Have you ever looked in the mirror after putting your outfit on and thought “ITS MISSING SOMETHING”! So first you try putting on a necklace but yet its still missing something, then you try changing your shoes yet again its still missing something. You even try changing the earrings or maybe changing your hair style yet only to be disappointed and completely puzzled by what it is your are missing!! Drum roll please……..
[TAKE A BREATH]
Your outfit 9 out of 10 times is missing a BELT! Yes, you heard me a belt. Let me tell you that adding a belt to your outfit will make it look more put together and chic (and thinner if styled correctly). You can turn a basic t-shirt and sweater combo into something chic and unique. I cannot even to begin to count how many times I walk into a dressing room to look at my clients outfit and think oh “this is will be perfect all it needs is a belt”. I definitely frequent the accessories department downstairs always on the hunt for the perfect belt to complete my clients outfit. Usually, its with a dress that needs to be broken in half to give some shape to the garment and/or accentuate my clients figure. Rule of thumb when choosing what belt is best for your figure. If you have a flat stomach a skinny belt is great because it will draw attention to that area. If you are full-figured try a corset or double-buckle belt giving you that great hourglass shape. Now, it is important to wear the right belt for the outfit you cannot just throw on any old belt and expect it to work its magic to the outfit. The belt must be chosen carefully all depending on a few factors; your body type, what you want to accentuate, whether the belt will be the focus or the complimentary piece. Also when choosing a belt you will want to pay attention to the texture, color and thickness of the belt. (take notice as well that with these outfits styled with a belt they do not much jewelry)
Wendy Williams and Michelle Obama with fuller figures look great with a thick belt!
Most likely if you are going to wear a belt to cinch a sweater together a thin belt will be best. One of my favorite looks is wearing a crisp white button up paired with a black sweater accompanied by a red thin patten leather belt to complete the look. Additionally, on the bottom I would wear skinny black pants and a great classic leather pump. Reminds me of Audrey Hepburn! If you are going to try this look I would suggest not wearing a patent leather shoe, it becomes to matchy matchy with the patent leather belt.
Classic look, effortlessly chic.
- THIN BELT for boyfriend style cardigan
Another outfit that usually calls for a belt is your favorite dress that has no shape. Try belting it you might be pleaseantly surprised. This will also most likely call for a thin belt. If you are going to use a thick belt make sure it is elastic so it will stay around your waist and define shape.
Another great way to add a little sass to your outfit is to add a metallic belt. This will dress up any casual dress, skirt, jacket or sweater.
Kate Bosworth in summer dress looking chic with metallic belt.
STYLE CRIME #2 Wearing a skirt with elastic band and not belting it!! (HORRIBLE) This is not a matter of question you must belt a skirt like this. And usually this type of skirt calls for an outlandish statement belt. Yes, just like statement jewelry you can make your belt your statement piece for that outfit (same rules apply here, so make sure your outfit is kept simple to let the belt shine and not have to compete with the rest of the outfit).
What do you think? BELT OR NOT TO BELT?
KEYES TO STYLE 