Cinched over a skirt or your favorite pair of low-riders, belts can do wonders to impart style and punch up an outfit. This season, they're a must. From the funkiest four-inch to the sleekest, skinniest strings, here are our favorites.

Kenneth Cole ($50) has created one of the widest hip-hugging belts around. It's bold and red -- and we're planning on wearing it with just about everything (note to reader: This season, it's best not to match your belts to your outfits). Like the worn-in look? It's hard to imagine how your old jeans have gotten along without Anthropologie's oval-linked brown leather creation ($48) until now. The round, gold buckle is the perfect finishing touch. For a simpler look, try Banana Republic. The company's double-strand braided belt ($20), which ties on the side, is sleek and chic with just the right hippie edge. From Abercrombie & Fitch, we love a style ($39.50) with a double-pronged buckle that's got a cute, preppy kick and does wonders to spruce up a pair of cords. Looking for something really funky? Check out an extra-wide suede number by Rebecca Minkoff ($48) -- it's made from vintage skirts and also comes in a black version that's just a tad thinner.

• Kenneth Cole, multiple locations
  
• Anthropologie, 375 W. Broadway (212-343-7070) and 85 Fifth Ave., at 16th St. (212-627-5885)
  
• Banana Republic, multiple locations
  
• Abercrombie & Fitch, 199 Water St. at South Street Seaport (212-809-9000)
  
• Rebecca Minkoff (available at funkylala.com).

Related:

• Archive: “Sales & Bargains”
• Articles by Lauren DeCarlo
• Table of Contents: Mar 25, 2002 issue of New York | Subscribe!