Tasteful Trend: How to Wear a Belt

Your belt's resume extends beyond the ability to secure the vertical positioning of your trousers, Specifically, your belt boasts three singular skills:

1) Outlining your narrowest point
2) Defining your silhouette both horizontally and vertically

3) Adding visual interest to your ensemble

Belt Recommendations

Body Type	Narrowest Point	Other Concerns	Ideal Example
Upper Figure	Hipline	Short Legs	Thin Hip Belt
		Long Legs	Wide Hip Belt
Middle Figure	Under the Bust	Average Chest Size	Thin to Mid-Width Empire Belt
		Below or Above Average Chest	Mid to Wide Hip Slung Belt (blouse the top above the buckle to disguise any insecurities)
Hour- glass/ Lower	Natural Waist	Short Torso	Thin to Mid-Width Waist Belt
		Long Torso	Mid to Wide Width Waist Belt
Linear	Anywhere	Select a Belt in Proportion to Frame	Cinched, Volume Inducing Belt

Add either give or take to your belt with a Notch Puncher or streamline the loose belt tail with something more permanent than double sided tape, a Belt Loopy.

First consider proportions when selecting a belt.  If you want something to appear shorter, divide it with a wider belt, alternatively a thinner belt will maintain visual length.  Also be sure that your belt mirrors your frame,  sturdy frames should avoid overly dainty belts.  And delicate frames should stray from thick corsets.

Next not all belts are cut to the same straight line.  A belt that is contoured or cut on the curve (smiling when laid down) will have an automatic narrowing effect.  If you love the look of thick belts but fear their truncating effects, try a riding belt that narrows in at the center.

Finally, account for fibers.  Thick elastic materials can offer comfort and can even girdle soft centers.  Robust leathers will secure thick woolen wears or contrast more delicate gossamers.  If you are insecure about your personal details being squished above or below a belt when you sit, favor structured woven materials over stretchy knits for the layer under your belt.

Drawing Attention

Less Definition	More Definition
Matte textuers similar to the background create less definition	Glossy, patent, or other high shine textures and metallic details that contrast strongly with the background create more definition
Layering a belt under a jacket or sweater creates visual interest while maintaing a cloud of mystery about the midsection	Layering a belt over a jacket or sweater creates visual interest and amplifies waist definition

Lastly, avoid the most deadly of belt sins and never over constrict.  If in doubt, move it back a notch.   You don't want abdominal details squishing out above or below your belt line.

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downloadable cheat sheet

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