What a waist of time: Y2K belts are finally back

Once upon a time in the 2000s, belts weren’t just holding up our jeans—they were holding together entire personalities. Wide corset belts, skinny patent ones, studded double grommets, rope-tied sashes, coin-embellished hip chains… the Y2K era didn’t believe in subtle waist-wear. Whether you were layering one over a tunic, looped around low-rise denims, or slinging it halfway down your hips like a chaotic fashion statement, belts were everywhere and on everyone—from Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera to Kareena Kapoor in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham.

And now, in true cyclical fashion, belts are back—and no, they’re not here to play nice.

A quick rewind: The belts that defined the Y2K era

Y2K belts weren’t so much about utility as they were about drama. Let’s jog that glitter-soaked memory.

The wide corset belt

Often elasticated, worn over bodycon dresses or long-line tops to create the illusion of curves, or just because it looked “chic”.

The double grommet belt

A punk-adjacent essential that found its way into mainstream closets, often worn with cargo pants, mini skirts, or anything Avril Lavigne-approved.

The chain belt

Think metals, coins, crystals, rhinestones—basically jewellery for your hips. Worn loosely slung over dresses, skirts, or low-rise jeans.

The braided belt

Casual, beachy, often paired with capris, tunics, and tank tops for a "cool girl at band camp" vibe.

The skinny patent belt 

Usually neon or metallic and often threaded pointlessly through belt loops that had zero structural need. It was just vibes.

The styling was maximalist at best and confusing at worst. Belts were used to break up silhouettes (even when they didn’t need to be), to add texture, or to simply pile on one more thing because your outfit didn’t feel done without one.

So, why did we stop wearing them?

Somewhere in the 2010s, the fashion pendulum swung toward minimalism. Waistlines rose. Silhouettes softened. Layering got sharper and sleeker. Belts, once a statement, were demoted to mere function—or vanished altogether. Add to that the rise of anti-fit fashion and oversized everything, and belts just felt… unnecessary. After all, why cinch a waist when you could hide one entirely in a boxy co-ord?

Fast forward to 2025: The cinch is back

Now, fashion is back in its era of expression. Y2K is no longer a throwback—it’s a full-blown revival, and belts are reclaiming their main-character energy once again.

From Bella Hadid’s chain-link belt moments to Dua Lipa’s double grommet throwbacks, celebs are cinching, slinging, and snapping belts back into the spotlight. Indian influencers like Masoom Minawala have also embraced belting as a styling hack, layered over sarees, blazers, and even lehengas.

The difference today? We’re styling smarter.

How we’re wearing belts in 2025

Over oversized blazers and jackets

A wide belt on a boxy coat gives instant structure (and street-style flair).

With sarees and ethnic wear

Belting a saree pallu or dupatta has become the go-to move for adding edge to traditional ensembles. It’s modern, it’s flattering, and it lets you dance without readjusting every five minutes.

Low-rise revival

Yes, the dreaded low-rise is back. And so are slouchy belts styled deliberately low on the hips, à la Maddy Perez from Euphoria.

To break up monochrome or tonal looks

A contrasting belt adds interest and polish to co-ords or column dresses.

Belts as jewellery

Metallic chains and embellished belts are pure outfit-elevators. Slung over skirts, dresses or jumpsuits, they can instantly add drama.

Why belts deserve your love again

Belts aren’t just decorative—they’re transformative. They literally change the shape of an outfit. They can make you look taller by elevating the waistline, slimmer by adding structure, and cooler by injecting personality into even the most basic look. They also give strong “I thought about this outfit” energy without actually requiring much thought.

Honestly, we should’ve never let them go ever again.

Belts that’ll bring the drama back to your wardrobe

Bottega Veneta Horsebit Double-Strap Belt, ₹56,000

Ferragamo Extendable Gancini Belt, ₹35,000

Versace Safety Pin Chain Belt 1.5 cm, ₹ 111,400

Diesel Multicolor Belt with Livestream Print, ₹17,999

Khaite Hand Belt (75), ₹3,89,799

Alaia Ovale Belt, ₹1,68,099

Cord Ranch Belt, ₹6,800

Ralph Lauren Tooled Leather Double-Wrap Belt, ₹38,500

AMPM Iyad Corset Belt Black & White, ₹12,950

The Row Wide Wrap Belt – Brown, ₹3,59,399

Ritu Kumar Tan Nanda Belt, ₹5,400

Lead image: Getty Images
 

Also read: The new rules of belting: Four fresh ways to style and shop in 2025

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