A hippie belt layers texture onto a dress or a pair of jeans, wide macrame cotton, a turquoise braided design, or a fringed leather tie that hangs loose at the hip. A fringed corset-style belt adds more structure for cinching a waist over a flowy top.
Wide, braided, or fringed
A wide macrame cotton belt sits at the natural waist and works best over a maxi dress or tunic, adding shape without a buckle. Turquoise braided styles read more like jewelry than a functional belt, layering well with other boho accessories. Braided leather with a fringe tie hangs lower on the hip over jeans, while a fringed corset belt cinches in at the waist for a more structured silhouette.
- Wide macrame: over dresses and tunics
- Braided turquoise: decorative, jewelry-like accent
- Fringed corset: waist-cinching structure
Wearing It High or Low
It can sit two very different ways, and both are correct depending on the piece. A wide macrame or braided style tends to look best at the natural waist, cinching a dress or tunic exactly where it already narrows. A longer, fringed leather tie reads more relaxed slung lower on the hips over jeans or a skirt, closer to how it was worn in the 70s than as a strict waist-defining accessory.
Layer it over a flowy top or dress rather than a fitted one, since the style is meant to add shape to loose fabric, not compete with a silhouette that's already fitted. A few extra accessories, like layered necklaces or a wide-brimmed hat, round out the same look without overcomplicating it.
Common Questions
- Can you wear a hippie belt high on the waist or low on the hips? Both work: a wide macrame style suits the natural waist, while a longer fringed tie sits more naturally lower on the hips.
- Are hippie belts adjustable? Many use a knotted, wrapped, or tie-through closure rather than fixed holes, which allows more flexibility in fit than a standard buckled belt.
Finish the outfit with Hippie Accessories or a piece from Hippie Hats.
