How to Wear a Belt – tips and tricks to get the most out of this accessory!

I like to introduce you to new contributor Cynthia Bowman, who will contribute articles on style and fashion for 40+Style.

A belt is one of the hardest working items in your closet. It’s fashionable and most importantly, accents your curves when worn properly. With so many options available, the most important advice on what belt to choose comes down to what’s most flattering on you.

When should you wear a belt?

As often as you’d like! A good rule of thumb is to help break up the transition between a loose top and tight bottom (or the opposite), when you want to hide waistline imperfections or when you want to accentuate your waist. Add a belt to define your curves under layers including a top and jacket or cardigan.

Gone are the days of matching the belt to the shoes and handbag. In fact, a belt works best when it stands on its own, drawing attention to the waist it cinches so well. Because we’re all different, the most important advice is to try different ways of wearing a belt until you like what you see.

If you don’t normally wear belts, they make take some getting used to at first. If you’re comfort minded, start off with a stretchy or elastic belt. And always buy a belt that fits you properly — not too tight or so long that you have to use the last notch in the belt to wear it well.

Where to Wear a Belt on Your Body

On the Waist

Find the narrowest part of your torso. That’s your waistline and the spot you want to accentuate.

Some ideas on how to wear a belt on the waist include:

With a flowy long skirt

A belt over a cardigan (dressier skinny belt version vs. chunkier wide belt for a more casual look)

With a form fitting skirt or cocktail dress

To cinch a bulky fall or winter jacket

Naomi Watts wore a black skinny belt to add contrast to a tailored suit (below)

Belt Worn at the Hips:

When trying a low-slung belt at the hips, medium or wider belts work best. Try wearing a hip belt with:

A maxi dress

Layered over a casual boyfriend sweater look

To dress up jeans and a t-shirt

With a short, summery dress

Sitting Closer to the Ribs:

Wearing a belt just above the waist line elongates your legs and accents your bust. With a loose or flowy bottomed dress, wearing a belt closer to the ribs also hides small belly flaws.

This is one of the trickier looks to pull off since the ribcage expands and contracts, causing a high belt worn too tight to constrict breathing or slip down your torso. A stretchy or fabric belt is more comfortable worn high. Belt loops are helpful to keep the belt in place, or add a bit of double stick tape to the inside of the belt to keep the high belt in place. Just be sure the fabric you’re adhering the tape to isn’t fragile, like some silks can be.

How and why to wear a high waist belt:

To accent the bust

To lengthen legs paired with a flirty, loose or A-line dress

The latest Japanese style Obi belts are great touches to try for this look. They’re also the most comfortable, thanks to a little stretch

Michelle Obama is a big fan of wearing a high waisted belt

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