Belt it Out!

Prada

Ladies, it's time to look at belts in a new light.  In my opinion, belts are the accessory least considered by women wanting to jazz up their outfits.   A staple in men's fashion, the belt has been comparatively underutilized by the female form- until now that is! Women used to reach for a dressy pair of heels, a statement-making clutch or a bold necklace before slapping on a belt.  Now, more than ever, designers of women's fashion are incorporating belts into their looks.  The runways this season were filled with bold belts that looked equally adorable with trousers, or wrapped around a dress or suit jacket.  And due to their rising popularity over the past few seasons, the selection of belts available is limitless: from metallic to studded to vintage or classic styles, and funky designs.

Think that you can't wear belts?  Think again!  This waist cinching wonder will bring new definition to any figure type. It's amazing how a simple belt can totally modify an outfit. With the quick closing of a buckle, almost anything you wear is instantly pulled together, and you suddenly look slimmer. And I'm not just talking about the basic leather pieces used to hold up your pants (although those are great to have, too!). If a wide-cut piece like a sash or obi emphasizes your waist, it'll do the trick.  Follow these simple steps to flattering your figure with a belt.

1. When worn out of the belt loops of your pants, they can go over nearly everything. Cinch a bulky sweater, a slouchy tee, or a billowing blouse. Even try it over your coat for a more tailored look.
2. Wearing your belt on your true waist (as opposed to the top of your pants) will create a feminine hourglass silhouette. A low-slung belt over jeans or a dress can be cool and casual. 
3. A loose chain that hangs low can add a touch of glitz in an understated way. Don't pile on the necklaces when going this route — it'll detract attention from your waist.
 

While skinny belts used to cinch peplum jackets, fitted sweaters and full-skirted dresses are ever so popular for their slimming effect the metallic belt is the star of the moment right now.  In both gold and silver, I have seen them mostly on skirts and dresses or clothes in silky fabrics. It’s extremely elegant and glamorous and if you keep the rest of your outfit simple, a metallic belt that beautifully nips your waist can make you look fantastic. Not to mention it can spice up old clothes, glam up looks you’ve already done, or just make you look more put together in that rich luxurious way from morning to evening. 

Prada

Prada

Brown belts are huge this fall. Vintage looking, super long and tied in that special knot they are seen on jeans, cutoffs, skirts, and dresses, adding a bit of boho-chic style to any look. If brown is not your thing, yet you’re loving this vintage-boho style, pick long belts in neutral tones. 

Bottega Veneta

Bottega Veneta

For grunge/punk styles pick black belts and play with designs, shape, and textures. Go for studs, chains, super thin, patent leather, and thick with funky buckles and wear them on trousers or over tops, skirts, and jumpers. A cool belt should be the star of an outfit and can nip your waist over the clothes- so don't keep it hidden for the practical reason underneath it all.

Michael Kors

Lanvin

And no list is ever complete without the attention grabbing, standout pieces. Funky belts in all the textures you can imagine, with gem stones, animal prints and cool shapes – let your imagination run wild and land on your waist. It's statement pieces like these which most of the times pull an outfit together and bring it into the spotlight.

Lanvin

Bottega Veneta

Prada

Trendy or not, belts are a massive trend these days and the sky's the limit- design or color wise. The beauty of this classic, timeless accessory is its versatility. Belts can transform any look from boring to trendy in seconds flat!  Now that you've gotten some outfit inspiration from the top designers, shop the belts below from Meredith Wendell.  All styles are available at meredithwendell.com