Belts which way to wear

Avoid faux-distressed leathers; there is nothing quite like the real, lived-in wear and tear you get from genuine, high-quality leather. A modern-day statement belt. A suit, whether it be custom made or off the rack, should be properly fitted to your body. Be careful to not look too preppy with this belt. While leather is traditionally dressy, suede is slightly more casual, without forgoing the quality of animal hide.

Likewise, a shiny silver buckle can look out of place on distressed denim or casual shorts, which is why the D-ring closure is a great option, especially for gents not fussed on having to find a fitting hole in their belt. Big tick. This belt gets better with age so keep it forever. While a traditional belt is pretty straight forward to do up, the D ring belt is not.

Thread the belt through your pant loops until the D links are positioned where the belt buckle usually is. Pull the loose end of the belt through both D-rings. Separate the two D-rings so there is enough space for the belt to pass between them. Loop the loose end of the belt back to the D-rings so that it folds over itself. Pull the loose end of the belt through the D-rings, going over the closest ring and under the second ring. Pull the loose end of the belt until it feels tight on your hips.

The D-rings should be resting flat against your pants. Wear belts that match your pants to extend your leg length. Wide belts. Contrasting belts. Obi and corset belts. If you have little waist definition. The goal here will be to create the illusion of a waist.

This can be achieved by:. Wearing a medium to narrow width belt in a darker color than the garment you are wearing. Wearing a belt in a color matching your top or dress. Calling attention to your waist with a belt peeping out from an open jacket or sweater. Teaming the belt with tops and bottoms with volume to create the illusion of a waist. If you have a large bust. Often your bust sits lower creating the appearance of being short-waisted with little to no waist definition.

You can counter this with:. Medium to narrow width belts in the same or darker color than the garment you are wearing and positioned. Belts that sit on the hips.

Belts peaking out from under open jackets. Source: Image 1 , I mage 2 , Image 3. If you are full hipped. You are blessed with a waist so belts are a great accessory for showing off your figure and improving the fit of many garments. However, they can also emphasize the size of your hips and buttocks. Your best belts include:. Those that sit slightly above your natural waist. Styles in the same color as your pants or skirt. Belts under open jackets and vests. Thank you. I always look forward to your style clinics, but when are women over 50 going to get any real stylish representation?

Is over 50 and the accompanying extra poundage sometimes just too off the charts? Hi Mirren, Thank you for your candid comment. I still wear denim jeans with a belt and mostly a silk blouse.

My style is classic and I make most of my own clothes. Find your style and have fun. I love the style clinic. Crikey is that a tip? Her website is adacollection. I used to just look at myself in the mirror and the belt looked good around my waist.

Hi Cynthia, this is a very helpful post. I think you explained everything very well. Like Sheela Goh I keep forgetting belts. Still, when creating an outfit I keep forgetting them.

Or I feel wearing a necklace which I do almost all the time and a belt is too much. But most of the time, I just forget. So thanks for reminding me of this great styling item. And that all the belts which have made appearances on my blog were borrowed?

Hi Sheela, It took me a while to add belts to my look, too. And yet, Michelle Obama does precisely that and looks fabulous!

Hi Patti, Obi belts are comfortable and chic. Anything that can mix those two elements is a winner in my book! How to Wear a Belt — tips and tricks to get the most out of this accessory! A belt is one of the hardest-working items in your closet. When should you wear a belt?

Add a belt to define your curves under layers including a top and jacket or cardigan. How to wear a belt — Should you go matchy-matchy? Gone are the days of matching the belt to the shoes and handbag. Pop a belt over the top and, hey presto, problem solved. Wearing a belt can make your outfit look instantly smarter.

Lexi O on February 4, at pm. Esther Santiago on November 12, at am. Ans on March 24, at pm. How to wear a belt if you have a muffin top waistline? Sylvia on March 25, at pm. Cynthia Bowman on May 8, at am. Carol on November 20, at am.

Greetje on November 20, at pm. Kathia on December 1, at am. Lisa M on July 8, at am. Greetje on June 25, at am. Sheela Goh on June 24, at am. Cynthia Bowman on June 25, at am. Patti on June 23, at pm. Love those Obi belts!