Time to get waisted

BELTS have ceased to be just something to hold your trousers up with. Last year they started being a real "yes I must have that" accessory, what with chain belts and all that low-slung business. This year they mutate into fancier stuff altogether, and although (I hope) those ghastly big ornate cowboy-style belts will never become fashionable, we are talking about beady bits, enamel and fringes. Be careful however, the belt should never overtake your outfit. And if you can't afford the Ralph Lauren one in the main pic (you know it's expensive when they say "to order") then you can always get your beading needle out. One final style point: as last year, belts are still fairly low slung and not to be worn corset- tight.

Brown leather beaded belt, to order, Ralph Lauren, 143 New Bond Street, London W1. Enquiries: 0171 491 4967

Black leather strand belt wth gold buckle, pounds 60, Otto Glanz, available from Harrods, Knightsbridge, London, SW1; Harvey Nichols, Leeds. Enquiries: 0181 365 1711

Brown leather belt, pounds 49, Otto Glanz, available from Harrods, Knightsbridge, London, SW1; Harvey Nichols, Leeds. Enquiries: 0181 365 1711

Orange enamelled chain, pounds 46; Silver mesh belt, pounds 58; both by Sally Gissing, Selfridges, Oxford Street, London W1. Enquiries: 0171 267 9303

Black leather belt with silver buckle, pounds 59, DKNY, 27 Old Bond Street, London W1, 0171 499 8089

Multicoloured suede belt, pounds 39; Suede strand belt, pounds 35; both Paul Smith, 40 Floral Street, Covent Garden, London WC2. Enquiries: 0171 379 7133

Black leather bridle belt, pounds 90, Gucci, 33 Old Bond Street, London W1; 18 Sloane Street, London SW1. Enquiries: 0171 629 2716