buckles may be oversized. This belt is often worn with jeans, but would also look great with a denim skirt or casual pants.
Click here to see this western belt on Amazon.
Studded Belt
Here's another edgy style. The studded belt has metal studs along the belt strap.
Click here to see this studded belt on Amazon.
Chain Belt
The chain belt can be simple with a single chain or contain multiple strands of chain. This belt will call attention to the waistline and hips.
Click here to see this chain belt on Amazon.
Wide Belt
The wide belt is a great way to create and define the waistline. It can be worn over a blouse or dress and change the shape of the outfit by cinching in the waist area.
Click here to see this wide belt on Amazon.
As you can see, the options for belts are endless. Simply by adding a belt, you can take your outfit to the next level, create a waistline, or keep your pants up!
To see more ideas on incorporating belts into your wardrobe, check out this post on "How Many Belts Do You Need?".
![Woman washing a shirt with her hand, Remove Tire Marks From Clothes Like a Pro [How to Guide] - 1600x900](https://stylecheer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/shutterstock_305739509-300x169.jpg)
