This ’70s fashion trend that New York women have been wearing all summer defines a silhouette in a single stroke
This summer of 2026, a fashion trend straight from New York is taking over with disconcerting ease. A single accessory is all it takes to transform a summer look, and New York fashionistas have already caught on.
The oversized belt, the must-have accessory of summer 2026
The XXL belt is making a big comeback this season. Inspired by the 1970s, it adds structure to even the simplest outfits and gives them a whole new dimension. As a result, an everyday staple becomes a bold, carefully crafted fashion statement.
Leandra Medine Cohen, the style icon known for her blog *The Man Repeller*, best embodies this revival. She wears an oversized, low-rise belt over a short little black dress, showcasing the full potential of this accessory. Her approach to high-risk fashion combinations makes her a role model for anyone looking to stand out.
What’s more, the XXL belt isn’t just for dresses. It pairs just as well with a flowing maxi skirt as it does with printed mini shorts. As a result, it easily fits into almost any summer wardrobe.
“All it takes is a simple accessory to complete a summer outfit.”
How to Wear an XXL Belt Every Day
Fans of Carrie Bradshaw ’s style will recognize this way of wearing a belt as a direct nod to episodes of *Sex and the City*. The fashion icon wore it directly against her skin, which remains a bold and highly effective choice. Today, this style is inspiring a new generation of fashion enthusiasts.
For a more casual look, the belt can also be worn over a top or a light dress. It instantly adds structure, even to the most flowing pieces. However, it’s best to choose a prominent buckle to accentuate the overall visual impact.
- Wear the XXL low-rise belt with a little black dress
- Pair it with a long, flowing skirt for a boho-chic look
- Pair it with printed mini shorts for a bold summer look
- Dare to wear it next to your skin, just like Carrie Bradshaw in *Sex and the City*
- Pair it with a head-to-toe chocolate-colored outfit featuring flowing pants and a matching tunic top
Other belt styles to try this summer
The XXL belt isn’t the only standout piece this season. The chain belt adds a touch of chic to even the most casual outfit in your wardrobe. As a result, even a pair of jeans and a basic T-shirt take on a whole new look.
Similarly, the colorful stone belt adds a touch of color and whimsy to understated looks. The crochet belt, a prominent feature in the new collections, exudes a natural, lightweight feel. These variations prove that the trend suits every style and budget.
As a result, there’s a belt style to suit every body type and every taste. The beauty of this fashion trend lies precisely in its diversity. This means you can refresh your summer looks without having to buy an entirely new wardrobe.
Our shopping picks to embrace this trend
If you want to embrace this fashion trend without breaking the bank, Mango offers a leather belt with a large buckle for €45.99, found among its new arrivals. It pairs perfectly with a head-to-toe chocolate-colored look featuring flowing pants and a matching tunic top. A little mini dress is also the perfect choice to show it off.
This type of affordable accessory proves that a major fashion trend doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, all it takes is one strategic purchase to transform several outfits you already own. That’s exactly what makes the oversized belt so appealing this summer.
Why this accessory is the must-have fashion item of the summer
The strength of the XXL belt lies in its ability to define a silhouette in just a few seconds. Yet it remains easy to wear and requires no particular fashion sense. It’s a piece you grab in the morning without a second thought, and it makes an immediate difference.
Moreover, its return is part of a broader fashion trend that emphasizes bold, statement accessories. The 1970s are once again inspiring collections, and the belt is one of the most wearable symbols of that era. However, unlike other retro pieces, it blends effortlessly into a contemporary wardrobe.
Now a staple among New York fashionistas, this piece has become the must-have fashion statement of the season. It proves that a well-chosen accessory is sometimes better than an entirely new outfit. Ultimately, it’s the most accessible trend of summer 2026.
