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Monthly Archives: May 2018

How to Wear Belts, Belts for Women, Style Clinic, Ann Reinten, Image Innovators, Image Consultant Training, My Private Stylist.

HOW TO WEAR BELTS

By | Accessorizing, How To... | 7 Comments

Far from being purely utilitarian, belts can be the final sartorial touch that completes and polishes your total look. The addition of a belt can be the equivalent of adding a period to the end of a sentence. In addition, they can add shape and aid in improving the garment’s fit. Of course, like any other accessory, there are factors and elements that come into play to successfully pull off and integrate a belt into your look.

Here’s my guide to wearing belts and looking amazing in them.

Types of Belts

Being knowledgeable about the types of belts available will better equip when it comes to figuring out which one to choose for particular occasions and whether a certain belt style will suit your personal style and body type. Knowing the belt lingo will also make it easier for you to shop and find exactly what you’re looking for. 

Classic

Whether it comes in black or in brown, the classic belt is a must-have in every woman’s wardrobe. This belt is a versatile piece that exceeds its practicality. With a simple design and buckle, the simplicity of this belt makes it adaptable to a gamut of occasions. This belt when in a good quality leather will add polish to your office separates and your denim.

But don’t stop there; why not try some bright colored belts? They are the perfect choice to pep up your LBD or a predominantly monochromatic look. Go to neon belts and you’ll add some youthful vigor and dose of trendy style to classic looks. If you’re up for getting noticed, match one accessory e.g, bag or scarf to the color of your belt.

The next step up is the metallic belt. In finishes such as gold and silver, they are as versatile and easy to style as your traditional neutrals such as: nude, navy, black, and white. If you want to add glam to your look, reach for a metallic belt and watch your glam instantly shine through. Whether you opt for a skinny or wide metallic belt, the versatility of this piece remains constant. A trendy and of-the-moment take on this belt is to buy a belt with a metallic piece on the front; this type of metallic belt gives more structure to your overall look.

My Private Stylist, How to Wear Belts, Ann Reinten, Image innovators, Image Consultant Training, Style Clinic

Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3

Woven/Braided

Typically a boho accessory, the woven/braided leather belt has crossed over to more traditional styles. Leather is the usual material of choice for this type of belt given its earthy style connotations. However, the ease with which this belt can be styled has made it an easy pick for fashionistas to cross over to style even their preppy looks. In my opinion, this belt looks best when worn over flowing tunic tops and maxi dresses as well as more polished pieces like pencil skirts and sheath dresses.

Trend up your belt with no traditional belting.

Belts 2

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Statement

This belt is especially appropriate for evening occasions and can be relied upon to make a major impression. From a belt that sparkles for the glam queens, to a studded belt if you’re more of a rock chick and an animal print if you’re a dramatic gal, the choices are endless.

The key here is to find a style that resonates with your style so you can wear it with confidence.

Belts 3

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Skinny

Skinny belts are subtle accessories that can easily spruce up your outfit and make it look complete. It’s also easier to play around with colorful hues and bolder prints since it’s width makes it understated.

When styling this belt take note of proportion since the belt is so skinny wear it with jeans or skirts that are more fitted. Loose and flowing pieces will drown out the belt and it will lose its chic appeal.

Belts 4

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Wide

Wide belts are another kind of statement belt; from an Obi to add a little oriental flavor to sexy corset style or a classic wide sash style, each makes a unique statement. A wide belt is perfect for creating an amazing hourglass shape and will work wonders for most waistlines.  

If you want to cinch in your waist when wearing shapeless shift dresses or empire waist pieces, a wide belt is your best bet. Invest in a neutral wide belt that you can style different options with, and invest in a fun, trendier version for nights when you’re feeling a little bit funkier. 

Recently there has been an upward spike in the presence of Japanese-inspired fashion trends on the runways. Multiple seasons have passed and the popularity and prominence of obi belts have grown by leaps and bounds. What makes the Obi distinctive is that there is a wide base that serves as the base to wrap around the thinner straps that tie in the front. Obi belts are a hot trend right now and it is a worthy addition to your wardrobe, for sure.

Belts 5

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Rope

Tying a rope around your waist says effortless style to a T. They are an easy way to add structured and shape to your more casual looks. You can tie your rope belt in multiple ways, either in the middle front, the back, or even asymmetrical to one side. It’s just a one-of-a-kind way to finish up a look. This rope belt works especially well for the warmer months with lighter fabrications. You can even personalize this type of belt even further with the way you decide to knot it.

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Elastic

Elasticized belts can have a tendency to look 80s-inspired, especially if they sport an ornate buckle. Fight against that by making sure that your elastic belts serve as a seamless component of your look instead of a focal point. If you do decide to let your beautiful waist and elasticized belt take center stage, keep the rest of your look simple and let the attention be on the belt.

My Private Stylist, How to Wear Belts, Ann Reinten, Image innovators, Image Consultant Training, Style Clinic

Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3

Fabric

Fabric belt or sash belts are another hot trend that emerged from street style this year. Scarves used as belts, either tied at the waist or slung low on the hips, is the ultimate in cool-girl styling. This styling insider trick will give you a definite fashion editor feel.

My Private Stylist, How to Wear Belts, Ann Reinten, Image innovators, Image Consultant Training, Style Clinic

Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3 

The Right Belt for You

If you are high-waisted with long legs

Your aim is to visually elongate your torso so narrow belts and/or those that sit below your waist is often the best way to go. You can also:

A. Wear a single color above and below the waist and a narrow belt in the same color.

B. Continue the visual length of your torso by wearing a belt in the color of your top.

C. Wear a single color above and below your waist and then add a narrow belt at the waist.

D. Wear a hipster belt.

How to wear belts, Style Clinic, Ann Reinten, Belts for long lets, Belts for short torsos, Image innovators, Image Consultant Training

If you are low-waisted with short legs

You have plenty of torso to experiment with all manner of belts with medium to wide styles being your best. Avoid wearing belts too low as this will emphasize your long torso. 

A. Wear belts that match your pants to extend your leg length.

B. Wide belts.

C. Contrasting belts.

D. Obi and corset belts.

How to wear belts, Style Clinic, Ann Reinten, Belts for short legs, Belts for long torsos, Image innovators, Image Consultant Training

If you have little waist definition

The goal here will be to create the illusion of a waist. This can be achieved by:

A. Wearing a medium to narrow width belt in a darker color than the garment you are wearing.

B. Wearing a belt in a color matching your top or dress.

C. Calling attention to your waist with a belt peeping out from an open jacket or sweater.

D. Teaming the belt with tops and bottoms with volume to create the illusion of a waist.

Belts rectangles

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If you have a large bust

Often your bust sits lower creating the appearance of being short-waisted with little to no waist definition. You can counter this with:

A. Medium to narrow width belts in the same or darker color than the garment you are wearing and positioned.

B. Belts that sit on the hips.

C. Belts peaking out from under open jackets.

How to wear belts, Style Clinic, Ann Reinten, Belts for large busts, Image innovators, Image Consultant Training

 Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3

If you are full hipped

You are blessed with a waist so belts are a great accessory for showing off your figure and improving the fit of many garments. However, they can also emphasize the size of your hips and buttocks. Your best belts include:

A. Those that sit slightly above your natural waist.

B. Styles in the same color as your pants or skirt.  

C. Belts under open jackets and vests.

How to wear belts, Style Clinic, Ann Reinten, Belts for triangles, Belts for large hips, Belts for short torsos, Image innovators, Image Consultant Training

Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3

Do’s and Don’ts of Wearing a Belt

Do you think you’re ready to conquer belts now? Before you go armed with your newfound knowledge, here are some do’s and don’ts to bear in mind:

  • Do wear the same color of belt as your dress. It’ll make your look more streamlined. 
  • Do store your belts and clean them properly. A little bit of care goes a long way in making your accessories last. 
  • Do create shape and curves using belts. Belt phobia is worth conquering if only for this one reason. 
  • Do get colorful and bold when shopping for belts. It’s a great way to bring some life into your more basic pieces. 
  • Do show off your belt. Put the attention on your awesome accessory and your amazing figure. 
  • Do declutter your closet and swap ‘out of style’ belts each year. 
  • Don’t fold your belts or curl them tightly when storing them. 
  • Don’t match every single accessory to the color of your belt. 
  • Don’t wear your belt too tight. 
  • Don’t be afraid to wear your belt over your cardigan or cover up. It’s a chic and refreshing way to add shape while wearing outerwear. 
  • Don’t overshadow a statement belt with other large and/or prominent accessories. 
  • Don’t wear lighter belt fabrications (fabric, rope) for the colder seasons. Leather can be worn all year round. 
  • Don’t be afraid to show off your fun personality with an equally fun and fabulous belt. 
  • Don’t ever be scared of belts. No more belt phobia for you!

 

 

 

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Ann Reinten AICI CIP
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