Who said belts are only worn to keep our clothes up? No matter how you wear them, belts have become an important fashion accessory. The newest ones are embellished with beads, jewels, stones, chains, medallions and ornate buckles. Almost every couturier accessorises his ensembles with belts. Trendy belts have become a must-have accessory in every woman's wardrobe. Wide, thin, leather, stretch belts and worn around, above or below the waist, underline this theme.

In the days of yore, belts were richly decorated with metal fittings and mounts, often of considerable finesse. The buckles and ends of a 15th Century Venetian velvet belt (British Museum, London) are, for example, decorated with niello and filigree enamel mounts. Today, a lot of designers are paying attention to the belt and adding exciting hardware. This season, belts come in all shapes and sizes, neat and chic, oversized, metallic or feathered, with stones, shells, tassels, fringes, antique buckles, metallic detailing and beads. One of the real must-haves this season is the diamanté belt. Film actress Mahima Choudhary can't do without hers. "It perfectly complements a black dress," she ponders aloud. With her jeans however, she prefers a canvas belt, or a more upbeat Harley Davidson one.

A belt is often a really clever way of going fashion extreme without looking too outrageous! For example, an equestrian style brown leather stirrup belt can give you the rider look without the jodhpurs. A studded leather belt can give you just a little of the punk style without the Mohawk and the fishnets! "A trendy stone-studded belt can really transform any ensemble," says designer Shaina NC of Golden Thimble. "An antique belt or one embellished with turquoise would make a fabulous collectible," she adds. Even belt skeptics will agree that no ensemble is complete without a belt. Television actress and model Gauri Pradhan, says, "I wasn't a belt person at all, till quite recently. Now I have started collecting belts, especially when I am travelling abroad." Gauri admits to a fondness for simple ones that go well with her clothes. Though, once in a while her wild side takes over and she may buy a funky shell belt in a vibrant colour.

A belt can be subtle and yet make a definite fashion statement. Jaya Daswani of Chica tells us that the tie-up belt has come back in a big way. "Embellished with stones, butterfly clasps, diamantés in vibrant colours, belts today are all about Ibiza dressing," she reveals. Broad belts are also making quite a stir. Model Amita Hotkar, feels that a broad belt is definitely more her style. "The wider the better. I wear them over skirts, pants - almost every ensemble," she says. In fact, the broad belt has caught the imagination of most style icons and is usually quite elaborate. The message is get flashy, glitzy and eye-catching.

Even the male bastion is taking belts more seriously. Actor Rakesh Bapat reveals that his favourite is his Diesel tan belt with a horseshoe loop. "I prefer belts, which are funky but not completely over-the-top. A belt should have style, character and personality for me to want to buy it," he informs us. So, you see a trendy belt can give your outfit and your look THE winning edge. The choices are huge and there's a belt for everyone. But before you go shopping, just remember a belt that makes a statement really completes an ensemble.

Belt it Out

• Choose a belt that wraps your waist or hugs your hips. The latter style is currently very hot.

• Belts come in leather, metal and even fabrics such as brocade (a current favourite).

• Ornate belts are a must-have this season. For colour and opulence try a Japanese style Obi belt.

• The corset belt enhances the hourglass shape. It flatters most figures.

• Army belts are not only attractive but also extremely handy. They stress on curves and can also be a substitute for cumbersome handbags. They can also provide plenty of room for tiny details (lipsticks, keys and gum).

• Chain belts give your outfit a dressier and more elegant look.

• Wide belts are always in vogue. Wear them with skirts or pants. They could be in leather or suede, solid or with holes.

• A disk belt will add elegance to your skirt, dress or pants. They look especially trendy when worn over a peasant top. Or, you could get a beautiful turquoise-decorated disk belt, to match with your turquoise jewellery.

• Move the buckle. Don’t always wear it in the middle. Try wearing it on the side. Works really well for skirts with asymmetric hems.

• Co-ordinate your belt with your handbag and shoes.

• Men should stick to basics. A nice leather belt with a quality buckle — for either a formal or casual look is probably the best choice. Depending on the kind of clothes you wear, choose black, brown or tan leather.