The holidays are a great time to sift through your old closet back at your parents' house and pick out some fine retro clothing. But be cautious with what you choose: much, if not most, of the fashion choices in the early 2000s make us shudder today. Gypsy skirts, waistcoats, trucker hats — none of these look good anymore!

One thing that is definitely back for 2019 is the wide belt that is placed either resting on the hips or hugging the waist. If you are too young to have owned such accessories throughout the noughties, just ask your mom, an older sibling, or a friend - they for sure have some lying around.

But just to make sure you don't go overboard with noughties nostalgia and show up to a club in cargo pants, butterfly top, and baker boy hat, here are some great ideas for how to diversify the new "in" accessory:

How To Avoid A Fashion Faux Pas Now That Noughties Waist Belts Are Back

Wear it to work. The reason this works is these belts simply work well with more formal wear. It can take an outfit that might give off an otherwise casual feel and bump it up a notch. For some inspiration, we suggest looking at Keira Knightly's Chanel outfit that she wore to receive her O.B.E. (Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) last month.

How To Avoid A Fashion Faux Pas Now That Waist Belts Are Back

Wear it out in the snow. As the coldest month approaches, a thick belt can really hold an outfit together. Take Elsa Hosk for inspiration. Those winter coats are so thick they can get out of control, but you need them to stay warm. A wide belt solves this dilemma once and for all. Just put it on top of your thick winter coat and you're good to go outside.

How To Avoid A Fashion Faux Pas Now That Waist Belts Are Back

If you live where it rains in the winter more than it snows, check out this look from Marc Jacobs' spring/summer 2019 collection. It's perfect for those rainy days. Trench coats like these often come with their own belts, but that doesn't mean you can't switch them out.