25 of the most covetable belt styles (without the designer price tag)

Images courtesy of Reiss, Oliver Bonas, Jigsaw, Stradivarius.

These are the belts you’ll want to wear on rotation, starting from £9.99.

Lottie Franklin

11 February 2023

A great belt is the final piece to an outfit jigsaw puzzle. It can (literally) tie a whole look together and add that final flourish to all kinds of dresses, tailored trousers and jeans.

No doubt you’ll have seen countless influencers wearing designer belts. Celine’s Triomphe belt and Gucci’s Double G buckle belts are some of the most recognisable, and covetable. But spending £300+ on a belt is a huge investment, unless you manage to find one at a designer outlet (Laren’s your gal for all the best tips on bagging a designer bargain at Bicester Village) or shop for one second-hand (we’ve got lots of advice for finding investment buys second-hand too).

However, if you’re after the designer look for less, you’ll find luxe-looking belts on the high street at the likes of Mango, Reiss, COS, and Arket. When you’re a fan of dressing in head-to-toe tonal shades or all black outfits, a chic leather belt with a metallic buckle is a useful way to add some interest to your outfit’s colour palette.

There are studded belts at All Saints, Maje, Urban Outfitters and Pull & Bear, perfect for elevating a jeans a nice top look or a long denim skirt outfit for a trending alternative (just add cowboy boots).

Rhinestone and bejewelled belts are also having a moment thanks to the Y2K hype. My unexpected favourite? Sandro’s chain belt. Pull on some knee-high boots with a figure-hugging knitted dress and add the gold chain for a final flourish. Your next dinner and drinks look sorted.

Here are my favourite designer-looking belts for a fraction of the price tag

Arket’s take on the classic horsebit buckle belt – a slim style, with an equestrian twist, which adds a gold glint to tailored trousers or smart denim.

This Zara belt is only £22.99, but is still made from durable 100% leather and is a classic style you’ll keep in your wardrobe for years.

Another belt that’s made from 100% leather, this Anthropologie style looks sleek and expensive.

Mango have given a classic black belt a geometric twist.

This knotted leather belt from Free People would be perfect for adding some contrast to a floaty floral dress.

Who knew you could need a sparkly rhinestone belt until now?

This Mango belt which would look so chic with some tan or beige tailored trousers.

Wrap a studded leather belt like this one from All Saints around your waist to instantly add some edge to a silky dress.

Or add a waist belt like Arket’s chunky woven style to cinch in your waist and elevate a floaty midi dress.

This cute dotty leather belt from Oliver Bonas is a quick way to add some print and texture to a monochrome outfit.

If you love a designer dupe look no further, this belt has iconic Hermes style written all over it.

The Outnet is your first port of call for finding a designer belt for less. You’ll find unusual styles like this one (with 40% off the original RRP) and classic styles that won’t ever date.

Gold chain necklaces are still having a moment. But what’s next? Gold chain belts. Layer over knitted midi dresses in winter and floral floaty mini dresses when summer comes around.

Toughen up jeans or leather trousers with this Western style buckle leather belt from Maje.

If you’ve set your budget to £40 or less, Urban Outfitters also have a selection of Western inspired belts that have lots of extra detailing.

Reserved have delivered a double buckle style in a neutral, and versatile, beige shade.

This belt is destined for the dance floor. Add some glittery contrast to a pair of leather trousers or denim mini skirt.

Add a splash of vibrant green to an outfit with Jigsaw’s textured belt.

Here’s another take on the Western-inspired trend. With its engraved metallic silver buckle, you’d never know this Pull & Bear belt was under £10. Bargain!

This braided suede belt from Boden looks super expensive IRL. Just add to your favourite pair of flared jeans or wrap around a floral dress to bring a 70s inspired look together.