When Justin Bieber posted a picture on Instagram with wife Hailey Bieber our first thought was 'wow'. Because, of course, Mrs Bieber stole the show at the OBB Studios opening event. Wearing a full Schiaparelli look comprised of a square neckline top and high-waisted cigarette trousers, the model completed the nod to the '80s look with a pair of look-at-me earrings and black pointed-toe courts. While the look is screaming that decade from all angles, we couldn't help but feel nostalgic for more recent history thanks to one accessory in particular: the supersize waist belt. Chances are, your early '00s outfits would have all been topped off with this trusty belt. In fact, we can't remember an outfit during the years 2005-2008 where a waist belt wasn't the highlight.
Wearing a mini dress? Add a belt as high as you can get it under your boobs. Going for jeans and a 'nice' top? Belt your waist to create some form of peplum hemline (also key during this time). Because every celebrity including Paris Hilton, Beyoncé, Rihanna and girl bands such as Girls Aloud would champion the waist belt with every look throughout the early 2000s. And yes, they wore them with statement string necklaces, peep-toe courts and a shoulder bag.
With all things Y2K being key over the past few seasons, we're not surprised waist belts are making a comeback. But considering Hailey Bieber has managed to make it look this good, we're ready to consider bringing it back. Luckily, everyone from Loewe to & Other Stories has already created iterations to choose from.
Keep scrolling for the best waist belt throwbacks courtesy of the celebs, along with styles to shop for yourself in 2023 – yes, really!
SEE: Celebrities Wearing Waist Belts
1 of 7Girls Aloud at the 2008 Brit Awards
2008: Girls Aloud attended the Brit Awards wearing mini dresses complete with peep-toe heels (a firm favourite in the early '00s), big bouncy blow dries, and of course, matching waist belts. Because no outfit would have been complete without one.
2 of 7Rihanna in 2007 at the Nickelodeon 20th Annual Kids' Choice Awards
2007: Rihanna attended the Nickelodeon 20th Annual Kids' Choice Awards wearing every key trend at the time – an A-line mini dress, a supersize buckled waist belt with a clutch and peep-toe heels. A pair of chunky hoop earrings and a slick of lip gloss completed the look.
3 of 7Paris Hilton in London
2006: During a visit to London, Paris Hilton dressed like all of us would have back then. Skinny jeans, with a floaty 'nice' top belted was the go-to for any night out. And yes statement necklaces with a belt worn as high up as it could get were the accessories du jour.
4 of 7Beyonce at MTV Studios in 2005
2005: Beyoncé was also a fan of the waist belt, adding a jewel-encrusted style to her denim pencil dress. And let's maybe not go there with the pump bow-detail heels.
5 of 7Mango, Embossed Buckle Belt
To get the Hailey Bieber vibe, wear this statement buckle belt with a pair of high-waisted tight trousers and a form-fitting top.
6 of 7& Other Stories, Wide Waist Belt
A more pared-back version for 2023 comes in the form of this sleek black and gold belt. We can see it working over a knit dress with knee-high boots and a tailored coat.
7 of 7Loewe, Anagram Textured Leather Waist Belt
If you want something slightly more subtle, look to one of Loewe's logo belts. The leather styles can be worn on the waist, or, if you grab a size up you could always wear it with jeans, too.