This Designer Belt Became an Instant Staple in My Wardrobe

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I recently came to a somewhat puzzling sartorial realization: I didn't own a single belt.

It's something so basic, so often referred to as a "wardrobe essential," so readily available... and yet. I think I may have gone too hard for statement belts in their heyday, between 2005 and 2010, and ultimately felt repelled by them — even when I knew a cinch at the waist would improve my outfit or make me feel better in my clothes. Once I made peace with that, though, I was so overwhelmed by choice, I simply couldn't buy any belt. I wasn't really clear on what I wanted, but seemed to find something missing in any and every option I came across.

I didn't set out to buy a designer belt. In fact, I was actively against it, since so many of the ones on the market right now boast unmissable logos that turn me off. I did, however, want something nice that I knew I would wear a lot, that was versatile and that I would own for a very, very long time. (This whole process had already occupied an embarrassing amount of brain space — I wanted a one-and-done.) It just so happened that Ferragamo's classic Gancini ended up being the answer to my search.

The fashion house has a range of Gancini belt styles on offer, riffing on the signature switch buckle. My pick, though is the reversible one — so, if you, like me, couldn't pick between a black belt and a brown belt, you could get both in one. With the $480 price tag, such versatility is a must for me. (There are also much less boring color combinations, like a bubblegum pink and a candy apple red.)

Though the Gancini belt is a Ferragamo staple, I did get a bit of Maximilian Davis magic with this purchase: The sleek box it came in was the rich red shade the designer's used consistently since taking over the brand, with the black logo on top. And yes, I will be keeping it.

I've looped this belt through my favorite jeans, and used it to cinch a shapeless dress and an oversized sweater over a midi skirt at the waist. It's already reached staple status in my closet, and I'm excited to wear it for years to come.

Ferragamo Reversible and Adjustable Gancini Belt, $480, available here

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