How to Wear a Belt

You probably have a large collection of belts stowed away in your closet. But you may be unsure just how to pair them with your current clothes. With a little creativity, you can use your belts to update a variety of clothing styles and shapes and make your outfit seem very “now.”

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Patent leather belt
• Snakeskin belt
• Thin belt
• Thick belt
• Waisted pants
• Low-rise jeans
• Wool coat
• Long blazer

1. Look for belts in a range of widths, from super skinny ones (a half-inch or less) to wide belts that are several inches from the bottom to the top.

2. Select belts that have different finishes. Try patent leather (black and/or bright colors such as red, cobalt blue and yellow) and textured snakeskin.

3. Wear a belt with waisted pants to call attention to a narrow mid-section. This works well with a fitted sweater or blouse tucked in.

4. Buckle your belt over a longer tunic or sweater to create an hour-glass figure.

5. Make a wool dress coat or a longer blazer look more modern by adding a thick belt at the waist. This can be a quick and easy way to get a wardrobe update.

Tips & Warnings

• Buy belts in different waist sizes depending on how you plan to wear them. You’ll need a smaller belt to go over thinner fabrics and for pants that fit at your natural waist. Opt for a larger belt if you plan to wear it over a sweater or with lower-rise jeans.
• Tie a pretty ribbon around your waist instead of a belt. Or, get a modern effect by clasping a long vintage necklace in its place.
• Avoid wearing a belt that doesn’t fit. If the belt is straining to fit in the last hole, it may make your clothing bulge unnecessarily. On the other hand, a too-large belt can also add bulk, since the extra leather may not stay in place.