For this week’s Fashion on Fifth, we’re buckling in with belts that allow us to wear oversized jeans and make a statement. The importance of buckles has stood the test of time, being used throughout history to tell stories, show status, and of course to look fashionable. In the Old West, buckles were used to tell tales of cowboys and pioneers. In Ancient Greece and Rome, buckles were used for outfit ornamentation. 

Today on Fifth Avenue, a belt has various sentiments among students and staff at The New School. Some buckles continue to tell western stories of the past and others tell stories of something more present and personal. No matter the story, a good belt and buckle will always be worthy of attention.

Isabel Wassenaar she/her — @isabelwassenaar 

First-year Parsons School of Design photography student 

Home is where the heart — or hub of thrifting — is for Isabel, who got her belt in San Francisco during winter break. Trying to expand her collection and interest in belts, she explained that “they add a little zhuzh to your outfit.” Big belts, buckles, and interesting designs have especially grasped her interest a little more recently. On this day, her belt caught my attention for its cohesiveness as much as its uniqueness. Complimenting the many tans and browns along her body and contrasting the dark blues, her belt stood out without taking over the whole outfit. This was a good example of how to style a thick-cut belt with baggier items to avoid making it the centerpiece. Most importantly, “I’m representing my home town,” Isabel said.

Awuraaba Kufuor she/her — @mother.aba

Third-year Parsons fashion design student 

While Awuraaba’s belt was the perfect compliment to an almost all black outfit, I seemed to have caught her on the wrong day. “This is a boring day for me because I have so many belts,” she said. From owning belts related to the Wild West to belts with big turquoise stones, Awuraaba said, “this is the only belt I wear for functionality,” since she usually pairs them with skirts. This studded belt only became a staple in her closet after buying a pair of baggy JNCO jeans that couldn’t hold up on their own. While I liked her outfit, I look forward to seeing Awuraaba on what she deems “a good day.” 

Lucky Duran he/him — @lucky.duran

Third-year Parsons fine arts student

For Lucky, picking out his outfit in the morning is an easy process. Centering his choices around the same belt and pair of jeans every day, he sees no reason to make life any harder. Despite the repetition for him, seeing Lucky’s belt was something different for me. “I’m kind of into a lot of western stuff,” he said. His cuffed jeans, bandana around the neck, and septum piercing gave a modern take on vintage. Working in the metal shop, he finds his belt especially sturdy dealing with powerful and destructive tools. Most importantly, they hold up his pants. When asked about buying more belts he simply replied, “not in the near future.” Like his look, Lucky was straight to the point, giving me a simple yet tasteful answer.

Mara Plaesu she/her — @maraplaesu

Second-year Eugene Lang School of Liberal Arts economics student

Hanging right beneath her belt loops laid Mara’s elusive silver belt. Her shirt was ribbed and her bag was bold, yet my eyes were glued to the spiral buckle. For $10 on Poshmark, the belt was an easy way for Mara to spice up an outfit she thought was bland. While I disagreed that the outfit was bland, I did agree that the belt transformed it into something more. Mara usually puts on a belt to elevate her looks rather than to pull up her pants. “Definitely in winter I’ve been gravitating towards them just because I wear more plain colors,” she said. Although as spring colors are pushed upon us, Mara’s adaption should be notable. 

Aziz Yafee he/him

The New School janitor

Aziz has owned and used the same belt for the last twelve years. His father had bought it for him on a trip to Guatemala, and since then he hasn’t been able to find a belt that matches its quality. He even asked his friend traveling to Guatemala to buy the same belt, but sadly there were none that matched the original’s durability. Not only is this belt fit for Aziz to wear at work, but it sneakily adds a new element to his everyday attire. Whether it’s purposefully tasteful or not, the light brown belt with white stitching is still noticeable among his black pants and heavy keys. Even after twelve years, there is plenty of wear left in his belt. 

Aijalon Gandionco Any pronouns

Second-year Parsons Fashion BFA and film production student

For Aijalon, wearing belts is a must. “All day, every day, I always have a belt on,” they said. Putting on their belt is an important part of their styling process. “I usually start off with something plain or monochrome, and then I love stacking,” they said. For them, layering belts allows them to accentuate different parts of their body and can easily help distort a look. Black and silver with a lot of texture is always their go-to. Although I caught them on an unusual day wearing jorts, as Aijalon typically wears skirts, using the belt only for looks. The only helpful aspect of a belt for them is how it holds their carabiner and raccoon tail. Aijalon’s silver studded belts were an obvious perfect choice among the other blacks, silvers, and graphics on their outfit — for them, there’s no other choice. “These are my favorite belts,” Aijalon said. “I wear them almost every day.”

As warmer weather approaches, belts will be revealed from hiding under coats and layers, but they will continue to be seasonless. While belt uses vary with trends, they seem to come and go with a much deeper sentiment. For many, they are reminders of where we come from or who we are. They allow us to experiment with items that may be otherwise unflattering and try out new aesthetics. If you’re questioning how to wear the new belt you just thrifted, look around at all the individuals making it work.