When belts went out of fashion 15 or so years ago, no one was happier than I was to see them go. In fact, up until recently that was the last time I had worn one!
I have to admit that I was reluctant to invite them back into my wardrobe. I always found them uncomfortable and couldn’t imagine that would have changed.
Since I was a child I have been totally intolerant of anything tight around my waist. Ridding my wardrobe of all belts was a very liberating experience, and I was loathe to go back.
That said, I’m also a believer in trying new things and never saying never! So, imagine my absolute delight when I discovered fashionable stretchy (and yay, comfortable) belts. I am a convert!
The interesting thing about belts is that few things can change the look of an outfit and your body (for better or worse) than a belt. It’s really remarkable and it opens up possibilities that didn’t exist before.
Let me invite you all to share my new found enthusiasm and share a few tips for choosing a belt:
- Choose something beautiful! There are plenty of basic, boring, lackluster (well, you get the idea) belts out there. Ignore those. Be selective. Choose something with a gorgeous buckle or clasp. Maybe something with an interesting design or texture. Do not limit yourself to the standard plain belt with a simple buckle.
- Match your outfit. Choosing a belt that matches the color of your top or bottom garment will do a couple of things. First, it will elongate the part of your body it matches (so, if you have short legs, this is a great way to make them look longer), and it draws attention to your waist but in a gentle (rather than a screaming) way. Wearing a contrasting or brightly colored belt will draw the eye immediately to your waist. That’s fine as long as that’s what you want to have happen.
- Be comfortable. Stretch – yay, my favorite invention ever! I won’t buy a belt unless it has stretch in it. It’s comfortable, stays put and even fits after I’ve eaten dinner!
- Everyone has a 6″ waist. So many women bemoan the fact that their waist isn’t as small as it used to be. That’s okay. You can still wear a belt. A belt, strategically placed, can actually give your body more definition and an hourglass shape or, at the very least, if you wear a belt over a sweater or top and then wear a jacket or cardigan over that, all you see is about 6″ peeking through. No one can tell how big or small your waist is. All they know is that you have one. Ahhh, the deliciousness of illusion!
Choosing a Belt:
Here are a few ideas of belts that are fun, fashionable and interesting.
One of the nicest things about this belt is that it is only 2″ wide. Often stretchy belts are 3″+ and not everyone can wear one that wide without it overwhelming them. This one is great for summer because it’s in a soft beige tone to compliment a lighter wardrobe.
Steven by Steve Madden Faux Leather Stretch available at Nortstrom
I just bought this belt. It’s different, a little edgy and, yes, stretchy.
Steven by Steve Madden Studded Stretch Belt
So many women have basic black dresses in their wardrobe. A great way to update it is to add a fabulous belt. Not something that takes over the outfit but something that adds a bit of pizzazz and sparkle. This belt does that…
Calvin Klein Metallic Mesh Faux Leather Belt
Dresses are everywhere right now (yay!) and many of them have belts with them. They match (or blend) but still give that hourglass silhouette. As you can see they are often worn just slightly above the natural waist which is super flattering and works for many shapes and sizes.
Calvin Klein Sleeveless Print Dress Plus Size
Sometimes a belt that rests lightly on the waist or hips is very flattering and pretty. This is a good example of a metal chain belt. It doesn’t work for everyone but when it does, it looks great!
Simple Silver Belt from Chicos
As with everything be open-minded and experiment. You never know what treasures you’ll find that will add some fun and adventure to your wardrobe. Maybe this season it’s a belt?
9 Responses
I have been wearing a narrow dark blue belt with a number of different outfits lately. I like it because I have lost several pounds and my clothes still fit if I have my waist cinched in. I don’t imagine it is the type of new belt you would like, but I like it.
That’s wonderful, Lorraine! I like lots of different belts (I just ran out of room to show any more), so I bet you look terrific 🙂
Thanks for the ideas about belts. I, too, had given them up with relief and liberation…now the idea of finding something interesting in a stretchy fabric similar in color to what I’m wearing on top is a new idea for me. I’m rather short-waisted and I plan on experimenting with one that adds interest and doesn’t “cut me in half” like the traditional black belts I was more likely to wear. ~ BP
Keep us posted, Bonnie! If you want to elongate your upper body, try wearing a belt that matches your top. Just a thought 🙂
Thanks Ginger for the “stretch” tip. I’ve abandoned belts as well but with your suggestions I’ll try again.nnA faithful fan,nPat
Yay, Pat…keep me posted!
I have a wide waist and always wanted to wear a belt. I’ll try. Thanks for the tip.
That’s great, Maryanne. Have fun with it! Keep trying until you find the right belt and combination of clothes 🙂
A corset. Honestly, it has to be part of anyone’s luxury lingerie collection. A full corset will accentuate your bust, waist and hips and smooth over your body to create an incredible silhouette. If you’re particularly proud of your bust, you may want to go for a waspie, or an under the bust corset if you’d like to smooth out your hips.