This Early Aughts Trend Was Shunned For Years But Now It's Back And Chicer Than Ever

If you're a fan of the chain belt trend that was everywhere in the aughts (or noughties, if you will), then we've got big news for you. They're back! If you're too young to remember or simply need a refresher, chain belts are exactly what they sound like; belts made from one or multiple chains. All the biggest stars of the time wore them, from Christina Aguilera to Jennifer Lopez. But while you'd be forgiven for thinking the flashy Y2K accessory was gone for good, its current comeback actually makes perfect sense. As personal stylist Erin Noël exclusively tells Women.com, chain belts have made a powerful return alongside several other early-2000s pieces, such as low-rise jeans (which are actually surprisingly wearable). "People are looking for easy ways to make simple outfits feel more intentional. [Chain belts give] the outfit movement, shine, and personality, while still feeling effortless," she explains.

But there's a new way to wear the '00s staple in 2026 to make it modern and chic. "The key is to keep the rest of the outfit relatively streamlined so the belt feels like a deliberate finishing touch rather than a costume reference," Noël says. "For a more modern interpretation, look for chain belts with sculptural links, charms, colored stones, or mixed metals. Those details make the trend feel fresher and more elevated," she adds. Noël also warns against pushing your outfit into Y2K overload (which could easily look gaudy or costume-y) by wearing too many trends from the halcyon decade at the same time. So maybe leave the other Y2K fashion trend revivals we've seen come back at home for your chain belt's outing. "One strong nostalgic accessory is usually enough to make the look feel current rather than overly themed," she says.

Need a little more help on how to style a chain belt in 2026? Look no further than the most stylish celebs of right now. In June 2026, actor Lindsay Lohan co-signed the resurgence when she shared several Instagram snaps of her in a cropped pistachio cardigan with a black high-waisted skirt, and a multi-line chain belt with jewels. Her Chanel look proved just how sophisticated a waist belt can be, and the metallic number added a little extra shine to a look that could otherwise have been a little boring.

More recently, we saw model Winnie Harlow get her chain belt on at the World Cup. In July 2026, she paired her gold accessory (with plenty of charms) with an almost matching necklace, a white and gold t-shirt, high-waisted pants, and sneakers, plus a shiny gold top handle bag. Harlow adhered to the notion that chain belts are chic outfit additions that will instantly upgrade your casual 'fits. She also proved they can elevate a more fitted look, as she chose to tuck her top into her bottoms for a flattering, streamline silhouette that her bold accessories added edge to.

If that's not your style, Noël shared further fashion tips for the Y2K resurgence accessory. "I love it worn low on the hips over a simple slip dress, a knit dress, tailored trousers, or relaxed denim. It can also be layered over a longer blazer or tunic to create shape without feeling overly cinched," she shares, exclusively. Get the look via Noël's recommendations, including the Frame Sebastian Belt, Monday Swimwear's Ibiza Belt, or the Metal Mesh Belt from Marina Rinaldi.