And just when we thought we’d exhausted every possible Y2K revival under the sun, another nostalgic Noughties piece has resurfaced — and this time, it’s the chain belt. Equal parts influenced by the boho revival we keep hearing about and the ongoing obsession with early 2000s fashion, the chain belt is staking its claim as the latest accessory to define the era’s comeback. And if Gigi Hadid’s recent outfit choice is anything to go by, it’s time to dust off those metal links and get experimental with the waist-chinching, hip-hugging accessory.
FIND OUT MORE ON ELLE COLLECTIVE
After the continued excitement around rave shades, Ugg boots and bag charms, the chain belt is the next nougthies accessory to add to your arsenal. After a succession of awe-inspiring outfits during Paris Fashion Week, on Thursday, the model returned to New York, stepping out in the ultimate Y2K-coded outfit. The staple piece: an asymmetrically slung chain belt.
Read Next
The look immediately sparked memories of the belts you’d see dangling from baggy jeans of the teen boys at the skatepark, who shuffled around in their giant-tongued DC trainers or scuffed checkerboard Vans. Or maybe it harks back to the boho festival era, where Sienna Miller and Kate Moss traipsed around Glastonbury, with coin belts jangling over their slouchy T-shirt dresses and ruffle-hem miniskirts, worn with obligatory muddy wellies and tatty Barbour wax jackets. In any case, Hadid’s interpretation has got us all thinking about when, where and how to style the noughties-inspired accessory.
The belt in question was paired with a tailored pinstripe jumpsuit, which was topped off with another of this season's favourites, the leather bomber jacket. Alongside her gleaming gold chain belt, she also accessorised with a Rabanne chunky link necklace and earrings, paired with a sequin-embellished clutch that resembled the freebie makeup bags you’d score at Superdrug back in the day.
Chloé Iconic Chain Belt
Rixo Myrtle Belt
Rixo Isolde Belt
Rabanne XL Link Two-Tone Chain Belt
The return of the chain belt has been brewing for a while, but Miu Miu made it official on the SS25 runway. In September, the brand sent most of its models down the catwalk with chain belts slung low on the hips, including ring-embellished and flower-stamped versions. Paired with colourful cutout leotards, patent leather and pleated midi-skirts, double-breasted jackets and signature sporty undies, Mrs Prada signalled the return of the teenage trinket in one fell swoop.
Chanel also embraced the revival. For its spring collection, silver feather and floral chain belts were draped over double denim and classic tweed mini-suits. Meanwhile, London-based emerging designer Masha Popova, known for her Y2K-steeped acid-wash low-rise denim, offered her own take — chain belts adorned with bells and trinkets that jingled with every step down the runway. Chloé’s were worn with blousy bloomer and uber-high-waisted cord flares, baring the brand’s name and suspending cute mini-coin purses.
The best part about the chain belt revival is its versatility. Whether you’re leaning into the full Y2K aesthetic or just adding a subtle metallic accent to your outfit, the trend is easy to make your own. Channel Gigi’s look by pairing a chain belt with sleek tailoring and complementary statement accessories. Go full festival mode with a coin belt over a floaty slip dress, leather biker boots and a waistcoat like at Chemena Kamali’s free-spirited Chloé. Embrace the skater aesthetic by attaching a chunky silver belt to low-rise cargos or layer it up like at Miu Miu and add multiple chains, mixed metals and charms for the personal effect.
It’s a low-effort, high-impact styling trick that works with just about everything. Time to raid the bargain bins at your local charity shop and give this Noughties staple the comeback it deserves.
ELLE Collective is a new community of fashion, beauty and culture lovers. For access to exclusive content, events, inspiring advice from our Editors and industry experts, as well the opportunity to meet designers, thought-leaders and stylists, become a member today HERE.
