From now on, the key when wearing skirts is neither length nor fit
What caused the biggest stir at Chanel's 2026 Fall/Winter collection was, without a doubt, the drop-waist silhouette.
Chanel 2026 F/W RTW
Chanel 2026 F/W RTW
Chanel 2026 F/W RTW
The somewhat misaligned proportions between torso and lower body, a sagging style that evokes Cortis, and the link to Gabrielle Chanel (the drop-waist silhouette is a symbol of 1920s flapper style, and Coco Chanel was a leading designer of that movement). Countless magazines analyzed this drop-waist look, but the detail that actually captured my eye was something else. It was the belt.
Chanel 2026 F/W RTW
Chanel 2026 F/W RTW
Imagine the Chanel drop-waist look with the belt removed. The all-white look on the left would have appeared to have skewed proportions because the distinction between upper and lower body is blurred. The look on the right, which evokes a classic atmosphere, would likely have felt bland for lack of a color point. It was a moment that reminded me a belt can turn a 90-point look into a 100-point one.
Zomer 2026 S/S RTW
Zomer 2026 S/S RTW
Zomer 2026 S/S RTW
Belts have long been perceived primarily as items to wear with trousers, but watching the runways, I felt it was time to let go of that stereotype. Not only Matthieu Blazy but many designers are pairing skirts with belts. Shall we start with Zomer, which presented a drop-waist silhouette similar to Chanel? They used belts to clearly define the waistline or to anchor looks with bold patterns.
Coperni 2026 S/S RTW
The combination of skirt and belt also shines when creating looks that aren't drop-waist silhouettes. Coperni, which employed the same formula to present a clean but effective high-waist look, is a good example. They matched a minimally colored top and bottom, then added a bright red belt as a focal point. By pairing a nylon skirt—complete with a drawstring detail at the hem—with a leather belt that reads more formal, they also achieved a subtle mixed-match.
Bottega Veneta 2026 S/S RTW
Bottega Veneta 2026 S/S RTW
Bottega Veneta's runway offered hints for office looks. After creating an overall composed look, they add a bit of wit by twisting the long tail of the belt once.
If you've decided to try this combination, start by buckling a black belt you already own onto a skirt from your closet. A denim-on-denim look using a denim skirt works well, and you can give a minimal outfit more presence by adding a buckle belt.
Published: April 16, 2026
