The Buzz about Belts

I love accessories. They personalize and finish any outfit, saying, “This is me.” In fall fashion, I’ve been noticing more attention to waistlines and curves, making belts a prominent accessory. Do you wear belts? 

For the most part, chunky belts of fall and winter push over summer’s skinny belt. Winter’s heavier fabrics—such as sweaters—and textures proportion nicely with a chunkier belt. In addition, texture is really “in” and adds significance to your look. There are so many great looks for fall right now: textures, animal prints, color, and metallic. Best of all, current fashion trends emphasize trying something new. My post today offers a few of my personal pointers for wearing belts.

 

The colors for fall are often showing up as more muted than bright. If you’re wearing something muted, accessorize with a bright. Choose a jewel-toned, textured, or metallic belt. 

Wide belts look great with boots because the belt is in proportion with the boots. 

Thinner belts look good with ballet flats (which are so in style now).

 

Statements are in. Geometrics look very on-trend, especially when a bit more organic in shape; less perfect edges, hammered, or natural.

Medium belts offer a well-thought, complete touch to a monochromatic look. You can even use a belt of the same fabric and color to add subtle, determined style.

Fabric belts are making a comeback. See how this belt adds not only a waist to a very simple dress, but tells us something about the woman’s fashion personality. (Don’t you think it’s a sheik combination with her shoes?)

We all choose belts based on our personal style, and we should wear them based on what looks good on our body type. When you’re trying new looks with belts, some basic ways to wear them include:

• At the waist, as with the red dress shown above. If you like to wear flowing or loose clothes, a belt can add artistic flair while defining your figure. With an unstructured dress, it adds a strong stylistic statement.
• Tilted: higher in the back, and lower in the front. This works best with a wide belt. Angle the belt so it draws attention to the smallest part of your waist.
• Front tucked. Many women don’t like the all-around cinch but look fabulous in a front tuck, which elongates and nips you in, so flattering. Front tuck the belt and leave your shirt out in the back. Or, layer with a blazer, jacket, or front-closing sweater so the belt only shows in front. This is very on-trend.

Fashion trends this fall and winter are leaving plenty of room for you to use accessories to define not only a personal style, but to have fun with varied looks. Add a belt or two to your wardrobe, and see how they add a finished look to your everyday jeans, business wear, or night out. A belt can say, “I am a confident woman”, “I am up-to-date”, and, “I can have fun.” 

That’s the buzz on belts. I’d love to know how you’re using them to show your style. Please send me a note or a picture to share!

--Keri