28 Best Belts for Women 2024, Tested by Editors | Glamour

Nov 01, 2024

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Do you ever feel like your outfit is just one accessory short of perfect? Well, the best belts for women add just-the-right finishing touch to instantly make your wardrobe staples feel fresh again. Sure, they’re functional, but they also elevate your outfits and they definitely bring fashion trends to life. This season’s belt trends come in contrasts: quiet luxury evolving into modern refinement and a nod to aughts-era toughness with studs, grommets, and bold silver hardware.

To help you find the right one for your personal style, we polled editors and some very style-savvy friends for their favorite picks. Whether you’re layering a black leather belt over a blazer, going for a waist-cinching style with an oversized sweater, or adding some edge with a chain belt, we’ve got you covered. Plus, we included different price points like high-quality designer belts made of genuine leather and sleek waist belts under $50 that will last you for years to come.

Abercrombie

It’s hard to beat the $40 price tag on this timeless brown leather belt. The small square buckle and twin belt loops add a glamorous touch with high-shine gold-tone metal, making it pop—especially with its slim profile. The medium brown shade pairs beautifully with chocolate and espresso tones (so major this fall)—my Almina Concept blazer really sets it off, don’t you think? It also works effortlessly with blues and plums, both heavily in my current rotation. It’s incredibly lightweight—not that many belts tend to feel particularly weighty—but it’s worth noting.

Amazon

Few belts are as iconic yet simple and easy to style as the braided leather belt. It’s not too precious, quite durable in fact, and always grounds any outfit, be it jeans or a dress. “Accessorizing is one part of my wardrobe I pay special attention to—I think it really pays off in dividends when it comes time to curate complete looks,” says Molly Duncan, founder of the lifestyle website The Memo. “I’m not a denim loyalist, but I love pairing a knit with a longer skirt come winter, and cinching it with a belt like this simple braided one not only adds definition in the right spot but just the right amount of texture too. Since I’m expecting, I’m planning to wear it this winter a bit higher over an oversized blazer or cape. If I weren’t, I’d also be all about looping it through oversized herringbone trousers with a roomy button-down on top.”

Banana Republic

There’s something about topstitching that really transforms a look. It’s such a simple detail that feels more distinctive and always draws the eye. This one feels incredibly luxurious, on par with some of the designer belts I’ve tested, with a minimalist-sleek look that makes any outfit look sharper. I’m also a believer that no belt collection should be without a taupe hue. The beigey-gray shade is great for breaking up darker tones without feeling too harsh like white sometimes can, yet it pops more than black or gray would. I picked up on the lighter stripes in my AG button-down, which brings more attention to the chic cinch these super swishy extra-wide leg Madewell trousers provide. Love, love, love.

Amazon

Let me start by saying I’ve historically not been a snakeskin person, but this season, I want everything in the motif—belts, shoes, bags, you name it. So, it might not be surprising to hear that I purchased two versions of this belt: this brown-toned style and a lighter white-and-grey version. I’m obsessed. The quality of this belt for the price is unreal. I took quite a few higher-end belts for a spin (you know, for the sake of journalism), and this one feels similar to some of the $100-plus styles while proving to be one of the most versatile pieces I wore. It makes so many neutral outfits pop in a still-muted way that I appreciate—check out how good it looks with my brown suede Madewell jacket, white tee, and jeans.

Amazon

Nordstrom

Shopbop

Madewell

This belt brings a fresh, rock-and-roll edge to the classic black leather belt, thanks to its high-shine silver buckle—a nod to this season’s silver and punk-inspired trends. “I’m always searching for the coolest accessories to dress up my casual daywear, and this Madewell belt is it,” says jewelry publicist Francesca Simmons. “With silver jewelry trending, this belt complements the look and adds that edgy style.” Shopbop’s senior fashion director Caroline Maguire agrees, noting, “A black belt is a classic and timeless accessory, and this one from Madewell is perfect. I love the high shine on the buckle, and it goes with absolutely everything you already have in your closet.”

Abercrombie

Suede belts are timeless, yet this one stands out as decidedly modern and unique—a fab way to lean into the old money aesthetic. The elongated oval buckle blends old-world charm with modern versatility, whether cinched over a sweater as I’ve done here, or classically worn threaded through belt loops. Beyond just keeping your bottoms up, it pairs perfectly with everything from your boldest prints to understated neutrals, making every outfit look thoughtfully put together. Oh, and the quality at this price? That’s what we call a smart style investment.

Good American

Middle-school me was all about a good grommet belt, and now with the return of punky hardware this season, 30-something-year-old me is leaning into the studded trend in a more elevated way. Accessories are my way into this look, most subtly with a belt. And wow, does it make an impact! This one from Good American (who recently launched belts—huzzah!) is, well, very good. The leather feels substantial, not cheap in the slightest, and the buckle and studs are the ideal size—just bold enough to stand out without veering into trend victim territory. To me, the trick to nailing the studded look is to pair it with more classic pieces, so it shines without feeling contrived. Not to toot my own horn too loudly, but it really pops with this simple knit top and black trousers, don’t you think? You know what, toot, toot!

Amazon

With its interlocking buckle and slim silhouette, this belt brings a sleek, modern vibe to tailored and more feminine outfits. It’s perfect for adding a polished touch without overpowering. “This belt layers beautifully over a pencil skirt; the metal clasp gives it a styled, finished look,” says Dennett. “Since it’s skinny with a metal fastening in front, I don’t even need belt loops—plus, the adjustable back lets me wear it at different points on my waist.”

Amazon

Looking to add a little polish to your outfit? This waist belt is ideal for defining your silhouette, whether you’re layering it over a flowy dress or a structured blazer. With its knotted, hardware-free design, it feels both understated and stylish. “This belt is perfect for styling with a dress to cinch and define your waist. The wrap detail makes it adaptable to different dress styles, letting you adjust it for a custom fit,” says Dennett.

Sezane

I’m probably starting to sound like a broken record, but here we have another incredible under-$100 belt with a very luxurious feel. The timeless, heritage brown leather style has that perfect everyday quality that looks so good with jeans, which is what so many of us wear our belts with, right? The curved buckle gives it a slightly more feminine feel, and I love the gold detail in the loops for an extra-special touch. It was the perfect finishing touch to my slightly loose-in-the-waist Icon Denim trouser jeans and a French blue shirt from Mayson the Label.

Amazon

This belt is an easy way to tap into fall’s biggest trends—leopard print and double denim—without making a major investment. The curved gold buckle gives it a sleeker, more modern feel, while the leopard pattern balances trendiness with timeless appeal. “Leopard print and double denim have been all over the runways this fall, so why not combine both trends?” says stylist Rebecca Dennett, author of the Sixth Sense newsletter. She notes how “the print and warm tones pop against indigo denim and pick up on the stitching details, creating a pulled-together look that feels fresh and versatile.”

J.Crew

This J.Crew belt is proof that sometimes the right brown or black leather belt is all you need to elevate an outfit. With its wider silhouette and sculptural oval buckle in high-shine gold, it balances that line between classic and modern—perfect for when you want a statement piece that’s still versatile enough to wear with everything. Whether it’s adding shape to a fall dress or giving structure to high-waisted jeans, it’s an easy go-to. “I’ve basically ditched belts for keeping pants up,” says stylist and brand consultant Ashley Afriyie. “This one’s too good just to be practical. The buckle is the right size to make a statement without stealing the show, and the leather’s got that soft-but-sturdy feel that means quality.”

Revolve

We can’t talk belts without highlighting B-Low the Belt. The label is, obviously, synonymous with trendy, cult-loved styles, like this classic black leather belt with an oversized (and very shiny) gold buckle. It’s easily one of the coolest in my collection and so effortlessly takes basics to the next level, from easy tees to button-downs and women’s jeans. While I recently got this one, I can attest to how well these hold up with tons of wear. I have a few others from the brand that I’ve worn to death, and none of them show even a slight fray.

Aritzia

Grab this Aritzia belt to master the sculptural trend without breaking the bank. In fact, it’s a dupe for the almost $600 Bottega Veneta Brass Buckle belt that’s currently sold out. It has sleek, hand-painted edges, and it’s perfect for those who appreciate the finer details but not the hefty price tag of high-end designer belts. “I’ve been feeling like my jean styling has been missing a touch of elegance, and this oblong bucklet belt is the perfect accent to turn up the volume to any outfit,” says Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle.

Anthropologie

Okay, we’re inching into more luxe territory with this one, but it’s seriously worth it. I am obsessed with this belt, and as a decidedly non-Western-trend fan, that feels significant. The leather has that deliciously rich, authentic smell (IYKYK), and the matte silver buckle brings that perfect, weighty feel that instantly signals quality. The width is ideal for all kinds of bottoms but is especially on point with denim. Here, I paired it with a simple white T-shirt (side note: this Agolde one hits the perfect slouch-to-structure ratio) and trouser-style jeans, and it felt so effortlessly cool. For a more polished vibe, I teamed it with a puff-sleeve white button-down, giving it a unique, professional edge. Worth every penny and the perfect pick if you’re not fully into Western vibes but can appreciate a subtle, modern nod.

Amazon

This corset belt is a sleek way to define your shape without too much fuss. Its faux leather design gives a polished look, perfect for adding a little structure to flowy dresses or oversized pieces. “I love the way this belt cinches my waist,” says Jasmine Pierce, founder of JLP Consulting. “It’s super versatile; you can dress it up or down, and I find that it pairs well with so many different styles of dresses. It’s from Amazon, so it’s faux leather, but still looks elevated yet simple.”

Gap

Hair-calf accessories are one of those styling tricks that just make any outfit look way more expensive. This vegan leather belt in a rich wine tone is a low-key way to work the color trend into your wardrobe without going full head-to-toe (though I’m not mad at that either). I spotted this classic belt in Gap’s new arrivals and instantly pictured it with my new Aritzia cashmere tank and everyday pants in corporate-core gray—yes, another color trend alert. As evidenced from my selfie, these colors look seriously great together while keeping things fresh and put-together. The high-quality hair calf adds just the right amount of texture, making this work look anything but basic. Slim belts like this one are perfect for waist-cinching high-waisted trousers, giving a nice fit without the bulk. I even doubled down with a burgundy work backpack and these Larroudé flats to pull it all together—and let me tell you, I felt so polished and cool.

Anthropologie

I’ve never been a ring-buckle wearer—not for any particular reason—but here we are. I’ve been into the sculptural buckle trend, and this perfectly circular shape has a timeless feel while staying clean, minimal, and super versatile. The leather and hardware feel substantial and high-quality while still being under $100—we love to see it. Beige and ivory tones are my favorites, even in fall, so this belt was the ideal way to transition some lighter pieces into cooler weather, anchoring them with modern polish and echoing the curves of buttons, earrings, and bracelets. Bonus: It also comes in plus sizes.

Shopbop

Revolve

Heaven Mayhem is another celeb-loved belt brand with fans like Emily Ratajkowski, Lori Harvey, and Jasmine Tookes. Let me put it this way: The label gives good buckle. From this silver push-pin style (which I think looks particularly amazing with tailored trousers like this wool-pleated pair from Vince) to their signature Bean Belt, it’s the kind of hardware that stands out without feeling flashy—especially when paired with more minimalist pieces to let it really shine.

Neiman Marcus

We love a little drama in our belts. If your standard brown leather belt is feeling a bit dull, swap it out for this extra-long style from Janessa Leone. (Yes, she of the cult-loved hats who, indeed, makes incredible belts too.) The style is slightly wider with a larger frame buckle, which I’ve paired with several pairs of jeans and tees—this striped style from Kule is my ultimate long-sleeve style for fall. While some may find a dangling bit of leather irksome, I see it as playful and interesting, especially as part of any outfit that’s rooted in basics (a.k.a most of what I wear).

Net-A-Porter

One of the most luxurious ways to add dimension to an outfit? A croc belt (even better with coordinating shoes or handbags). “It’s the perfect blend of classic and edgy,” says Giulia Girardi, founder of the made-to-order ballet flats brand, Eledera. “A simple black leather belt is a wardrobe staple, but this one elevates the look with its textured croc finish. The golden buckle adds a touch of luxury and transforms it into a statement piece. It’s the ideal accessory to enhance any outfit, whether paired with jeans and a shirt or tailored pants and a tee.”

Nordstrom

Revolve

With its distinctive rectangular buckle, this Aureum belt—a celeb-loved brand worn by Hailey Bieber, Shay Mitchell, and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, to name a few—is a simple yet impactful option for adding a modern edge to both laid-back and dressy looks. Yes, it’s an investment, but if you’re a tried-and-true belt-wearer, you’ll likely consider it worth it, much like Alyssa Duffy, social director for The Home Edit. “This belt has become a staple for me,” she tells Glamour. “It’s perfect for giving a structured finish to relaxed jeans or elevating a sleek dress.” She adds, “It’s impressive how this female-founded company manages to offer such high-quality pieces at accessible prices.”

Amazon

Channeling retro appeal, this chain belt is a fun way to add ’70s-inspired flair to outfits that don’t necessarily need a belt but benefit from a little extra embellishment. “I was thinking of ’70s Saint Laurent with this look,” says Dennett. “For an evening outfit, especially with holiday parties in mind, I want the belt to pop as the focal point. The beaded mesh shirt adds another texture without competing with the bold statement of the belt.”

Favorite Daughter

Finding the perfect black leather belt that’s versatile and feels un-boring can be a challenge, but this piece from Favorite Daughter nails it. With a medium width and subtle hardware, it’s the kind of belt that works with just about anything. “Every year, there seems to be a new ‘it’ belt, but this one is timeless," says jewelry designer Ashley Zhang. “I love to wear layers in the fall, and the metal detail is perfect to show your waist under baggy styles like sweaters or over shirts.”

Amazon

The ultimate evening belt? One crafted of rhinestones. And it doesn’t get better than an affordable two-pack to make your dollars really work. “I love to add a little shine to my evening outfitting mix, and a diamanté belt is the perfect way to do it,” says freelance writer and editor Kristina Rutkowski. “I wore a similar vintage rhinestone belt to death, so I was pleasantly surprised to find an almost exact replacement on Amazon for much less. My favorite way to style this belt is over a black blazer in a sumptuous fabric like velvet or satin with trouser pants for a modern take on the tuxedo idea. In my opinion, it feels very modern but with a fun, cheeky twist.”

Net-A-Porter

There’s splurge-worthy and then there’s iconic, and this Gucci belt is both. Full stop. “I thought about this Gucci belt for almost a year before pulling the trigger,” says freelance writer Avery Matera. “In Venice in 2017, I walked into a Gucci store to buy a pair of loafers, leaving with said loafers and this belt. It’s been going strong in my outfit lineup ever since. I’m not a logo girl, so I love that this belt delivers classic style without going over the top. It feels more special than a traditional clasp, but I don’t feel as though I’m screaming labels. There are few outfits I don’t style with this belt, but most often it’s a daily denim and T-shirt look, swapped for vintage jean shorts in the summer and an added chunky cashmere knit in colder weather.”

FWRD

If you’re feeling the moto-inspired trend but in a less literal sense, and love a brand with the Kendall Jenner stamp of approval, this is the belt for you. It’s a slightly edgy but still classic take on a black leather belt that stands out thanks to the extra rings at the belt loops—which enhances the vibe like trendy sculptural bangle bracelets (please note two of my favs from Jenny Bird and Zafino). Pro styling tip: If a black belt feels a bit dull, pair it with varying shades of gray or a color-drenched look in burgundy—it’ll pop so much more, trust.

Lié Srudio

Finding a great (with a capital G) skinny belt is harder than you may think. But this one from Lié Studio earns a gold star 10 times over, thanks to its supple leather and subtle yet striking features, like unique notches and a jewelry-like square buckle. Design manager Michaela Mudrick particularly appreciates the minimalist jewelry vibe of the buckle. “This recently launched collection of belts combines really high-quality leather with elegant hardware, adding a nice touch,” she says. “Available in black, brown, and black croc, it’s versatile enough to style with multiple looks. I love pairing the wide version with denim and the slim version with trousers for a more refined look.”