Know Your Belts

Jeweled Belts

• are embellished with stones, metal details, clips and rivets
• are heavy on the bling, but can also look extremely sophisticated
• nice decoration to an evening outfit
• can also be worn with more casual clothes to add a feminine flare

Fabric Belts

• materials include satin, suede, velvet, and silk
• some decorated with sequins or beads
• the softness of the fabric allows you to experiment with knots
• can range from the very casual to the more dressy

Thin Belts

• are very trendy
• go with just about anything, from a gown to a pant-and-blouse combo
• may be worn in the belt loops of pants, or above them on the outside
• look terrific worn over sweaters or t-shirts

Wide Belts

• come in leather, leather and velvet combinations, and even fabric and fur
• are an excellent match with dresses, coats, and sweaters
• can buckle in the middle, or off to the side

Classic Belts

• These are the most versatile belts and some say the best way to re-invent a wardrobe through an accessory.
• Choose an established designer if you’re looking to purchase a classic belt, or for inspiration if you’re on a budget.

Hip Ways to Rock a Belt

• Accentuate, don’t overwhelm – too much bling will be distracting!  Look for something that’s a strong complement, but nothing further.
• Place it properly!  Keep a belt at your natural waistline for maximum effect.
• Belt your coats for a modern, chic look.
• Brighten things up.  If wearing a neutral palette, add pop with a colourful belt.
• Save your curves!  To avoid losing your figure in an oversized frock, wrap your waist in a super-skinny belt.
• Pair oversized shorts with a belt to emphasize your waist and balance out the volume of multiple layers.
• Shape up a cardigan or big sweater.  A long cardigan works in place of a fall coat but team it with a wide belt to give it some shape.
• Wear a long skirt with a belted top.

How to Belt for Your Body Type

• If you are a tall woman, you need larger details to match your scale.  Wider belts, bigger details, and stronger colours work well on you.
• Smaller women will be overwhelmed by a big belt so look for something medium width or narrow, with a smaller buckle in proportion to your size.
• Triangular-shaped (bottom heavy) women should opt for wide, tone-on-tone belts.  Wear them at your natural waistline to draw attention to your slender upper body.
• Inverted triangle-shaped (top heavy) gals should wear a wide belt at your hips to lend mass to your lower half.  Wearing it asymmetrically can further emphasize your bottom.
• If you have a ruler-shaped body, try a contrast-coloured skinny belt to create the illusion of a curvier figure.
• Ladies with hourglass figures should try a wide belt around the natural waist.  This will balance your curves more than if worn beneath the bust or on your hips.
• If you are apple-shaped, minimize your midsection by choosing a medium to large, dark, matte-finished belt.  Placing it at your hips or empire-style beneath the bust will also create curves and de-emphasize your middle.
• If you are thin, you run the risk of being overwhelmed by a wide or heavy belt.  Look for something medium sized or thinner to keep yourself in proportion.
• If you have a long torso, wear a wide belt.  This strong shape, especially in a bold colour, will break up the space and make your waist appear shorter.
• Those with short torsos should match the colour of your belt to your outfit.  Tone-on-tone colour combinations will make your torso appear longer, as will medium and narrow width belts.