We’ve got sustainable versions of 7 gorgeous belt trends spotted on the runways.

Belts are one of the season’s hottest accessories, seen all over the runways. They are also an easy way to dress up an outfit, giving it that little extra something that will set you apart from the crowd. Leather is and will continue to be a topic of controversy. If the leather is sourced and treated sustainably and the belt carefully made by hand, it’s a good investment piece since natural materials like leather do last for a very long time.

The fun thing about belts right now is that there are many different styles from which to choose — from ladylike double-wrap belts to bondage-like harness belts. Here are seven of our favorites.

Double Long Salmon Skin Belt by Leila Hafzi
Double-wrapped belts were seen at Victoria Beckham’s show, perfectly complementing her ladylike dresses with an edge. This one by Leila Hafzi is made from vegetable dyed salmon skin, a sustainable alternative to leather.
$110, Juno & Jove 

Bow Skinny Belt by Brave Leather
Almost every single look at the Burberry Prorsum show featured a bow belt, in a variety of colors. While it’s still cold out, wear it on top of a jacket or trench coat, and for summer pair it with a dress or light blazer. We like pairing this belt style (available in a rainbow of colors) with an outfit that is not-so-sweet for a nice contrast. Brave Leather belts are hand crafted in Canada by skilled craftspeople, in a safe, ethical factory.
$60, Brave Leather 

Wide Leather Belt by De Palma
Celine — which still seems to be every fashion editor’s favorite line — showed wide belts, worn low on the hips with wide-leg trousers and simple boxy tops — a look that I will personally copy this spring (while regretting what I said about low-waisted pants earlier). This simple, understated wide leather belt is hand made in California using vegetable-tanned leather coated with beeswax. Available in four different colors.
$143, De Palma Leather 

Kim White Equestrian Belt
This look by Paul & Joe perfectly shows how to take the too-sweet edge off a girly summer dress. Cinch the waist with a corset-style wide belt in a metallic hue. This one by Kim White is handmade in the U.S. and has a gorgeous pewter-finish with just the right amount of shine.
$110, Kim White

Ashley Watson Obi Belt
Zac Posen’s Asian-inspired collection featured several different styles of traditional (and not-so-traditional) obi wrap belts. For a look that will work in real life, try this quilted one by Ashley Watson, made from super soft, guilt-free reclaimed leather. Also available in brown suede and light tan.
$124, Beklina

Leather Harness by Norisol Ferrari
Bondage-like leather harnesses were, somewhat surprisingly, seen on the runways of designers like Herve Leger and Monique L’huillier (as seen above). We like how a tough piece like this can add a definite edge to an outfit. This custom handcrafted leather harness by Norisol Ferrari was designed in collaboration with harness master Zana Bayne — she made the one Lady Gaga wears in her You and I video.
From $1200, AhaLife 

Handmade Native American-Inspired Beaded Belt
Our bet as to what all the fashion bloggers will be wearing this season is a Native American-inspired beaded belt. They look great with low-waisted denim and summer dresses alike. Support the people whose heritage inspired this look and order yours from Native Arts Trading, who custom makes hand-beaded belts (and hat bands) to order.
From $395, Native Arts Trading.

The post Runway to Real Life: 7 Gorgeous Belts to Wear Right Now appeared first on EcoSalon.