In 2026, Why Wear One Belt When You Can Stack Them? Maximalist belts are back

Maximalist belts are back

After years of quiet luxury and minimal palettes dominating wardrobes, we’re seeing a joyful return to maximalism, a celebration of bold shapes, layered pieces, and accessories that speak louder than words. The latest beneficiary of this expressive renaissance? Belts, especially oversized, stacked, and statement-making ones.

Once a purely functional item, the belt has been reimagined as a hero accessory, the finishing touch that not only defines your waist but completes the narrative of your entire look. 

Trend Origins: Runways, Street Style, Celebrity & Real Fashion Moments

Catsuits and couture aside, this trend didn’t just come from social media, it was seeded on the runways of Spring/Summer 2025. Designers like Miu Miu, Schiaparelli, Vaquera and Ralph Lauren leaned into belt layering, pairing leather belts with chain belts, dramatic buckles, and unexpected placements, sometimes over trousers, dresses, coats, and even swimwear.

Beyoncé took the double-belt trend to a new level during her Cowboy Carter tour, layering multiple belts with varied metals and standout buckles as part of her custom Schiaparelli ensembles. 

Taylor Swift helped elevate B-Low the Belt into celebrity consciousness, wearing its statement pieces during high-profile outings. Other stars from Selena Gomez to Gigi Hadid have also made bold belts part of their go-to looks.

Maximalist belts are back
Credits: Marie Claire

Belts We Love, Six Maximalist Categories to Elevate Your Wardrobe

Here at Haute Secret Shoppers we celebrate accessories that aren’t just functional, they’re transformative. Below are the six categories of maximalist belts we’re championing right now, complete with a style reason why each deserves a place in your wardrobe.

1. The Power Performer: Maximalist Statement Belts

Why we adore them: These belts are bold and unmissable, oversized proportions, rich textures, and intricate hardware make them the anchor of any outfit.

Polo Ralph Lauren Leather belt
Credits: Mytheresa

Polo Ralph Lauren Belt

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Etro Braided reversible suede belt
Credits: Mytheresa

Etro Suede Belt

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Isabel Marant Lucie studded leather belt
Credits: Mytheresa

Isabel Marant Belt

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Etro Embellished suede belt
Credits: Mytheresa

Etro Suede Belt

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Amanu Vaal embellished leather belt
Credits: Mytheresa

Amanu Vaal Belt

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2. Buckle Drama Belts

Why we adore them: Oversized, embellished, or uniquely shaped buckles add character and center attention right where it matters. A buckle can be as expressive as jewelry.

Déhanche Santo leather belt
Credits: Mytheresa

Déhanche Santo Belt

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Déhanche Hollyhock croc-effect mirrored leather belt
Credits: Mytheresa

Déhanche Hollyhock Belt

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Etro Embellished leather belt
Credits: Mytheresa

Etro Leather Belt

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Dolce&Gabbana Lock leather belt
Credits: Mytheresa

Dolce&Gabbana Belt

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Polo Ralph Lauren Leather belt
Credits: Mytheresa

Polo Ralph Lauren Belt

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Roger Vivier Efflorescence satin belt
Credits: Mytheresa

Roger Vivier Belt

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Versace Safety Pin embellished leather belt
Credits: Mytheresa

Versace Safety Belt

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Gabriela Hearst Grange embellished leather belt
Credits: Mytheresa

Gabriela Hearst Belt

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MARANT ÉTOILE Vickia embellished leather belt
Credits: Net -A- Porter

Marant Étoile Belt

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3. Wide Waist Belts

Why we adore them: Like wearable sculpture, these define your waist with authority. Ideal for dresses, blazers, or oversized shirts.

Alaïa Leather belt
Credits: Mytheresa

Alaïa Leather Belt

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Déhanche Alcott asymmetric leather belt
Credits: Mytheresa

Déhanche Alcott Belt

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Déhanche Undone leather belt
Credits: Mytheresa

Déhanche Undone Belt

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Dries Van Noten Sequined belt
Credits: Mytheresa

Dries Van Noten Belt

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Elisabetta Franchi cut-out enamelled bustier belt
Credits: Farfetch

Elisabetta Franchi Belt

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DÉHANCHE Leopard-print calf hair waist belt
Credits: Net -A- Porter

Déhanche Leopard Belt

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4. Chain Waist Belts

Why we adore them: Metallic, light-catching, and endlessly versatile, chain belts blur the line between jewelry and accessory, perfect as standalone pieces or for stacking.

Valentino VLogo crystal-embellished belt
Credits: Mytheresa

Valentino VLogo Belt

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Isabel Marant Sayka embellished braided belt
Credits: Mytheresa

Isabel Marant Belt

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Magda Butrym Crystal-embellished faux pearl belt
Credits: Mytheresa

Magda Butrym Belt

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Zimmermann Alight gold-plated chain belt
Credits: Mytheresa

Zimmermann Chain Belt

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McQueen T-Bar chain belt
Credits: Mytheresa

McQueen Chain Belt

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Isabel Marant Kailai embellished belt
Credits: Mytheresa

Isabel Marant belt

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5. Slim Stacking Belts

Why we adore them: Thin, sleek, and perfect for layering, these belts unlock the belt-stacking trend by providing contrast and rhythm across outfits.

Saint Laurent Cassandre leather belt
Credits: Mytheresa

Saint Laurent Belt

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Valentino Garavani Embellished leather belt
Credits: Mytheresa

Valentino Garavani Belt

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Tom Ford Suede belt
Credits: Mytheresa

Tom Ford Suede belt

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Bottega Veneta Knot leather belt
Credits: Mytheresa

Bottega Veneta Belt

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JACQUEMUS Salon leather belt
Credits: Net -A- Porter

Jacquemus Belt

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PINKO eyelet embellished belt
Credits: Farfetch

Pinko Belt

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6. Animal Print Statements

Why we adore them: A nod to wild energy and fearless style, animal prints bring texture and pattern play that meshes beautifully with the maximalist ethos.

Déhanche Mija zebra-print calf hair belt
Credits: Mytheresa

Déhanche Zebra Belt

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KHAITE Mahattan snake-effect leather belt
Credits: Net -A- Porter

Khaite Manhattan Belt

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Nili Lotan Jane snake-effect leather belt
Credits: Mytheresa

Nili Lotan Belt

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Saint Laurent Cassandre croc-effect leather belt
Credits: Mytheresa

Saint Laurent Croc Belt

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Déhanche Hollyhock leopard-print calf hair belt
Credits: Mytheresa

Déhanche Hollyhock Belt

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Final Word: Why Maximalist Belts Matter, And Why You Should Shop With Us

Belts today are a fashion tool. They add structure, personality, and intentional detail to your look. Whether you’re stacking three at once or choosing one dramatic piece, belts shape not just your waist, but your style story.At Haute Secret Shoppers, we curate belts that are crafted with luxurious materials, meaningful design, and enduring style sensibility. We’re not selling fast trends, we’re offering objects of expression that become part of your signature wardrobe language.

Picture of Aditi Tapadar
Aditi Tapadar
My name is Aditi Tapadar, and I craft stories for Haute Secret Shoppers that sit at the crossroads of fashion, culture, and creativity. With a background in brand storytelling, content strategy, I try to building narratives that go beyond trends and highlight the essence of luxury for you. When I’m not working on content, you’ll find me discovering new books, films, dabbling into new interestes I find everyday, and chai ofcourse. You can connect with me at aditi@secretshoppersuk.com!
Picture of Aditi Tapadar
Aditi Tapadar
My name is Aditi Tapadar, and I craft stories for Haute Secret Shoppers that sit at the crossroads of fashion, culture, and creativity. With a background in brand storytelling, content strategy, I try to building narratives that go beyond trends and highlight the essence of luxury for you. When I’m not working on content, you’ll find me discovering new books, films, dabbling into new interestes I find everyday, and chai ofcourse. You can connect with me at aditi@secretshoppersuk.com!

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