Seemingly all the bloggers out there have the now-iconic Gucci belt. And after I got one as a birthday gift this month, I’m joining the ranks.
I might be a year or two too late to be on-trend but this investment piece is something that will never go out of style, in my opinion. I personally love it because it is a beautiful, well-made accessory that elevates pretty much any look. It’s something that I will have for the rest of my life and I love that.
Gucci Belt Sizing
First, you have to decide if you want to wear it around your waist like I do, or around your hips with jeans. I chose a smaller size so that I could pair it with dresses higher-waisted jeans and shorts. It comes with 5 holes (an inch apart) so I can move it up and down pretty far too which is nice. It is such a big investment, and I’m glad I’m able to wear it in multiple ways.
The sizing system is a little bit confusing when you first see it but it’s actually a really simple measurement. The size is the number of centimeters from the edge of the buckle to the middle belt hole. So you could physically measure yourself with measuring tape or use the guide on the Gucci site which is what I did and it was accurate.
I chose 75 cm and I wear it on the tightest hole at my waist and the loosest hold at my hips. My jean size is 26 for reference. I would have probably gotten a size 80cm if I wanted to wear it more often around my hips because it’s pretty tight with my non-high-waisted jeans.
I also love the thin version which is a little more understated and a lot more elegant. It follows the same sizing rules.
Where to buy a Gucci Belt
You could 100% buy one second-hand on a site like Poshmark or The Real Real, but 1. They’re only about $30 cheaper based on what I’m seeing and 2. I’d be careful if you do that because this piece is pretty easy to fake and spending $400 on a fake belt that will probably fall apart is not a good look. I recommend buying it directly from the Gucci website (if they’re in stock, they sell out a lot) because they have free shipping and include a free return label if you don’t like it for any reason. They also sell most of the sizes and colors at Nordstrom online.
Alternatives to the Gucci Belt
If you love the look but not the price tag, check out some of these very classic alternatives at a few price-points. My only tip for belt shopping is to buy something that doesn’t look too trendy so that you can wear it for years to come. All of these fit the bill.
J.Mclaughlin Ruby Belt, $98: I have this belt in camel and love it because it’s timeless and understated while adding a statement to your look. You can see me in it here and here. It comes in black, navy, and camel.
Madewell Medium Perfect Belt, $45: Talk about a classic. I just scooped up this puppy in camel in a larger size so I can wear it with jeans around my hips. It comes in black, camel, and cream.
Express Round Buckle Reversible Belt, $35: You can’t beat the price here and, like the Tory Burch option, it’s actually two belts in one.
Outfit 1: Reformation Dress
Outfit 2: Saint James Shirt / Levi’s Shorts / Everlane Sneakers (gifted) / ASHA Necklace
Outfit 3: Madewell White Jeans / J.Crew Tank Top / Sweater Blazer (on sale) / Pearl Hair Clip
Outfit 1: Reformation Dress
Outfit 2: Saint James Shirt / Levi’s Shorts / Everlane Sneakers (gifted) / ASHA Necklace
Outfit 3: Madewell White Jeans / J.Crew Tank Top / Sweater Blazer (on sale) / Pearl Hair Clip
Photos by Julia Dags.
I love it, but have held back for fear that it will be a passing trend (think Valentino rockstuds). It does look great on you and elevates all of your outfits. Thanks for including some other options as well.
So true. I’m just hoping that all of these things become retro chic again by the time Amalia can wear them.
Love the look, but I’ve come to loathe really high end branded items. I used to have a few investment items in my younger days (with more disposable income!) and I started noticing that other women would eye me over when I had something expensive on. It’s like they were tallying the total of what I was wearing and it felt really gross. I now kind of like flying under the radar with nondescript pieces and my bank account is much, much healthier as well.
I have a few friends who still always ask where the things I buy come from and how much they cost. I can almost kind of see them relax when I say items are from Madewell, Nordstrom, etc. vs high end luxury brands. Women can be brutal with fashion comparisons, even amongst friends.
I don’t begrudge anyone their luxury items – some of them are very beautiful but for me, it’s a pass.
I love that attitude. If you haven’t shopped at Cuyana yet, you should check it out. My everyday tote is from there and it’s super well-made and beautiful but not branded at all. They make gorgeous leather items. Unfortunately no belts that I liked but everything else you can think of. I have their wallet too!
Oh I have a few items from Cuyana on my list but haven’t made the leap yet! Actually the wallet and tote are exactly what I’m looking at 🙂 Glad they have your endorsement.
The zippered cross-body tote is the one I’m loving most right now because I can fit a ton of stuff in it but it’s comfortable. I actually also have the larger tote which I use when I carry my laptop around. Those are the two bags I use 90% of the time. One of them had a piece that broke and they replaced the entire thing!
I totally agree with this. I cringe when I see expensive branded accessories like this. Especially ones that are popular among fashion bloggers. Be original and get something different!
Although I am not a belt gal, I love it on you! Loved all 3 of these outfits, which shows how versatile an investment piece can be when you tailor it into your own personal style.
In other news, sadly that Tory Burch belt is not a belt, it’s a bracelet! 🙁 Tory, if you’re reading this, please turn that design into a belt haha
OMG wrong link I’m so sorry! Looks like it sold out everywhere. But it was a beautiful belt when it was available 🙂
If you really want an honest opinion, it doesn’t “elevate” any look, and certainly not ripped jean shorts, I find a giant logo brand belt no matter how much you spent on it rather cheap looking. It’s screams “look at me, I spent hundreds of dollars on an accessory so I must have lots of money”. One of the best jokes I ever heard was a pictures of Bill Gates and Warren Buffet sitting together talking about their charity work, billions of net worth between them and not a Gucci belt between them. I like a more understated, non-logo approach to luxury brands. Sorry, that’s my honest opinion.
I’ve seen that photo and love it! I appreciate your opinion and would agree most of the time for sure.
I’ve always associated an ostentatious display of labels with a euro-trash look. I’m personally not into the splashy display of logos. The majority of the cost of that belt is the label, not the quality. A beautiful handmade leather belt the costs less and wears just as well is preferable to me. All a Gucci belt says is “I have (or want people to think) I have a lot of money.” I literally don’t think there’s any real reason for an ostentatious display of logos. I also think it teaches the younger generations to be followers, not leaders of trends.
Fair enough! Although I think it’s ok to follow a trend if that trend makes you happy. As long as you lead your own path in other ways.
I just got it! I have a 4 month old so I haven’t been able to wear it as much as I like because my hips are still wide from the baby. BUT I’ve wanted it for years (or the Hermes one but Gucci is much more affordable) and I’m so excited to finally own it!
Give it time! My hips took about 8 months to go back down to their pre-baby size.
Not really sure how this would fall into the category of flashy logo display. I personally love the subtlety of the logo design on the belt. Yes you see it a lot but I have never seen it look bad on someone and think it just adds a little pop. I invest in designer items when I can. I think it makes me stick to having well made, classic items and making sure I wear them and if you are buying something that will hopefully be timeless I don’t see the problem with that. Just because someone is wearing something designer doesn’t mean they are trying to be flashy. I think it looks great!
Thank you! This one makes me happy so I’m into it. I don’t really have any bags with flashy logos but this I like.
Works for you.
Thanks!
The belt looks great… However, I’m still boycotting Gucci because of this spring’s blackface sweater.
Just had to Google that. How did they think that was ok????
Cute outfits! Personally, the Gucci belt is really not my style at all, and I would rather invest elsewhere, but I think it can look cool on other people. Always great to have a quality piece that you love!
I am all for a treat yourself moment! If you want to buy yourself something special, and you are completely in love with it, then go for it! 🙂 The belt is such a classic statement piece that it is worth the investment! I am constantly lusting after their infamous loafers!
xx Libby
https://premedwearspearls.blogspot.com/
Is it not weird to ask “is this worth it?” and then have the answer be “probably not” if it was a birthday gift? That would be one thing if it was a c/o or sponsored item, but you’re saying it was a gift that someone bought for you with their own money? That poor person…
Fwiw I think it’s cute enough, but definitely puts you in a certain category of people who buy what others buy.
Sorry if that was unclear. I love the belt but I could never spend that much money myself! It was a fantastic gift. If it came off like I wasn’t grateful, my bad.
Also, I’m ok to be in the category of people who buy what others buy. Sometimes I buy what others buy and sometimes I don’t! Although I didn’t buy this, just sayin’ 🙂
It looks pretty on you Julia! That being said, I would not feel comfortable spending $400 on a belt. I could never justify it in light of my long term financial goals (think what a dent that could put toward paying down a mortgage!) And while I do give hints for birthdays, I just would not feel comfortable asking a loved one to spend that much.
Another blogger linked a similar faux leather belt that she purchased on Amazon (Earnda Women’s Faux Leather Belt). It has two circle links (instead of the Gucci logo) – for about $15! This would be a great lower price alternative for achieving the same look.
I think Julia has beautiful taste & style. I love that she share so much about herself. She is genuine just like a new leather belt! She never disappoints me – I adore all her ideas and usually I never leave comments. Yeah Julia 🙂
I’ve been looking for a nice statement belt forever, but trying to stay away from the Gucci price tag! Thanks so much for rounding up some alternatives. A recent college grad appreciates it
That red dress is absolutely, positively stunning on you. I have to find one soon for a NYC wedding! The belt’s a sweet look. Plus we’ve got gold hardware, nautical stripes, white sneaks, and distressed denim happening! What are you a fashion blogger or something? Ha! All classics. Recreating pronto.