Fashions come and go so rapidly these days. The influence of the Internet and social media has resulted in relative uniformity between countries, separated only by the seasonal divide between the two hemispheres. The use of the waist belt has been a constant throughout the ebbs and flows of world fashion over the years and although the styles have changed drastically, no matter what alterations have been made, some people will never feel comfortable buckling that belt around their waist. Here are the basics about wearing a belt and how get the most value out of the accessory, no matter your body shape.
- A belt is extremely versatile and can work wonders for your waist. It allows you to finish off your look, tying everything together with a bit of additional character, whether it is a classic, thin black belt or something a bit more daring.
- If you’ve got a slim waist a belt can help you out by accentuating this characteristic. If you’ve got more extreme body proportions, a skinny belt that matches the rest of your outfit will be more flattering as it punctuates your look.
- When you’re wearing a really flowing, bulky dress, slapping a belt around your waist really gives the outfit a bit of control without losing that airy feel.
A belt is the one item that really has a say in the transformation of a dress. Just by switching between belts you could easily manipulate the style around your waist. A simple work dress with a classically subtle leather belt can change your whole persona with the substitution of a really flashy gold-studded belt for when you hit the town on Friday night.
- Many people don’t realize that they can effectively use a belt no matter their shape. You can really balance your figure by strategically positioning your belt. Should you wish to highlight the narrow part of your body, you should place the belt above your natural waist so it sits just under your bust.
- A belt around the hip will make women with shorter waists appear to have a more balanced shape as it lengthens the torso region, whereas someone with a long waist should wear a belt just above their waist.
It’s not uncommon for people of various shapes and sizes to resist wearing belts but its important to understand that there is a belt position that can enhance all manner of figures. The waist belt is a liberating accessory and so the next time you want to break up an outfit, there’s no harm in giving it a try.
Citations:
Dave Peterson likes to think he’s a stylish man and he’s always at the latest fashions shows. He’s one of a small number of men who would no the difference between a cinch and a wide belt.
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- The Skinny on Belts (cultivatingstyle.com)
