The 411 on Belts: Helpful Tips for Wearing Belts and Easily Styling Them
I’ve gotten quite a few questions as of late about belts. Below is the list I’ve compiled from both clients and folks in my Instagram and Facebook community. Maybe you have some belt questions to add. If so, drop it in the comments below.
But, before we dive right into the belt questions, let’s chat briefly about belts generally. Belts are having a moment again. I’d say it started happening about 5 years ago when pant rises began getting higher (think high waist denim). And concurrently when waist definition became more important in the silhouettes designers were highlighting.
Image via Nili Lotan
Think about it… when pant rises were low, belts fell out of favor. Yes, some still wore them, but overall they became less important. Additionally, the belts I personally had from the 1990’s that I wore on my true waist, did not fit when I tried to wear them with my low rise jeans from the early aughts.
Dang, am I glad I held on to them though! Because belts are back baby!
The beauty of a belt is that it serves as an accessory - like jewelry or a scarf - and can add interest to help create a cohesive outfit. For example, I’m often asked how to implement the third piece rule when the weather is warmer. Because typically, the third piece is a topper. However, the third piece can also be a belt (or another accessory), and that is huge.
So if you’ve been overlooking belts, now might be the time to give them a second chance. I’ve been talking a bit about belts on Instagram recently, so check out these belt reels if you haven’t seen them already! Also, I have a bonus additional blog post this week with holiday outfit ideas from Walmart Fashion - read the post here!
Your Belt Questions Answered:
Are belts in or out?
I’d say belts are having a resurgence. Especially because so many tops are getting tucked in and it is a really nice way to connect the top with the bottom.
Do your shoes and belt need to match?
No!! That’s sort of an outdated rule, especially for women. It’s kind of like the no white after labor day thing… However, they can, but they do not need to match.
I will say it is nice if the belt either is the contrast and pop of the outfit or is the marrying piece that ties in a color or element from another part of the outfit if possible. Meaning we want the belt to look intentional and be integral to the outfit as a whole, and not to look like an afterthought.
Do you need to wear a different kind of belt with high waist jeans?
With highwaist pants a medium width or skinny belt will be most comfortable. A very thick belt will probably hit your ribs and also, unless you’re extremely long waisted, not leave enough room between your bust and your belt.
How to know when to wear a skinny belt or a wide one?
I typically let the belt loops guide the width of the belt. It does not need to be a perfect fit, but if the loops are oversized and the belt is skinny, it can look strange.
Image via Gucci
Are the GG belts still ok to wear?
Ok, this is one of those topics that might get some feathers ruffled. I’d say the classic gold or silver GG belt is a piece I’d still wear but likely not buy new today. In the flow of the trend cycle, I feel that particular belt has hit its peak. The monochromatic GG belt, however, is something I’d buy tomorrow. It’s the next iteration and I love how the color all blends together.
What if you have a stomach? Can you still wear a belt?
So this is a fair and valid concern. Belts do draw attention to the mid section. And often, as women age the mid section becomes thicker. However, that’s where blazers and cardigans come in handy. Wearing a belt and then adding a blazer (or cardigan) over allows you to visually create a snatched waist. Yet, from the side, no one is the wiser. As a woman whose weight is redistributing to my mid section, I swear by this stylist trick.
Can you not wear a belt and still look finished?
Yes, you absolutely can. Belts work when items are tucked in, so do not wear a belt if your intention is to wear your top untucked. And if you want to tuck in but go sans belt, use this tip: blouse your top so that ½ of the pants waistband is hidden (or ½ the pants button). This will allow for a visually smooth transition, and you’ll still feel finished, even without a belt.
What about belting a sweater, blazer or dress?
Yes, yes and yes. I love this look, but on others. It does not look good on me. Well, it looks ok from the front, but not as good from the side. It tends to amplify the thickness I am trying to camouflage, so it is a no go for me. Sometimes, if the belt and dress hit just right I can pull that off, but it’s not a sure thing. This article does a great job of explaining how to rock the belt over a blazer look!
The Unnecessary Belt Trend
One last thing… There is a “trend” happening now sometimes called the unnecessary belt. Meaning, belts are being used in a decorative sense, not necessarily to hold one's pants up. Honestly, I’m not totally sure where I’m landing on this one, but I’m sharing it nonetheless, kind of as an FYI. Jury is still out on how much traction this is going to gain.
