In the Victorian and Edwardian eras, belts and buckles were both functional and decorative, often highlighting the fashionable silhouette of the time. Victorian belts were typically narrow and worn over bodices or skirts, fastened with ornate buckles made of brass, jet, or cut steel. As fashion evolved, Edwardian belts became wider and more structured, cinching the waist to emphasize the hourglass or S-curve figure. Buckles ranged from simple metal clasps to elaborate designs adorned with enamel, gemstones, or embroidery - turning a practical item into a striking accessory of personal style and social refinement.