I had a style revelation recently, you all: I can go without a bra and never think twice about it, but if I don’t put a belt on, I feel naked.
Crazy, I know. But true!
I am totally wearing a bra here. Just so you know.
A belt can be your secret style weapon no matter what your size or shape. Adding a belt to a skirt or dress gives your whole look a little more polish; it pulls it all together, if you will. But a belt can do more than that. Much more.
No matter what your shape — apple, pear, celery stick — a belt is your best friend. Here’s why.
Apple
If you’re an apple, you carry your weight through your mid section (lots of us go through an apple phase after a baby, regardless of our normal shape). Adding a belt to an outfit can create the illusion of a waist even if you don’t really have one. Choose a wider belt; wear it between the top of your hipbone and the bottom of your rib cage. And ta da! Instant waist.
Pear
You’re a pear if you carry your weight on your bottom half, across your hips and thighs. Adding a belt to an outfit draws the eye up, away from your widest part, and emphasizes your small waist. Look for belts that are proportional to your size; very thin women can be overwhelmed by big belts, while wee skinny belts disappear on curvier girls.
Celery Stick
The celery stick is the girl without (m)any curves (I’m a pear-celery stick hybrid; I have hips but no boobs to speak of). A well-deployed belt gives your stick figure a little shape and makes you look less like one of the boys. Pair a belt with a slouchy top and an A-line skirt for a relaxed, feminine look.
If you’re one of the lucky ones who has great boobs and curvy hips (so jealous) a belt is really and truly your best style weapon. Nipping in your waist with a belt balances top and bottom and creates a sleek silhouette. Just make sure you’re wearing a great bra; you don’t want the girls drooping over your belt buckle.
What’s your can’t-go-without-it accessory?
I am wearing a belt right now! It’s only in the last couple of years that I’ve begun to appreciate the power of belts to make an outfit look ‘finished.’ I’m a pear/hourglass shape and the belt gives some good definition.
I have a really hard time finding belts that fit me. What’s a good way of making a belt smaller without ruining it?
Chris, I have *very carefully* drilled holes in belts to make them smaller; measure twice and drill once, with a teeny tiny drill bit. I swear it works. You can also look for belts with holes along the entire length; they’re easy to make shorter or longer depending on your look. I’ve found a couple great belts like that at Target (yes really!).
Any suggestions for a short-waisted apple with a bigger chest? Belts at my natural waist just seem to emphasize the lack of waist, and sits uncomfortably just under my chest (awkward). I just can’t seem to get it right….
Shelley, this is my issue as well. I’m tall (5’8″) but a short waist and a C cup. In fact, I normally don’t tuck shirts into pants or skirts because untucked gives the illusion of length. My wedding dress was a “dropped waist” style because it was more flattering.
It’s hard to belt things without me looking sort of frumpy.
Agreed. I have a short waist, wear DD, and am an apple shape. Belts end up looking wrong. The wide belt looks as if it connects my chest to my hips, even with my bras that have fabulous support. Not flattering for me. I’ve been struggling to find a belt that works, and was hoping someone had a solution. I have only worn a belt about 3x in the past decade for this precise reason. Glad to know I’m not alone!
This is a cute article, but where is Part 3?? I am on pins and needles waiting for Part 3!
Sorry! The last week (and a half omg) just totally got away from me. Part three is coming soon! I promise!
I love belts but I just can’t seem to get them to work for me most of the time. I’m one of those “lucky” hourglass girls with a generous bust and rear, but although I can point to my waist, I can’t convince my belts to stay put. When I sit, my mini-paunch makes an appearance and the belt will slide up to rest under my boobs–not a good look! Most of the outfits I wear with a belt do not include items with belt loops, and the difference between my sitting and standing waist is more than three inches, so wearing the belt more loosely isn’t an option. Any suggestions?
What about if you’re a celery with a long waist but not short legs (basically I’m just long all over)? I’ve read I should never tuck in shirts (unless I’m wearing high waisted pants or skirt). I’m not certain how best to use the belt- ??? Any advice appreciated!
How do you get a skinny belt to stay put on, say, a dress or skirt without belt loops? I find myself struggling all day to keep it in place.
I’m hoping that I can help with the “need belt loops” comments. I sew and people often ask me to do sewing projects for them. I always teach this one, so I don’t keep getting asked. Here’s how to do it:
First, determine where the loops should be and decide how big the loops need to be for your belt.
Second, gather a needle and thread that matches either the belt (my perference) or the garment.
Third, thread the needle and tie a knot in the thread.
Fourth, Starting inside the garment, push needle out where the top of the loop should be. Knot should now be inside the garment.
Fifth, push the needle back into the garment.
Sixth, do a few more passes of the thread so that you’ve got four or five thread loops together. Knot the thread on the inside of the garment.
Last, (and this is the part that is difficult to explain) using another length of the thread, knot the thread, push the needle out to the tp of the loops, and, using the needle, go around the loops until you have wound all the way down the loop. then push the needle into the garment and tie a knot. Do another one on the other side(s). Done!
I hope that makes sense.
I have the same question : how do you keep a belt-over-a-shirt in place?
Wait, you can go out without a bra? I think we are skimming over a very important detail here. My go to accessories would have to be full undergarments!
Kidding-but not really, I always wear mine- my go to accessories are shoes. I love great shoes.