How to Wear Belts

Belts are timeless accessories that can really accentuate all types of outfits. They can be worn at the office, on casual shopping outings and during formal dinner events to transform basic, ordinary looks into more dramatic, bold ensembles. Plus, belts are typically inexpensive, which is great for sprucing up outfits without breaking the bank. Here are five different ways to add belts to your outfits, whether you want a sleek, sophisticated look or a fun, flirty flair.

Things You'll Need

• Various types of belts (skinny, wide, leather, printed, scarf-like, plaid, among others)
• Long scarf (vintage, if possible)
• Various articles of clothing from your closet (jeans with belt loops, black dressy pants with belt loops, long denim or khaki skirt, T-shirt, indigo or white blouse, shift dress, pencil skirt and cardigan sweater)

Instructions

1. Go the traditional route by stringing a black leather belt through the belt loops on your favorite pair of black dressy pants. Tuck in an indigo or white well-fitted dress blouse to your pants to really show off the belt and give you the appearance of a small waist. Paired up with black heels, this is a sophisticated and sleek outfit for the office or work meeting.

2. Achieve a more fun, flirty look by entwining a long scarf through the belt loops of your favorite comfy jeans. After you have secured the scarf through the belt loops, tie a loose bow in the front of your jeans for a jaunty touch. Don your favorite T-shirt and sandals for this Bohemian belted look that is perfect for a day of antiquing or lunch with the girls. Vintage scarves work beautifully with this look and are one-of-a-kind.

3. Don your favorite long denim or khaki skirt and comfy T-shirt. Leave the T-shirt loose over the skirt. Loosely wrap a wide, leather belt around the low part of your hips to give you a "dropped waste" appearance. This casual way to wear a belt is hip, comfortable and flattering all at once.

4. Start out by wearing a solid or printed shift dress or pencil skirt and buttoned cardigan. Fasten a super-skinny belt (leather or patent leather) around the top part of your waste. If wearing the skirt and cardigan ensemble, the belt will rest around the middle of the cardigan sweater. This belted look is great for emphasizing a small waste and truly gets you through the nine to five work day into an evening event with flair and sophistication.

5. For a preppy, put together look, slide a printed plaid belt through the belt loops of your favorite jeans. Tuck in a white blouse to really show off the plaid pattern of the belt. Don a sensible black or brown shoe, and this easy belted look has you ready for casual Fridays at the office or a Saturday shopping trip to the mall.