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Sure, we all know what basics professional women are supposed to have in their closets, but if you’re buying one for the first time or replacing one you’ve worn into the ground, it can be a pain to find exactly the right incarnation in stores. In “The Hunt,” we search the stores for a basic item that every woman should have.
Which are your favorite simple black belts for work? If you’re a fan of belts, we live in good times. Skinny belts in vibrant colors and fun patterns are everywhere; wide, obi-inspired belts are also very popular, and you can spend anywhere from $20 to $2000 for a great belt. Hooray!
As of 2024, some of our favorite brands to check for work belts include Brooks Brothers, M.M.LaFleur, and Tory Burch; also keep an eye on The Outnet and Nordstrom Rack for sales. For inexpensive belts, readers love J.Crew Factory, Banana Republic Factory, and Ann Taylor.
But sometimes you just want a simple black belt to, you know, hold your pants up. One that isn’t going to be the focal point of your outfit, but isn’t going to be a throw-away piece either. So I thought I’d look for some quality black leather belts around 1″ wide, which I’ve always thought of as the classic size for trouser loops.
As of 2024, we think the best work pants for women include longtime favorites such as Nic & Zoe, Theory, NYDJ, J.Crew, and M.M.LaFleur — as well as trendy brands like Spanx, Favorite Daughter, and Everlane. For budget-friendly styles, check Quince, Old Navy, and Amazon seller Tapata.
Readers, how often do you wear belts — and do you prefer simple or wild belts? Have you gotten any great “wardrobe staple” belts lately? Which are your favorite simple black belts for work?
The below content may concern products that have sold out.
First up: the 1″ Leather Mid Belt from Ann Taylor. There is a brushed metal prong buckle, it’s 100% leather, and it comes in sizes XS-L in black, camel, and “lush hibiscus,” a nice pink, for $44. Leather Mid Belt |
Next: J.Crew’s leather round-buckle belt. This one is only 13/16″, so it’s a bit on the skinny side — it has a “substantial buckle with a shiny brass finish” and is made of “Italian leather.” The black (pictured) is $45; other colors (light brown, beige, and bright green) come down to $11.99-$21 with code GET40. Leather round-buckle belt |
Shiny! This is the skinniest of the belts, at 5/8″, but I like the enamel details on the gold tone buckle. The belt is available in black, green, purple, and red for $39-$48 at Zappos, sizes XS-L. Cole Haan Enamel Dressy Belt |
Ralph Lauren is having some decent sales right now (extra 30% off all already-reduced styles), so this nice 1″ wide suede belt comes from $295 down to $104.30. I like the covered buckle, which seems to me the most versatile if you don’t like mixing your metals. Ralph Lauren Suede Skinny Trench Belt |
I’ve kind of been lusting after Saffiano leather since a reader wrote in considering a Prada tote purchase, and this is a (somewhat) affordable way to indulge: the Saffiano belt is a mere $300 on at Neiman Marcus. It’s 1.25″ wide, has a “golden” buckle, and features that gorgeous Saffiano leather. Get free shipping with code SHOPNM. Saffiano Vernice Dress Belt, Black |
Ah, Bottega Veneta… talk about a splurge. Still, this is the signature intrecciato weave, 1″ wide, and looks lux and gorgeous — it’s $420 at Net-a-Porter. Bottega Veneta Intrecciato leather belt |
Readers, which are your favorite simple black belts for work?
Like this feature? Check out other recent installments!
Godzilla
The best black belt I’ve ever worn is the one I stole from Papa Godzilla’s closet. Luckily, he hasn’t missed it…yet. Why are men’s belts, even the cheap ones, so much sturdier than women’s belts?
Kanye East
Ooh, now I’mma steal Mr. East’s belts and poke extra holes in them because MISANDRY.
Diana Barry
Kanye wins!
Lady Harriet
I have a black braided leather men’s belt I got in a thrift store. It’s very sturdy and infinitely adjustable, but I’ve lost some weight so the tail is absurdly long and tends to fall out of my belt loops. Women’s belts are so annoying, though, so I’m not looking forward to replacing it.
joy
Oh, a timely post for me. I recently came to the realization that I hate my wardrobe. I enjoy individual pieces, but as a whole, I hate it. I think I need to accessorize more – something I’ve never been good at. Moving from simply wearing clothes to wearing something a little more creative. I’m looking forward to the comments! And, if you have any advice for sprucing up my closet without buying a ton of new stuff, I’m all ears!
notowot
I went to a thrift store and bought a lot of fun belts. At the price, it didn’t seem much of a risk, and it allowed me to experiment.
Sutemi
I don’t thrift much, but have gotten several belts at thrift stores. It is easy to see if they fit and they are cheap!
marise
Whenever I get bored with my wardrobe, I go back to my closet and spend an evening playing “dress up.” I mix and match new outfits, pull out sweaters, blouses, belts, scarves stuck in the back of my closet and all of a sudden, I realize I’ve got new outfits–and way too many clothes. It also helps me figure out if I’m missing something. I try to do this on a Sunday night, so I can put together a whole week’s worth of outfits and I don’t have to scramble in the mornings. It’s also great way to stop me from web shopping!
saacnmama
That sounds so awful to me it made me lol! I know this is a fashion website, and the majority of people here would probably enjoy what you just described, but spending Sun afternoon in my closet sounds just as bad to me as does messing around with clothes Sunday evening so we aren’t ready to go the next morning, and getting a late start on the week.
AttiredAttorney
marise, apparently we’re wardrobe planning twins!
moss
What do you hang your outfits on? I used to get my outfits ready on Sundays but that was when I was dressing in sweatshirts, etc (worked in IT). Now I like to dress a little more nicely so I can’t just make an outfit burrito.
Susedna
+1 outfit burrito
I am stealing that, btw. :-)
rosie
I hang outfits on velvet/felt hangers (Coscto item) and put them in the bathroom so that they get steamed a little. I usually only do this for tops and dresses and just hang the skirts and pants on the outside of my closet.
And I wouldn’t say I enjoy doing this, but it helps me get out of the house in the mornings, particularly if I take the time to pick out jewelry (usually just the night before, not all on Sunday). I also feel less stressed because there are fewer “oh no, what is this outfit” moments while I’m walking to the Metro in the morning.
AttiredAttorney
Invest some serious time in wardrobe planning. I set out all my outfits for the week on Sunday night. That gives me plenty of time to sort out which scarves, belts, jewelry, tights and even shoes work well with which outfits. I feel like my outfits are much more “complete” when I plan them all well in advance. In this process, I’ll issue challenges for myself to wear a shirt that I haven’t worn in a while, which forces me to get very creative with my pairings. Since I started this, the number of compliments I receive on what I wear has greatly increased – and I haven’t even bought anything new!
Marise
This. I’m with Moss though on how you hang your clothes. I use my hangers and space out my outfits so they are the first ones “in line” in my closet. It’s so awesome to be able to wake up and have your day’s clothes ready to go without having to fuss in the morning while simultaneously getting the five year old and eight year old ready for school.
SoCalAtty
I like Fossil’s belts, and I wear my riding belts pretty often too. The riding belts I have are by Ariat and Tailored Sportsman.
SoCalAtty
Here is one: http://www.smartpakequine.com/ariat-english-spur-belt-3723p.aspx?cm_vc=Search
Something more plain: http://www.smartpakequine.com/padded-leather-belt-6886p.aspx?cm_vc=Search
KC
I love my Ariat boots, how have I never thought to look at their belts? Really like the one you linked!
saacnmama
Reposting from this morning’s thread
Has anyone here sold china dishes? My Mikasa set is no longer being made. I know I could sell it to Replacements but am wondering if I’d get more money elsewhere.
Anonymous
I have not sold dishes/china, but I have bought them. Generally, you’ll get a fraction of what you paid for them — when buying, most places charge only a few dollars for a plate (Replacements is probably the most expensive place to buy out of stock fine china). I’ve bought mine at antique stores and never paid over $100 for a set of 12 settings. Occasionally you do see sets for several hundred dollars, but those sit for a long time — no market for it. Considering that I’m paying very little, you’ll receive even less after Replacements or whatever service takes them.
Unless they’re really taking up space and you’re sure you’ll never use them, just put them in the closet and revisit them in a few years.
Diana Barry
I hate belts. I will be like Susedna with capes, only with belts. No belts!
I think it is because I’m short-waisted, so belts just look bad on me. Plus I don’t want to call attention to my baby pooch.
Cat
Co-signed. They’re always in the way, create an annoying bulge right where I don’t need extra volume (and I’m forever hitting that same spot with anything I’m carrying, like binders – nothing like giving yourself a, erm, frontal wedgie by picking up an armload of closing documents and catching your belt buckle from underneath…), and if I actually need them to hold up my pants, they end up scooting to the very top of the waistband (as the pants work their way downward). No belts!
moss
I also HATE. HATE. HATE belts.
Legally Brunette
I like belts, they just don’t like me. :) I’m also short waisted.
Dessert Doctor
I also hate belts! I’m short-waisted and large-of-chest, so belts just make me look terrible.
Susedna
*grin*
I hate belts because I have no waist.
Susie
I like the look of a collared shirt tucked in with belted pants, my problem is the shirt not laying flat but poofing out. For the record I have wide-ish shoulders and hips and a small waist.
Elbe
Try a jersey or silk blouse instead of cotton. You can also have your shirts tailored with darts so that the fit is closer to your body.
Susie
Thanks, I’ve been looking for silk blouses for a while now without success. I have one I’ve had for years, can’t remember where I got it.
Midwest
Also a belt hater! They don’t work for my body type at all and I end up adjusting them all the dang time. That said, I’m sort of in love with the “lush hibiscus” color that Kat mentioned.
Sugar Magnolia
I am also a poochy belt hater! Oh belts, its not you, its me!
Amazon is great
Ladies, I just want to share the amazing customer service experience I had with Amazon over the weekend. Long story short, the post office lost a package of items I tried to return a couple months ago. I called Amazon to ask to extend the return authorization (due to expire in a couple weeks) while USPS tries to find the package. Instead, Amazon said, “USPS problems aren’t your fault!” and just refunded my money, no questions asked. Customer service rep was super pleasant and helpful, and the whole thing took maybe 10 minutes. Why can’t all retailers be so efficient?
I still wish all return shipping were free, but I’ll overlook that with a smile for a little while now!
Coalea
Nice! I had a great experience with Amazon recently as well – I ordered something and decided to return. Went online to print out the return shipping label and was informed that I could go ahead and keep the item, but Amazon would refund my money! I wish all shopping experiences were so pleasant!
Susedna
Another happy Amazon customer, here. They’ve also been great when their Amazon Marketplace vendors flake out and don’t ship something. (Yup, I had one say that he was closing shop, and wasn’t going to ship, so too bad for me.)
SJ
I’m going to my first out-of-town conference in a few weeks and I’m curious how y’all keep track of your receipts for reimbursement? I’m trying to figure out the best system for stashing my receipts in my purse and I honestly have no idea. Help hive!
Emma Woodhouse
Kat would probably recommend a plastic envelope. For me, having an empty pocket in my wallet works best – then ONLY work receipts go in there, and I can empty that pocket when I get back.
Also – have fun!
saacnmama
I just kept them with my bills, and transferred them to an envelope in my hotel room every night. I wrote them each down as I moved them. Pretty simple, I know.
Cat
I used one of the zippered pockets in my work tote for these. Pre-trip, I toss in a few mini binder clips or paper clips and a pen. At the end of each day, I’d write on each receipt what it was for (e.g., “A.M. taxi from hotel to meeting” or “dinner with client X” and then clip that day’s together.
Cb
So organized. I did the ‘use credit card, lose receipt, call company for receipt’ routine and figured (I worked for an NGO) that the inevitable missing receipt counted as my annual donation.
Anonymous
Yeah, I’d recommend writing notes on the receipt right away – otherwise I forget and make “donations”.
SH
I also keep them all in an empty pocket in my wallet. I forgot the first couple times to take the receipts after things like coffee or if I had to ask for a receipt. But when it’s a habit you remember, and it’s just a automatic that it goes in the wallet now.
An
Every time I get a receipt I immediately scan it with the GeniusScan app on my phone. Then I have them all saved together, can email them to my work address, and submit them all electronically (or print them, but we scan/fax everything anyway). I don’t have to worry about losing receipts at all.
IMMJ
My secretary gives me my itinerary and boarding pass in an envelope. I stick receipts in that envelope and keep track on the outside of the envelope of my expenses that day. Then she creates the expense report from what I wrote on the envelope (which I edit for clarity before I give it to her).
Anie
I keep a folder for them—if I’m out working, I can carry the folder with me and put them directly in; otherwise, I leave the folder at the hotel and transfer them at night.
Emma Woodhouse
I worked for someone who recently provided a very flattering recommendation of me (unprovoked, and many, many years after the fact). I’m writing a very brief thank you note and can’t figure out how to end it. With anyone else, I would say something like “I hope all is well with you” but that seems overly familiar. We had a strictly professional relationship (and he is a rather formal person), and rarely talked about family. “Best wishes” seems to wedding-y, “take care” seems to bossy….help?
mascot
Dear blast from the past, I heard you spoke favorably about me to NewJob. I greatly appreciate your willingness to speak on my behalf. Thank you again for your kind words/ positive thoughts/ help. Sincerely, Emma Woodhouse
Diana Barry
If he is a formal person, I like “best wishes”. “Best” is my default for business anyway – or “All best” if I am trying to convey warmth.
Emma Woodhouse
Thanks!
KC
I wouldn’t interpret “hope all is well” to be too personal. That seems like the sort of comment that would extend to professional activities as well.
Ellen
Your so lucky. The Manageing partner likes me but how can I get a recomendation from him to go in house or to be a judge?
He dos NOT want me to leaf so I only have my law prof to write for me. He was the only one that did not want to have SEX with me. FOOEY on men that just want to see me with NO cloths on. FOOEY!
I want to have men respect me not just have sex with me. FOOEY!
just Karen
Regards, Emma Woodhouse
Merabella
Thanks to everyone for the kind words on the earlier thread.
IA_Eng
After my go-to black Gap belt stretched out, I’ve been on the look out for a basic black belt. I seemed to find much better options in men’s. I wound up ordering the LL Bean Men’s Jeans belt – it’s very good quality and reasonably priced at $35. However, I need to send it back for a smaller size and I’m on the fence on whether the buckle is a little large. Why can’t women’s clothes be as affordable and as good as quality as men’s???
AIMS
Have you looked on Everlane? They have great, basic belts, amazing quality & only $40.
You have to be a “member” to order but sign up is free.
IA_Eng
I hadn’t heard of Everlane so thanks for the tip!
Elbe
I am liking my new Everlane belt. It is different in how it closes and I am hoping it will be less prone to creasing.
https://www.everlane.com/collections/essential-belts-womens
S
I would like some belt help.
I don’t currently wear belts because I’m not sure what to do with them. I’m 5’7 and a size 18 or 14-16W, depending. Hourglass shape, high waist, and a bit of a belly pooch that I’m trying to burn off.
Will I look ridiculous in a belt? I have one skinny one that came with a dress, and I’ve tried playing around with it, but I have no idea if it looks good or not.
If I do wear a belt, where do I wear it? Up high on my natural waist (the belly pooch entirely below the belt) or over the belly pooch, around the point were a normal waist would be? How thick or narrow should the belt be?
I never wear shirts that must be tucked in, so I’m talking about the kind of belts that go over shirts and dresses.
Elbe
In general, you should place the belt where you are narrowest. For some people, that is at the natural waist line. For others, it is higher. This applies to belts over sweaters or dresses. Obviously, it doesn’t apply to pants.
K(elley)
I’m hourglassy and short waisted too. The majority of the time I wear it halfway between my natural waist and my belly button over my shirt / sweater / whatever. If I wear it at my natural waist, I run the risk of looking like I’m all boob.
S
Thanks, I’m going to give it a try!
M
Ann Taylor. Wait for one of their 40% off everything sales and you’ll get a good, quality leather belt for less than $30. I have two and I love them.