To Belt Or Not To Belt

A belt can make or break an outfit. A good one can make you look stylish while the wrong one can leave you looking like a hot mess trying too hard.

I am short and petite and I love throwing on a belt over almost anything from cardigans to cocktail dresses. I have a collection of belts from skinny to wide that I constantly wear. I think of my belt as a piece of jewelry – if worn right it can enhance a boring outfit.

Given my petite stature, I have to be strategically selective when it comes to selecting my outfit. Luckily, I’m proportional so that makes it a tad easier to wear a belt.

So when should you belt or not belt your outfit? Throughout the years I have learned some tricks and tips to compliment my petite frame when it comes to belting. Here are some of the tips that I have learned over the years for making sure the belting game is on point.

COMPLIMENTING STYLE

Make sure the belt compliments your style. My personal style is classic with an edge so I stick with timeless style belts.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT WIDTH

If you have longer torsos stick with thicker waist belts because that can help shorten your upper bodies and make them look more proportional. Conversely, if you are short-waisted, then look for thinner belts because they won’t cover up your midsections and make it look like they go straight from boobs to legs. The best width for a belt is a 1 ½ inch wide because it works on most figures.

KNOWING WHEN TO BELT

I almost always never belt a t-shirt, sweater, blouse, o a tunic. But I do belt a high waist skirt, blazer, or a dress that needs some structured shaping like this one I’m wearing in these photos. One of my favorite trends this season is the blazers cinched with statement belts.

THE RIGHT LENGTH

The length of the belt is important. Ideally, you want the belt to fit on the middle hole. If the belt is too long it may not lie flat against your waist and may stick out. But if the belt is too short then it can look stubby.

I try not to belt clothing that is made with heavy fabrics because they can create this bulkiness, which can make my petite frame look stumpy and boxy. When it comes to fashion styles I always want my outfit to look and feel easy, natural, and effortless.