How To Accessorize | With Belts

by DWJ on November 11, 2009 · 20 comments

in Accessories, How To Accessorize...

belts
One of the things you guys asked for a lot in the reader surveys was for me to show more examples of how I accessorize in my life. One of the things I think I do the most is wear belts over cardigans. It’s my favorite thing to do to define my waste (and I have a little bit of a tummy…) and add a little bit more definition to dresses that may be loose or need a little bit more shape.

Accessorize it with:
I also realize I have a pattern. I belt cardigans with a medium sized belt and I do a large necklace that drops down to or right above the belt. I like to leave the cardigan open most of the times but sometimes I’ll close it but I like to leave it open to show off more color or cleavage ;) If you’re not into necklaces try adding a great brooch/pin to your cardigan or dress. It adds another ladylike touch to it.

How to wear it:
When belting a cardigan, shirt or dress you should place the belt above your natural waistline. At first this can seem a bit weird but you’re cinching in the smallest part of your body underneath your chest around your rib cage. It will make you look a little slimmer, I promise. You also want to pick the right size belt. If you have larger breasts you should go for a medium sized belt, anything to slim will just disappear under your chest. If you’re very petite a belt that is too large can overwhelm your frame and make your proportions appear distorted. Try on tons of belts, see what works for you. Try different patterns, textures and definitely colors. I love doing a contrasting color to what you’re wearing so the belt really pops against what you’re wearing.

Belts are great accessories. You can change how your silhouette looks just by adding that one detail. Not sure how to pick one, or where to start? I suggest a dark medium sized belt with a patent leather detail. Forever 21 has a huge selection of fun belts and they are so inexpensive!
belt
This navy patent waist belt is under $5! You can’t not jump on this trend when it’s so inexpensive.

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{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Gail November 11, 2009 at 11:04 am

I love this idea I think you look fierce! I really have been want to try it but, it’s really hard to find plus sized belts. :-(

2 Kelly T November 11, 2009 at 11:07 am

I find fantastic plus size belts at Ashlee Stewart

3 DWJ November 11, 2009 at 2:07 pm

Kelly and Gail – I just had a blogger agree to do a guest post on plus sized belts and accessories. YAY! Stayed tuned ;)

4 Gail November 11, 2009 at 2:47 pm

Wooohoo can’t wait!

5 Lisa November 11, 2009 at 4:40 pm

DWJ, love it. I’ve been wanting to jump into belting but I thought I looked silly or was wearing the belt too low. I’m going to go home and try putting it a bit higher tonight. Thanks!

6 Margaret McDermott November 12, 2009 at 12:41 pm

I love the belts! I never considered myself much of a belt person but I may go out on a fashion limb and try them out again! Great pics!

7 idilvice November 15, 2009 at 9:52 pm

Ever since I’ve seen First Lady Michelle Obama wearing belts over everything, I’ve been crazy about this look and have even been wearing belts myself, when that was never even “my style” at all, but it really works!! It shapes your body, stretches your legs and it gives you an instant fashionable look : ) Love to see it here spotlighted in this post!!

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