2007 Fall Fashion Accessories Trend: Wide Belts

Even though skinny belts have their place on trench coats, cowel neck sweaters, and even on tunic dresses this Fall, super-wide belts are making a comeback from the ’70s and ’80s in mod-ish styles and glossy patent finishes. Spring and summerput thick belts in the forefront, making it easy to trim off a few inches at the waist to squeeze into cropped pants and tight minidresses; with Fall and winter ahead, only a wide accessory will do! Thick belts can accompany the season’s cashmere and wool knits, plaid designs, and balance out the busy retro prints in the dress department. Here are some of the season’s top picks for thick belts in women’s fashion accessories:

Supersized Buckles on Wide Belts

Along with the extra-wide belt in a variety of flattering designs, look for embossed and detailed buckles that (literally) pull it all together. This Betsey Johnson Contour Weave Belt is a perfect match for Fall, a rich brown leather embossed with basket-weave patterning. The contoured shape makes it do double duty as a corset; it’s a perfect silhouette-enhancer, and the buckle draws attention to the center for a balanced look. Another unique look is the Tracy Reese Wide Belt with Turnlock Closure ; an extreme version of the wide belts with a 4″ width and bold embellishments, but an easy way to transform a simple outfit.

Patent Leather Gloss Wide Belts

Patent leather is making its rounds in handbags, shoes, and full-length gloves this season and a super-wide patent belt can add some gloss and shine to any outfit. This WCM Triple Buckle Patent Leather Belt is a simple waist cincher, and can top off the basic white oxford or grey cable sweater this season. Patent leather in black isn’t your only option; bold red, blue, and rich browns are other options for a little creative color.

Quilted Leather Wide Belts

Another way to narrow down that waist for a tunic dress or flowy outfit, these super-wide belts have at least a 3″ width and oversized buckle, embellished with quilting that matches the season’s hobo and tote bag prints. Look for both matte and glossy leather finishes for a signature touch to any simple outfit. The Hobo International �⒬˜Elite’ Quilt Leather Belt is a great example.

Python and Snakeskin Wide Belts

One of the season’s leading trends this year is animal print and snake skin embellishments, and wide belts decked out in rich python, croc, and other animal print embossed styles are ideal for adding drama to your outfit. Look for geometric shapes and bold metallic colors; this Python Square-Buckle Belt by Carlos Falchi is a great example of this year’s ‘animal movement’.

Do keep in mind that these belts are never worn at the hips; the thick belt offers a corset-like support instead for the season’s flowy tops and tunics. It’s one way to achieve the hourglass silhouette, and no workout required!