Happy New Month!
So, like joke like play, January has come to an end and February (what a LOVE-ly month!) is here. If you haven’t quite identified your goals for the year (including fashion goals, of course!)….na wa o. You better start now before the train completely leaves the station.
One trend I have been keeping an eye on is accessories and how to use them to complete your look. I am particularly fascinated with waistbelts and thought we should explore them in this post.
Choosing the right belt
Waistbelts come come in different shape and sizes, which makes deciding on what type to get a bit of a bother. A few things to consider are:
- Make sure the belt compliments your look. Like most accessories, the belt should help enhance the look you are trying to pull off and add value to your overall appearance.
- Make sure you pick the right width. Thick waist belts are ideal for women with longer torsos as they help shorten their upper body. Going with that logic, thin waist belts are perfect for women with shorter torsos as this helps to give a more elongated look.
- Ensure you have the right length. This rule gets violated often and I wonder what the offenders are thinking. There is no point squeezing yourself into a too short belt that simply gives you a pinched look and even more folds than you need.
When to use belts:
- Technically, a general rule is that cardigans, tunics, blouses, T-shirts or sweaters you choose to leave un-tucked do not need belts. If you want to use a belt with any of the items mentioned, then tuck them in. However, we definitely have seen style stars belting up their flowing tunics and looking awesome! The key thing is to get a look that works
- For dressses, consider using a belt can bunch the fabric together and this can change the way the dress drapes. So think about this when trying to use a belt on a dress to create a shape where there is none.
- If your coat comes with its own belt, stick to it. Trying to match that coat with another belt might make the entire outfit look off/sketchy.
Types of Waist Belts:
- The Casual Belt: the classic waistbelt that should be present in every wardrobe. Colors such as black and brown are very popular cause they can go with a wide variety of outfits. This style can go well with trousers, skirts or denim when carefully paired.
- The Metallic Thin Belt: these are useful for adding that little bit of extra to plain looks. They look great on both formal and informal wears, coming in at about one inch in width, a must have for every woman.
- Sash Belts: Very attractive and beautiful looking, these belts are to be self-tied and don’t have buckles. Sash belts go well with body-hugging sheath dresses.
- Leather Belts: these belts are usually expensive with a casual look and they go well with formal wears such as; trousers and skirts. The belts should best be plain without any embellishments since its worn with formal outfits.
- The Thick and Wide Belt: worn over loose outfits to add shape to the look. It gives the wearing several styling options and it’s a fun option to have in your wardrobe.