Some have spent the entire pandemic with their eye on a few select accessories to use and wear as soon as the time to go out again arrived—be it that Hermès iPhone case, Bottega Veneta’s Knotted Tote, or those thong sandals from The Row. Unlike bags and shoes, belts don’t always get the recognition they deserve, but when styled well, the best designer belts can become the star of an outfit.

In fact, the belt was the one accessory designers didn’t shy away from for spring/summer 2021: Labels like Chanel, Prada, JW Anderson, Miu Miu, and Louis Vuitton all showed looks with waist-cinchers that rounded out their looks. It's proof that a little shape can often transform an outfit. After months and months of baggy joggers, forgiving wide-leg pants, and other oversized, don’t-touch-my-body silhouettes, it’s time to get reacquainted with the ultimate sartorial workhorse. Ahead, 21 chic designer belts.