Then and Now

It can be a mixed bag of reactions when you witness a trend coming around the fashion block for the second time. Some are welcomed with open arms and closet doors, and some make you cringe and even try to pretend this is the first time you’re seeing it.  

There are a couple of fashion trends on their second lap around the fashion block that I could live without, and the double wrap belt is one of them. For those of you who are seeing this trend for the first time, the double belt is simply that: a belt that is long enough to go around your waist twice. The majority of double belts are thin, perhaps an inch or less, but there are some double belts that are much wider. And like your standard belts, they come plain styles or with embellishments like studs, holes, baubles, bangles, and beads.

The double belt may have fashion roots that go further back in time, but it was a very hot accessory in the late ’70s and early ’80s. Double belts are usually worn wrapped around your waist twice, either pulled snug. And back in the day, some fashionistas of both sexes wore these belts wrapped once around the waist and then wrapped the second time around their leg…it made for an interesting mental image.  

I do agree this double belt trend is perfect for the high-waisted jeans and trousers we are seeing. It also works well with a lot of the ladylike clothing. If you have a tiny waist like fashionista Victoria Beckham, it’s also perfect for showing it off and it can help create a bit of an hourglass figure. Since these belts run thin, the double wrap belt is perfect to wear over one of this season’s cute retro peasant tops or tunics. Another idea is to work a double belt over a sleek draped disco style dress. This trend is practically effortless; you can also simply wear a double belt wrapped loosely over the waistband of a pair of trousers. Since these belts normally run thin, it might be fun to keep an eye open for a pair of authentic vintage pants or jeans from the 1970s. The belt loops will most likely be small and you can work an authentic look by putting the belt through the loops once, then draping it loosely around your waist the second time.