In ancient times, most belts were made of cords or strings that were tied at peoplesโ waists to secure their clothing and in some cases, they were also used to hang pouches. From simple strings to ornate belts, belts have come a long way from being a functional accessory to a fashion statement that can instantly elevate the overall look of an attire. This article is all about the doโs and don’ts in styling your belt.
If I ever tucked a top without a belt, my dad would say, “This doesn’t look good without a belt.” One piece of advice from my dad that I try to follow now is to never skip a belt while wearing pants or dresses with โbelt loops.โ Also, wearing your belt in the loops of your dress in the correct order, starting from the left side and ending with the right side creates a neat appearance. A belt is an outstanding accessory for creating a defined waistline and flattering your figure. Ideally, your belt should sit at your natural waistline, which is the narrowest part of your torso, just above your hips. However, avoid the mistake of wearing a belt too tight, this can not only be super uncomfortable but also creates an unflattering bunching around your waist.
The first step is to choose belts made from structured materials that hold their shape such as a sleek leather belt that adds polish to your outfit. My dadโs leather belt which he purchased from Mumbai more than 30 years ago is still in good condition, which made me realise that investing in a few good-quality belts that will last is a good idea. To make your belts last longer, hang them on belt hangers or hooks to prevent them from creasing and cracking. If hanging isn’t feasible, roll your belts loosely instead of folding them. Don’t hold onto belts that are frayed, cracked, or have broken buckles as it will cheapen your appearance.
A plain dress acts as a blank canvas for a statement belt which can introduce a pop of colour or a contrasting pattern to elevate the look. If you have a shapelessly hanging loose dress that you’re planning to throw away, try wearing it with a belt. I’ve noticed that most shirt dresses and maxi dresses instantly become better when styled with a belt. Also, outfits with minimal or subtle designs may sometimes appear to be plain. In such cases, a well-chosen belt can come to your rescue. But do not let your belt clash with your attire; wearing a bold, statement belt with a busy patterned dress (such as vibrant floral print, paisley design, animal print or elaborate embroidery) can be a visual overload which makes the outfit look cluttered and overwhelming.
Moreover, belts aren’t always necessary. For instance, if you’re wearing a dress that is already cinched or tight at the waist, letโs say a bodycon dress, a belt might be redundant. Likewise, wearing a belt over a thick sweater or puffy coat can make you look bulky. Always remember that your belt should complement your outfit, not compete with it.
It is unfortunate that mismatched belts and shoes aren’t necessarily a major fashion mistake anymore. Traditionally, belts and shoes were expected to be the same colour (a brown belt had to be paired with brown shoes) to create a coordinated and put-together look. While matching your belt to your shoes isn’t a hard and fast rule anymore, they shouldn’t clash dramatically. I feel that mismatched colours can create a visually jarring effect and might draw attention away from the rest of your outfit. But if you want to intentionally mismatch, consider using a colour wheel to see which colours naturally go well together or if your outfit has other elements with pops of colour, match your belt to that accent colour for a harmonious look.
Similarly, matching your belt and bag may not be a strict rule, but doing so can certainly make a statement. Another underrated tip I love is matching your belt buckle with your watch for a coordinated look. If you’re wearing a silver watch, you could pair it with a belt that has a similar silver-tone buckle. This creates a cohesive and polished look, tying together your accessories for a more refined appearance. When it comes to accessorizing, the right color combination can make all the difference. Don’t feel like you have to match everything perfectly, but do try to choose colurs that complement each other.
By adhering to the recommended do’s and don’ts explored, you can transform your belts from a functional necessity to a stylish statement piece. So, why not buckle up and add an instant personality to your wardrobe?
-Melanie Ann George
Chic Book 