It's Arrived: The Hottest Accessory for Denim in 2026

      Welcome to The Great Try-On—our comprehensive guide to everything you need for your most fashionable season yet. As the days become longer and warmer, we’ve curated the ultimate spring capsule wardrobe with five essential yet stylish key pieces. A few of our editors modeled each versatile item, allowing you to see how they look in real life. We've created individual stories around the five highlighted categories, featuring some of your favorite brands, innovative styling tips, and plenty of outfit inspiration. From the season's trendiest basics to the must-have accessories, we hope these images and candid reviews assist you in building a spring wardrobe filled with essentials and fashionable pieces that you can wear this season and beyond. With winter's layers set aside, spring allows us to focus on items that enhance our outfits without relying on outerwear. One such category is accessories, where we've spotlighted the trend that has quickly become the must-have item of the season: big-buckle belts. Frequently, stylish individuals are pairing these belts with denim. Big-buckle belts are the latest addition to the surge of Western-inspired pieces gaining popularity in recent seasons, and, as with many Western trends, the most natural pairing is with denim. This is precisely how these belts were featured on the exciting spring/summer 2026 runways of Khaite and Celine. Our editors experimented with the trend (of course, styling with denim) and shared their thoughts on the big-buckle belts they tried. Keep scrolling to see how these accessories elevated their outfits and shop the specific styles they wore.

      One standout style of spring 2026 is the Khaite belt, which our senior fashion editor Anna tried on. Featuring a sculptural buckle, it presents a distinctly elegant approach to the trend. Belts are one of Khaite's specialties, and you can find all the details about this piece and see a stylish way to wear it here.

      Anna’s thoughts on the belt: "Honestly, I never considered myself a statement belt kind of person. My style is more minimalist and tailored, particularly in accessories. But if anyone can make me feel confident in a big-buckle belt, it’s Khaite. The designer's version of the trend radiates cool-girl vibes with a sculptural hardware design rather than a rodeo feel. For me, the key is to wear it cinched with something high-waisted, so it sits closer to my natural waist, where the chunkier design is most flattering."

      Styling tips: A big-buckle belt as refined as the Khaite Keefe Leather Belt requires equally sophisticated styling. The '90s-inspired pairing of a dark-denim pencil skirt and elbow-sleeve tee showcases the versatility of this Western accessory. The elegant slingback pumps and structured handbag highlight the belt, allowing it to take center stage.

      Shop the belt: Khaite Keefe Leather Belt ($980). If you're looking to invest in a designer piece that you'll wear repeatedly this season and beyond, the Khaite Keefe Leather Belt is a worthwhile purchase. The high-quality leather conforms to your body, and the domed buckle is crafted from jewelry-grade palladium-plated brass. It will only improve with time.

      Khaite

      Franc Crepe Peplum Jacket

      Khaite

      Keefe Leather Belt

      Khaite

      Kendra Denim Pencil Skirt

      Aeyde

      Camila Slingback Pumps

      CELINE

      Triomphe Sunglasses

      Khaite

      Audrey Crossbody Bag

      Our senior branded content editor Aniyah and associate fashion editor Nikki explored a minimalist interpretation of the big-buckle-belt trend. Check out their insights on the belt and discover how stylish it looks with jeans.

      Aniyah’s thoughts on the belt: "I can’t stress enough: Westernwear is back. The collections on the runways, the street style changes in 2025, and Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Tour all reflect this shift as fashion enthusiasts embrace significant aspects of Western style. I’m referring to cowboy hats, boots, fringe, suede, and of course, big belts. This outfit captures those essential elements while remaining true to the beloved NYC street style. Funnel jackets are trending, so I tucked mine into wide-leg jeans to let this vintage-washed leather belt shine. The oversized gold buckle adds contrast to the neutral tones of my shoes and jacket. As the weather warms up, I envision wearing this statement belt with distressed and oversized denim shorts, a ribbed tank, and ballet flats."

      Nikki’s thoughts on the belt: "I’ve always been a fan of belts, though I typically opt for classic styles featuring a simple black leather strap with a gold or silver buckle. However, the runway collections for spring/summer 2026 from Celine, Dior, and Khaite have encouraged me to explore bolder, trendier options, especially those with Western flair, like this B-Low the Belt design. Initially, I hesitated to try the My