Trendy Accessories: How to Style Bold Buckles

Among trendy accessories for women, the bold buckle is one of the easiest to wear. Pick one buckle, on a belt or on a pair of shoes, let it be the loudest detail, and keep everything else quiet.

Match the metal to your other hardware, size the buckle to your frame, and wear it with simple shapes. The rest of this post covers how.

Section 01

What accessories are trending right now: where buckles fit

Statement belts and pendant necklaces keep showing up in roundups of fashion accessories, and the buckle is what turns a plain belt into a statement. Trends move, so I won't claim a forecast. What I can say is which buckle styles are around today and which have lasted for decades.

• Oversized belt buckles, often over a blazer or dress.
• Western-style engraved buckles with denim.
• Buckles with rhinestones or pearls for evening.
• Tortoiseshell or colored resin buckles for a retro, casual feel.
• Shoes with two or more buckle straps.

The long-running classics are plain gold or silver buckles, black leather with silver hardware, and neutral tan, black and beige belts and shoes.

Section 02

How do you choose the right buckle finish?

Finish changes how an outfit reads. Through the lens of evidence-based design, I'd look at the surface first, because a polished metal throws light and draws the eye, while a brushed or matte one sits back.

• Gold reads warm and dressy. It suits a wide leather belt over a tailored coat or an evening dress.
• Silver reads cooler and sleeker. It pairs well with navy, gray and black.
• Black or matte buckles look understated and work with almost anything.
• Pearl or gemstone buckles are best saved for dressy shoes and slim belts.
• Engraved Western buckles in silver or bronze suit denim and boots.

Section 03

How to wear a bold buckle belt

A belt buckle sits near the center of your outfit, so it acts as a focal point. Put it where you want the eye to land: your waist.

Over dresses and long layers

A wide belt cinches a flowy dress or long cardigan and adds structure to a relaxed shape. A tan leather belt with a gold buckle over a floral midi is an easy example.

With tailoring

Slim or medium belts with a rectangular metal buckle suit trousers and a tucked-in blouse. For a sharper silhouette, try one over an oversized blazer, as in this guide to cinching blazers with belts. If one buckle isn't enough for you, see how to wear double-buckle belts.

With denim

An engraved Western buckle works with high-rise jeans, a plain tee and ankle boots. Keep the top simple so the buckle does the talking.

For a minimal look

A matte or brushed buckle on a neutral belt over a monochrome outfit, such as a beige knit dress, looks clean and modern.

Section 04

How to wear buckled shoes

• Loafers and flats: gold or silver buckles look polished with cropped trousers, a white shirt and a blazer.
• Ankle boots: chunky buckles add edge to skinny jeans and a leather jacket.
• Heels and pumps: embellished buckles suit a sleek midi dress for a wedding or cocktail event.
• Sandals: metallic buckles dress them up, while large matte ones keep them casual. Try tan leather with a white linen dress.
• Western boots or mules: engraved buckles go with a denim skirt and chambray shirt.

If comfort matters as much as looks, our picks of comfortable shoes for a capsule wardrobe are a good place to start.

Section 05

Tips for pairing buckles with the rest of your look

1. Match metals. Echo the buckle's finish in your jewelry or bag hardware. A bold cuff bracelet in the same metal ties it together.
2. Mind the size. Large buckles make a statement, while smaller ones suit petite frames or quieter outfits.
3. Keep the rest simple. One focal point is enough, so skip a second loud accessory.
4. Try different placement. A belt can sit over a dress, a blazer or high-waisted trousers, and each reads differently.
5. Check the build. Solid hardware and sturdy leather keep their look longer than thin, flimsy pieces.

Section 06

Care for buckled belts and shoes

Wipe metal buckles with a soft cloth to keep the shine. Condition leather occasionally so it stays supple, following the maker's care instructions for your specific finish.

Backstage Q&A

Frequently asked questions

Filed under Accessory Trends