Womens Fashion Belts

... Guide to Making Belts Work for Your Waist

Womens fashion belts are the perfect accessories for the last finishing touch. With the right clothes and belt, you can instantly transform your outfit into a chic and well-put-together look!

Courtesy of Urban Outfitters

Not only can belts polish your outfit - belts are great for when you want to update the shape of a dress, or simply add a different look and feel to your outfit.

Here's an example: Instead of using a scarf to spruce up a casual tank dress - throw on a waist-defining belt to give it a sexy glam-factor without the fancy glitter. How's that for an effortless chic look? ;)

Belts are also quick-fixes for making too-big shirts less boxy. A perfect companion to your loose-fitted tunic shirts and tees!

Here's what you'll discover in this Womens Fashion Belts-guide

How to look good with belts: Discover what belt styles complement your body figure
What belt essentials you need in your closet to stay covered on all everyday and social functions
Chic ideas on how to wear different types of belts
Shopping tips and recommendations on the latest styles – from wide to skinny belts, designer to stretch belts.
.. and more!

Anna, I don't have time!
Take me straight to the shopping & fashion tips!

"What if belts aren't for me?
They make me look fat/short/(insert your body insecurities)"

Belts may not be for everyone. If you have a full and/or waist you've probably discovered that most belts only shine a spotlight on this trouble-spot.

But don't worry!

You don't have to put a belt on it - there are several other ways to look like a sassy fashionista. Like a pair of killer shoes or a clutch purse that goes with your necklace.

And besides, there are styling tricks that can help solve this classic belt-on-waist issue.

You just need the right belt and top - this means that you need to know what to look for when shopping for fashion belts. For example, wide stretch belts work better with an Apple body shape, or anyone with a full waist - without adding bulk. There's also a "sweet spot" on your torso regardless of your waist size that a belt looks best on.

You'll discover more styling strategies on this page!

How to buy a belt that flatters your figure

How to Shop for Belts

If there's one strategic way to ensure that you'll look your best with a belt, then that has to know what works for your body figure. This page teaches you have to evaluate the shape of your torso and determine suitable ways to wear belts.

You'll also discover:

What belt styles give the most for your money
How to wear a belt with a short or long torso
Chic ideas on how to style belts with your outfits

Savvy Shopping & Chic Styling with Womens Belts »

Wide Belts

Need an accessory that will highlight your waist? Then a wide belt might be your best choice!

Wide belts look amazing on defined waist (!calling attention to Hourglass and Pear body shapes!). But if your body figure lack curves and you want your hips look wider, then a wide belt can also create the illusion of a thinner waist.

Shopping & Styling Guidelines on Wide Belts »

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How to Buy Womens Fashion Belts

If there are only two fashion belt types that you must and need to have in your wardrobe (excluding the plain one you need to wear to actually hold up your pants), then those have to be the wide belt and skinny belt.

Yes, I admit it. Out of handbags, shoes and hosiery, fashion - belts are my obsession! I can buy the same style in different colors and I pair them with almost all of my outfits (be it under my dress, on top of my blouse, tee or with my jacket).

This accessory fetish grew out of a frustration I had when I was younger - loose-fitted shirts and tops made me look pregnant and didn't go well with my thin-boned body figure. And the solution? I wrapped a belt around my waist and I looked sleek in an instant!

"Why a Wide Belt?"

Because it creates a dramatic but fashion-forward look.

"And Skinny Belts?"

Well, they are ideal for adding a sophisticated, smart and elegant feel to a suit or a pair of slacks.

Note: Skinny belts are the most useful when you need to polish a casual outfit (for a date perhaps), by simply wrapping it around your waist - helping you achieve a sleek look without looking like you're trying too hard. I love them with my wrap cardigans and loose-fitted casual tees.

Also, a skinny belt is the optimum choice if you have a short waisted and/or are petite (5'4"/163cm or shorter) in general because they can be worn without shortening your body figure.

If you love variety and find your waist to be one of your best body assets, then these two are a must :-)

Securing the Basic Belts

Belts in simple lines and styles win the day because they're versatile and won't completely take the attention away from an outfit.

So secure simple belts in solid neutrals (eg. black, brown, beige, dark navy blue, etc.) and with minimal embellishments before you start buying the latest styles.

In this way, you'll be able to wear your belts with the rest of your wardrobe without worrying if they match!

So start off by securing the wardrobe belt essentials (in this case, skinny and wide belts in simple styles and colors) and then build on them based on where you spend most of your time (work, casual evenings, traveling, parties, etc.) and not least, your personal style.

For example: If you're fun & fearless, love adding drama to your outfit and spend most of your weekends out clubbing - include a red belt for a splash of color worn with your al-black sexy dress. Or look for nice belt buckles that project a fashion statement that reflects your style.

.. Or if you have a belt fetish like me and consider belts to be one of your signature style characteristics, then invest more money in them. Like for example, get a plain leather belt first and then add belts with different textures, colors, belt buckles, details and prints!

Click here to learn more on how to buy and style womens fashion belts »

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