How to Wear Belts After 50: Flattering Styles and Fall 2025 Trends
I have to admit, I don’t reach for belts all that often, but every time I see one styled well, I think, what a difference it makes. A simple belt can completely change the look of an outfit. It draws the eye to your waist, gives shape to looser pieces, and adds that intentional finishing touch. Most of all, I love how a belt can instantly make you look younger by defining your waistline.
As I’ve been looking into which ones to try, I’ve pulled together what I’ve learned. This includes the styles that are worth buying, tips for wearing them, and how to choose one that really flatters your body shape.
belt | sweater | jeans | bag –suede
Trending Women’s Belts for Fall and Winter 2025
Belts can be a little intimidating. They sound simple enough, but finding one that feels comfortable, looks modern, and actually works with your clothes is not always easy.
Here are some of the best mid-range belts for fall and winter 2025 that I have found are from places like Talbots, Madewell, and Nordstrom. These work with jeans, dresses, and even layered looks. My suggestion is to start with one good leather belt in black or brown, add a slim option for dresses, and then have a little fun with a trend like suede or a multi-keeper style.
1. Reversible Leather Belt
If you want one belt that can do it all, this reversible style is the one to grab. One side is black, the other is tan, so you can flip it depending on what you are wearing. I love pieces like this for travel or just simplifying your closet, and it’s a good buy because you are essentially getting two belts in one.
If you like the idea of a reversible belt, you may also like this one or this more affordable option.
2. Perfect Leather Belt
This belt is exactly what the name suggests: a perfect everyday belt. It’s a medium width that works with almost any cut of jeans, from straight leg to bootcut. I like that it has just enough structure to keep your outfit looking sharp without feeling stiff or overdone. It comes in both brown and black, depending on your wardrobe needs.
3. Square-Buckle Suede Belt
This suede belt is a great way to tap into one of fall 2025’s biggest texture trends. The square buckle gives it a modern feel without being over the top, and the suede finish softens the look, so it works just as easily with jeans as it does over a sweater dress. I especially like it in chocolate because it pairs nicely with denim, boots, and all the warm, layered outfits we are reaching for this season.
4. Skinny Belt
A skinny belt like this is one of those little accessories that comes in handy more often than you think. The adjustable design means you can wear it snug at the waist over a dress or looser through jeans without worrying about finding the perfect fit. The slim profile keeps it subtle, but it still gives you that waist definition that makes outfits look more pulled together.
If you are looking for other skinny options, take a peek at this belt. It has just enough detail with the small logo buckle to make a simple outfit more interesting. I also love this leopard one from J. McLaughlin, but it comes in a variety of colors. The neutral leopard print works though almost like a solid, but it adds a little personality to jeans and sweaters.
5. Multi Keeper Belt
Multi Keeper belts are having a moment this season. The extra loops add just enough detail to feel current without being fussy, and they instantly make a simple outfit look more styled. I like this one from style because it works with everything from jeans and a tucked-in blouse to a sweater dress. It is a small detail, but it gives you that modern, on-trend look for Fall 2025.
Belt | Vegan Leather skirt | sweater | bag | boots
How to Wear a Belt in 2025
Images via Ann Taylor – Ann Taylor has great belts!
How to Wear a Belt with Jeans
This is the easiest place to start because most of us are already wearing jeans several times a week. Swap out your plain everyday belt for one with a bit of texture or an updated buckle. A braided belt adds texture to smooth straight-leg denim, while a suede belt in chocolate brown feels cozy for fall. If your jeans gap at the waist, a good belt is not just stylish, it is practical. Nothing worse than jeans loose jeans that slip down and also give you a baggy looking bum!
Images via Ann Taylor and Talbots
How to Belt a Blazer
Belting a blazer is one of the simplest ways to create a modern silhouette (and yet I dont’ see a lot of gals doing this, so quick steal this idea!)
It works best with longer blazers, where the belt can sit right at your natural waist and give you shape. Keep the rest of your outfit clean, like jeans and a simple blouse, so the belt can do the talking. A medium-width belt in leather or suede works well.
Images via Ann Taylor
How to Wear a Belt with Dresses
Dresses can sometimes feel shapeless, especially the easy shirt dresses and flowy midis we’re all wearing right now. Add a belt, and suddenly your figure is back. Wide belts are especially good with sweater dresses, while skinny belts keep lighter fabrics from feeling overwhelmed. Try matching your belt to your boots or flats for a coordinated fall look. (And no, you won’t look too matchy-matchy. We’re starting to move beyond that now).
Images via Talbots – Talbots has some chic belts, too!
How to Belt a Sweater or Cardigan
Oversized sweaters are cozy, but they can also drown out your frame. A slim or medium-width belt keeps everything in place and highlights your waist. I like this look best with longer cardigans or tunic sweaters, paired with jeans and boots. It instantly adds shape and a chic look to something casual, especially when paired with something “skinny” on the bottom, such as slim pants or jeans tucked into boots.
More of the Best Women’s Belts to Buy in 2025
Which Belt Works for Your Body Type
The trick to making belts work at any age is choosing the right width and style for your frame. I know that can be confusing, here are a few simple guidelines to keep in mind:
- Short Torso: Stick to skinny belts or low-contrast colors so they don’t cut your body in half.
- Long Torso: Wide belts help balance proportions and shorten the look of your waistline.
- Curvy: Medium to wide belts highlight your waist without adding bulk.
- Straight Figure: Belts with detail (braided, textured, or statement buckles) have more going on and create the illusion of curves.
- Petite: Choose slim belts in lighter shades so they don’t overwhelm your frame and make you look out of proportion.
Not sure what body type you have? You can find out in this post: How to Find Your Body Type and Dress for It: A Guide for Women Over 40
How to Find the Right Belt Size for Women
Here’s the rule I keep in mind: your belt should buckle at the middle hole. With that in mind, here are my top 3 tips:
- With jeans, size up two or three inches from your waist. (Good to remember because I’ve made this mistake!)
- For belts you’ll wear at your waist over dresses or jackets, stick to your true size.
- If you’re layering over heavier knits, adjustable styles like braids or multiple-hole belts are handy. If you need an extra hole, take your belt to a shoe repair place.
Should your belt match your shoes or bag?
Matching your belt to your shoes is a safe bet, especially if you are wearing leather. Black with black, brown with brown. That said, it is not a hard rule anymore. For fall 2025, tonal looks are trending, so you can match your belt to your outfit instead. If your belt complements either your shoes or your bag, you will look put together.
Final Thoughts on Belts After 50
If you have been avoiding belts, this fall and winter is the perfect time to give them another try. With the longer jackets, sweater dresses, and wide-leg jeans we are all wearing right now, a belt is often the finishing touch that brings the whole look together. Start simple, see how it feels, and I think you will be surprised at how much wear you get out of one.
