Corset Belts Are Suddenly Appearing on the Chicest Outfits

While shoe and clothing trends can come and go in the blink of an eye, accessories—particularly belt trends—tend to enjoy a slower, more considered rise. That longevity is exactly why I gravitate toward accessories at the start of a new season. When a trend in this space takes off, it tends to stick around, making it a more worthwhile wardrobe investment.

Accessories have the power to completely transform a look without the need for a full outfit overhaul and, lately, I’ve been on the hunt for a fresh piece to energise my everyday ensembles. After weeks of soaking up seasonal inspiration, one standout trend has captured my attention: the corset belt.

More commanding than the skinny belt trend that’s been simmering away this season, corset belts are making a loud debut for summer. These statement-makers wrap around the torso in a structured sweep of fabric, delivering an hourglass effect and a sculptural edge that’s reminiscent of a traditional corset, but sleeker and much easier to style.

While the trend has already been bubbling up for the past few months, I predict that it will gain serious traction as we head into summer season, when stylish people seek ways to elevate their looks while keeping layering to a minimum. In fact, the fashion world is already taking notice.

Zac Posen has incorporated large corset belts in neutral tones into his highly coveted capsule collection for Gap, while high-street favourites like H&M, Zara and & Other Stories are also experimenting with the silhouette. Naturally, designers such as Alaïa are leading the way with beautifully crafted, waist-cinching styles that speak to the trend’s couture roots.

Pairing well with slinky dresses to give them a structured feel, I’ve also seen this trend styled chicly over T-shirts, or wrapped around blazers to easily elevate basics into striking designs.