Belts are an innovative and inexpensive way to revamp and change an outfit. They are one of the most important accessories in my wardrobe. Not only do they create shape in an otherwise frumpy style dress, they can resuscitate old friends in an instant and bring life to unworn new ones! They readjust the proportions of the body and hold your stomach in and cinch in your waist adding shape and definition.
I have lots of different styles of belts that i have collected along the years. I find that keeping them on display or attached to the top of a coat hanger on a dress or skirt reminds you how to style them and avoids you forgetting to pop them on.
My key belts to have would be:
1). Neutral thin belt in tan / navy or black to wear with jeans or a shirt dress. Pair with shoes that tone in or a bag and it creates an everyday polished look. Thin belts are brilliant at elongating your frame as they don’t over power your torso and are perfect for petite ladies as they don’t over power you. If you match belts with shoes it accentuates your leg length and makes your outfit look super stylish and expensive. Thinner belts balance your proportions if you have a short body and longer legs.
2). A fun colourful belt or one with detail such as leopard, snake or metallic. Perfect to add your own style to an outfit. If its a coloured belt try and use it to pick out a colour in your shirt or dress that way tying it in to what your wearing. Animal print is still super popular this season so adding a belt to your outfit will update your basics easily. Cinching your waist with a fun belt is super flattering and draws your eye to the narrowest part of your body. I also find if my jeans stay up with a belt they fit better… especially after an indulgent summer!
3). A thick stretchy style belt with a buckle. These work super well with a dress or skirt and shirt. They add curves and shape and a point of difference. If you have a long body and short legs they are perfect for evening out your proportions. They are also perfect for adding curves if you have an athletic shape. Be conscious of the buckle shape, if it is oval or round consider oval or round statement earrings to bring it together. If the buckle is rectangular then match your earrings accordingly. Avoid a statement necklace with a thick belt as it may all be too much.
So dig out your belts, have a play with them and get wearing them … and rejuvenate and change some of your old favorites in an instant!