Cast your mind back to early summer, when every fashion person emerged from their house in a silky slip dress, complete with a silk or cotton bandana cinching in the waist. Remember the look? Alexa Chung was one of the trend’s earliest adopters; in fact, she helped cement it as one of the season’s defining trends.

So, when I spotted her swapping her silk bandana for a wide-brimmed cummerbund this week, I knew I had to pay attention. Taking the menswear essential into her own wardrobe, Alexa styled the sleek sash around her waist, neatly bridging the gap between her skirt and knitwear in place of where a simple belt might once have sat.

(Image credit: @alexachung)

Rooted in the history of formal menswear, the cummerbund brings a sleek, sophisticated edge to an outfit, making it an unexpectedly effective way to elevate everyday dressing. While I love the borrowed-from-the-boys appeal of pairing one with tailored trousers, I suspect it’s the knee-length skirt combinations that will resonate most in fashion circles this season, particularly given the growing momentum behind this skirt silhouette.

If Alexa has inspired you to give the look a go, read on to shop the cummerbunds on my radar right now.

Shop Cummerbunds:

Zara Pleated Cummerbund Belt

The cobalt blue trend is taking off this autumn.

ASOS DESIGN Cummerbund Waistband

Style these with trouser to immediately elevate your look.

OlliVeraAtelier Satin Belt With Pleats

Add a pop of colour to you winter rotation.

Valentino Garavani Satin Cady Belt

This also comes in purple and pink.

Really Wild Suede Cummerbund

The rich olive shade makes this so easy to slot into an autumn capsule wardrobe.