Categories: Fashion

How to style belts and where to buy 10 of the best

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by Edaein OConnell
28th Mar 2019

Back in the day, when I frequented youth club discos and believed Basshunter to be the best DJ of all time, I wore a lot of belts.

I belted everything. Anything I could get my hands on, from tops to skirts to scarfs, and any outfit that could take the extra weight and cinch.

Related: Thinking about slip dresses for spring?
Here’s exactly how to style them

Post-disco days called for a recall on belts as they somehow fell off the sartorial radar. They were only used for practical purposes; to hold up trousers and jeans that sat too loose on the waist. In recent times, however, I’ve found belts to be my saviour and the only partner I need in life.

My hourglass shape

I have an hourglass shape. A shape that requires structure, and though I may desire to wear loose-fitting, cool girl-clothes, they will never work for me. Tailoring and strong shapes complement the ins and outs of my figure, and a belt highlights my waist – the narrowest part of my body.

When dresses began to reign supreme again, I realised just how much value a belt can add. It accessorises without polarising an outfit, and whether you have curves or not, a little cinching will never do any harm.

When it comes to belts, here is what’s important:

Size matters. A slim style belt will help to accentuate a curvier figure more effectively without adding extra bulk, whereas a thicker version will help to emphasise a narrower silhouette and add shape.
Don’t be afraid to belt pieces other than dresses and pants. A belted oversized blazer or jumper looks cool and elegant all at once and helps provide much-needed shape to pieces that have the ability to drown a person’s figure.
Know you have choice. Nowadays belts don’t have to be just black or brown with gold hardware; belts come in all different styles, colours and textures. Move away from classic styles to snake print and gold chain styles to add extra oomph and interest in an otherwise casual outfit.
And you can always wear your jeans. Sometimes, a hint of a gorgeous jewel buckle peeking through a blazer is enough to dazzle, and a plain shirt and jeans combo will always be elevated with a belt helping to break up the look.