Chanel’s Paris Fashion Week show is always a seasonal highlight, with tweed, bridal-like looks and chic all-black outfits filling the runway. Inspired by the French seaside town of Deauville, home to Coco Chanel’s very first boutique, wide-brimmed sun hats, bright pops of pink and orange, and sea-themed knitwear were in no short supply this season. But alongside these classic Chanel looks, one accessory stood out: belts elevated almost every outfit.

Despite being a rather basic buy, belts were brought back into the limelight thanks to creative director Virginie Viard. However, in true Chanel fashion, they weren’t solely used to hold up trousers but instead acted as an extra dimension to break up colours, add elements of interest and cinch in coats. Think baby pink belts breaking up knitted co-ords, gold-tone belts acting in place of jewellery and neutral belts creating a more form-fitting look to cosy coats.

Clearly, gone are the days of belts being used solely for functionality, they’re now next season’s chicest fashion accessory. Elevating our wardrobe now seems incredibly simple. 

Chanel showed us how belts can be much more of a styling statement rather than simply existing for functionality. Not only did Virginie Viard use the accessory over the top of knitwear, breaking up long blocks of colour and texture, but she also left belts loose and low-slung, proving they aren’t only there to define angles.

Of course, this look doesn’t need to be reserved for just knitwear. Using belts to break up dresses and jumpsuits can add interest to an outfit without making things look more form-fitting. So, opt for the loosest belt loop for a chic and comfortable fit. 

Chanel is famous for its layered jewellery looks, with plenty of necklaces, brooches and cuff bracelets accentuating every outfit. In fact, some of the most popular Chanel accessories are the interlocking C logo embellished jewellery pieces like chains, pearls and bangles. However, with belts being such big business at the label’s autumn/winter 24 show, it was unsurprising to see many come in a more jewellery-like form.

While leather options were in no short supply, gold-tone styles stood out against dresses, jumpsuits and knitwear, with our favourite being this coin-like look. While Chanel used it to cinch in the waist of a punchy printed dress, we think it would work just as well on a more pared-back outfit like a black jumpsuit or all-white look. So, keep an eye out for gold or silver-style belts to elevate any outfit.

While we may be shrugging off our outerwear right now as we head into spring, autumn will see us pulling on trench coats, leather layers and cosy, duvet-like jackets. So expect to see them brightened up with belts to add extra angles, inspired by Chanel. 

Viard made the accessory more of a statement piece by clashing colours and textures, emphasising the waist from rib height to really focus on the angles of the body. But, of course, you could always lean into a more subtle style by keeping things nice and neutral, or opting for all-black. 

Images: courtesy of Chanel