This Simple Accessory Makes Shorts and Skirts Look Chicer

I’ve long been a believer that in summer, anything goes when it comes to fashion. Have you been loving dopamine-inducing stripes from afar? There’s no better time to wear them. Feeling nostalgic in a Blue Crush–meets-Barbie way? Now’s your chance to experiment with colour and texture. When it comes to transforming a simple outfit into a standout look, it’s less about what you wear per se and more about how you style it. So, when I happened across medallion belts stylishly slung around the waists of many a chic fashion person, I knew it was an accessory trend I needed to bring to your attention.

With the ever-evolving fashion landscape continuing to favour personality-led maximalism over quiet luxury, it makes sense that these ludicrously sized belt buckles have quickly become this season’s hottest accessory. But before you panic, these aren’t the aggressively logo-heavy waist belts of the 2010s. Instead, they channel Country and Western spirit, sprinkled with a healthy dose of modern bohemia. Instantly recognisable for their rococo-inspired medallions, the style feels far more Yellowstone than Y2K, which is a refreshing twist amongst all the throwback trends we’re seeing right now.

Bubbling up quietly in luxury fashion houses for some time, credit must be given to Jonathon Anderson. As the models strutted down the Dior Homme autumn/winter 2026 runway in looks that featured skinny jeans and sequinned tops, the brand’s iteration of the medallion belt peeked playfully over the top. Flash forward a few months, and hey presto, the style is everywhere.

Whether paired with a preppy striped polo and longline shorts or a sweeping denim maxi skirt and pretty blouse, the grandeur of a medallion belt will instantly elevate any outfit. Trust me: even your simplest summer look will be infinitely chicer. Slipped over one of your favourite linen dresses, suddenly, it feels far more curated, and these belts even work well with tailored Bermudas and sultry lace-trim skirts, so that’s your summer ‘fits upgraded. Scroll to shop the best medallion belts below.

Shop the Medallion Belt Trend