One of my favourite accessories is the skinny belt. I have a collection of different coloured skinny belts that can be added to any outfit should I choose.
I fell in love the with belt when I studied my Diploma in Fashion Styling. For me, it showed off my waist and was the missing accessory to bring my outfits together.
Some women can’t wear belts because it cuts them in half or they have a small torso – meaning the distance between under the breasts and waist is quite small. If they were to wear a belt they would literally look like an hourglass but not in the right proportions of an hourglass shape if that makes sense?
I have a few skinny belts in different colours including tan, beige, black, orange and red. My tan and black belts get the most use, but the colour belts always get used during summer. I might even wear them this winter should I feel I need to add colour to a dark winter outfit.
Wearing your belt
I wear my belts either just under my bust to give my tunics an empire line or around my waist just above my hips. It all depends on the amount of fabric and what an outfit looks like cinched in at the waist.
On Sunday I wore a waterfall knit vest which added bulk to my hip area and so I used a tan skinny belt to cinch it in. I decided to cinch in just under my bust but I was unsure of the look when I looked at my #everydaystyle photo. There was a positive consensus to keep the belt so I did. Even though I feel confident on how to dress, I’m not immune to being unsure sometimes.
When I buy my belts, I generally buy the largest size (I’m a 14/16 at present) because it gives me the option to wear the belt on my hips, waist or under my bust line. The excess belt can be tucked into the band of the belt or knotted for a different look. I also love reversible belts because you get more options for your dollar and it saves having to store a lot of belts.
From top left going clockwise: Peter Lang Harlow Belt, Atmos & Here Leopard Print reversible belt, Portmans Navy Saffiano Belt, Atmos & Here Skinny Belt Pack, Portmans Gold Buckle Leather belt, Katies Reversible Stone belt, Dotti Orange Jean Belt
I also have a mixture of belts with different coloured buckles. Most of my belts have a silver buckle but I do have some black belts with a gold buckle. I find the colour of the buckle helps complement with the colour of my jewellery. I’m a bit matchy matchy when it comes to jewellery and accessories, which is no fashion rule, just a rule I follow myself but works for me. I also opt to wear a shorter necklace as opposed to a long pendant necklace when I wear a belt. Sometimes I may opt not to wear a necklace at all allowing my belt to be my hero accessory.
Belts are definitely a fun accessory to play with during winter. They can cinch in vests and knits that threaten to enlarge your silhouette.
Do you wear belts in winter? Do you wear belts any time of the year?
I’m linking up with Essentially Jess for IBOT.