Women: How To Wear A Belt

The belt is a very underestimated accessory. Beyond holding up your pants or skirts, you’ll always hear me talk about their ability to enhance waists, elongate body shapes or bring a point of interest to your look.

Belts are also a great way to experiment with seasonal trends that you just want to dip your toe into.

However, ways to wear the humble belt seem to confuse most. These are just a couple of questions I get asked all the time:

1. Can I wear a belt?
2. Where should my belt sit?
3. What width of belt should I be wearing?
4. I struggle to find good belts! Any suggestions?

So today’s blog will be brief, however I’ve rounded up some style guidelines that I hope will shed a little light on belt wearing:

BELT WEARING STYLE TIPS

1. If you have a large bust, avoid wide waist belts or you’ll end up over accentuating both areas.
2. If you are short waisted it’s best to opt for a lower hip belt to elongate you. If you do want to wear it on your waist, choose a thin belt as this will give you a similar effect.
3. If you are long in the torso, wide belts on the waist will be your best friend.
4. If you have a large tummy, avoid wrapping a belt across it, it will only draw more attention to the area.
5. If wearing a belt with trousers, try to match the width of your belt with the loops. Loose or folded over belts can look messy and unfinished.
6. Choose your belt style wisely. You can either contrast your belt or blend it into your outfit. Remember that if a belt is on show, it is an accessory. So while plain and blending is perfectly fine, know that if you choose a loud, bright or blingy style – it is made to stand out and will accentuate the area over where it sits.
7. Quality belts are a bonus, a leather belt for example is generally more comfortable as it moves with your body throughout the day. However, a belt can also be very on-trend and an easy way to change a look without breaking the bank.
8. Layering – we’re not talking belts, but clothes. If you’re a little belt-insecure, try wrapping a belt around your mid section over a dress and team it with a blazer. In this case, the belt adds a different dimension to the outfit peeking out from underneath.

What you’ll see from my tips is that in all instances, position of the belt in terms of your body shape is key as this will immediately change the shape/look of your outfit. Playing with styles and width is the fun part.

Now, in terms of where to find a belted companion? Here are my top store suggestions for belt purchases:

• Cue

• Veronika Maine
• Country Road

• Saba
• Witchery

• French Connection

To find an interesting belt with fun, pretty or out there details:
• Alannah Hill

• Arthur Galan
• sass & bide

• Manning Cartel
• Kookai

To find an inexpensive or on-trend belt:

• Bardot

• Sportsgirl
• Target
• Dotti

• Portmans

Happy belt shopping and be bold, send me some photos of your belted up looks. Would love to see what looks you’ve created!

Hope to see you in the comments below.

Cindy x