Posts Tagged ‘cinch in’
The belt is a much underrated accessory, often added as an after though or forgotten about altogether but it has the amazing ability to completely change the shape and silhouette of an outfit by cinching it in at the waist. A belt also finishes off an outfit perfectly and makes it look together. It highlights the waist (or hips or bust depending on where you wear it) and can add interesting colour and texture to your outfit.
Types of belt
There are plenty of different types of belt to choose from, so you should have no problem in finding one to suit you and you choice of clothing. The fashions are constantly changing but as a general rule, you should pick whatever suits you and your outfit best regardless of trends. The most basic and classic style of belt would be a plain leather belt in brown or black that goes with jeans or trousers. Everyone should own one of these as not only does it keep you trousers up but it gives a neat look when tucking blouses or tops into your trousers. When wearing a dress or shirt, you can choose to wear a belt of the same colour or different contrasting colour. You can also opt for braided belts, elastic belts with ornate fastenings and wide obi or corset style belts. Brightly coloured belts are great if you want to really highlight your waist and add a pop of colour to an outfit. For more formal outfits ribbons or sashes are also sometimes used as belts.
This cerise summer crinkle dress with border print would look amazing when cinched in at the waist with a white belt.
Ways to wear a belt
A belt can be worn though the belt loops of a pair of shorts jeans or trousers but it can also be worn over the top of a dress or shirt. There are three main ways to wear a belt. The traditional way is on the waist, you can also wear it just under the bust which often looks good with empire line dresses or tops or low slung on the hips which works particularly well with wide belts.
The white bow belt on this black pleat dress looks amazing and really highlights the waist. It is perfect for ladies with hour glass figures.
Update your wardrobe with a belt
A belt is the ideal way to update your wardrobe and change the look of some of your clothes. For example a bright red belt worn with a black shift dress will give it a completely different look and a shirt dress cinched in at the waist will look neater and more fitted.
Using a belt to flatter your body shape
The belt is the best friend of ladies with an hour glass figure. Use it to highlight a slim waist and cinch in clothes to show off your feminine curves. For slim builds, a wide belt worn on on the hip over a long top creates curves and for pear and apple shaped ladies an empire line dress worn with a belt around the empire line or just around the bust draws attention to the narrowest part of the body. Tall slim ladies look great with wide belts worn at the waist and petite or shorter ladies look best with a belt of the same colour as the dress or top.