For many students at App State, days consist of sprinting to class, grabbing a coffee and figuring out what to wear for the day. Somewhere in the midst of this chaos, a small detail can often stand out.
An item usually worn if your pants were a little too big, belts have found a place on campus. Whether it’s a thrifted find, a chunky statement belt or a reliable one that matches everything, a little personality is being added to simple outfits.
Belts aren’t only a campus trend; in the past year, belts have become one of the most searched for accessories online. Social media platforms like TikTok and Pinterest are fueling creative ways to style them. Popular designers such as CELINE and Dior are also spotlighting belts as must-have pieces for 2026.
On campus, the trend has shown itself in a variety of ways.
Junior psychology major Jacob Kerna, tall and dressed in an alternative and gothic-inspired style, wore a black mesh shirt paired with a chunky belt at the waist. He explained that many of his outfits are inspired by the alternative music he listens to.
“A lot of alternative fashion includes belts,” Kerna said.
Chunky leather belts and studded designs are often a staple of alternative fashion, emphasizing darker colors, layered pieces and bold accessories.
Belts aren’t only limited to this type of fashion. Another student, sophomore biology major Claire Bamber, took a softer approach. Her outfit featured warm, earthy tones, with a brown belt tying the look together at her waist. Bamber references a meme that’s shared online, making fun of how essential belts can be.
“Whenever I think belts, I always think of that one meme that’s like, ‘how do you keep your pants up?’” Bamber said.
Growing up with two sisters, Bamber credits them with helping her cultivate her personal style over the years, experimenting with many different types and colors. She said she inherited many of their hand-me-downs, which became key pieces in her fashion.
Beyond just style, Bamber enjoys the functionality of wearing a belt.
“I also feel like a belt just adds something that keeps the structure of your torso and legs together,” Bamber said.
A tip she shared was, “If you tuck your shirt, wear a belt.”
Junior physics major Lonna Ward wore a patterned vest in shades of white, green and brown, with a stylish silver belt at her waist tying the look together. She layered many matching necklaces, adding unique details to her style.
“My pants totally fit; I don’t need a belt, but my mid-region looks empty without a belt,” Ward said.
Ward said she views belts as more than just practical accessories. For her, belts can take on many different styles and definitions.
“Especially scarves as a belt, or a necklace as a belt, waist chains count as a belt — anything around your waist needs to be there,” Ward said.
From gothic-inspired belts to soft, warm tones, students represent how versatile belts can be. Belts aren’t only made to hold up pants; they become a functional accessory and statement piece showing how even the smallest of details can tie an outfit together.
“It’s like if you see someone not wearing a necklace; it’s like the same thing nowadays, without a necklace is the same as without a belt. It puts you a step above,” Ward said.