Should I Wear a Belt?
As a personal stylist based in Seattle, I’ve spent over a decade deep in women’s closets. The initial tour of a new client’s belongings includes an overview of her pieces including and inevitable comment about belts. She either has a zillion of them in a drawer that she doesn’t wear or doesn’t have any. Regardless, a surprisingly high percentage of women feel that they lack some sort of expertise when it comes to styling a belt and that they are interested in my guidance on the topic.
With many things related to fashion and style, clients often feel that they didn’t get the memo and are ready to finally understand what to wear, when, why and most importantly how. That’s where I come in.
Belts, as it turns out, are not for everyone and indeed haven’t been ubiquitous for many years, so really, there hasn’t been a need to learn how to style them.
Until now…. Sort of.
If you have been plagued by the question: to belt or not to belt. This post is for you.
Should I be Wearing a Belt?
As with all things style, longtime members of the Poplin Community will know my initial answer. It depends:) After all, no item is the must have piece for every woman. So, let’s dial in a bit, shall we?
Does a Belt Flatter Your Frame?
Sure, belts technically exist to hold your pants up, but really, for women, the primary goal of a belt is to show off her small waist. Don’t have a small waist? A belt can help define a waist or give the impression of one. That’s the goal for any woman who has a rectangle shaped body type. A belt looks incredible on an hourglass body shape as it highlights an existing small waist. From there, things get a little trickier.
Available in multiple colors and up to size ML, this belt helps elongate a short torso or is great for an inverted triangle body type.
If I Wear a Belt, Where Does it Go?
A woman with a triangle shaped figure can wear a belt and have it flatter her frame. The key is that she wears the belt at her smallest point. Specifically, opting to style the belt at her ribcage rather than at her belly button or hips, gives the impression that she has a small waist. For those of you with an Inverted Triangle Body Type, opting for a low slung belt at your hips is ideal, drawing the eye down and balancing your frame.
Available in two colors, this belt works with a variety of pieces and will stay in your collection for years. Ethically made. Female founder.
What Body Type Should Avoid Belts?
Of course, it’s not necessary to dress for your body type everyday, so there may be times you opt to go with silouettes that are unflattering for your shape, but you love. And that’s totally okay. You are your own person and you dress for yourself above all else. I love understanding how to dress your body for special ocassions, when you’ll be in photographs and if you are struggling to feel great about your everyday style. Over the years, it’s become very clear to me that when given the choice, a women will often find that she prefers the outfit that flatters her shape over one that doesn’t. “I’m not sure I can pull that off,” is one way of a vague understanding that a pairing isn’t flattering on her frame. This means that when I show her what IS flattering and communicates a similar vision, she lights up.
To answer the original question, a belt gives the impression that the Diamond Shaped Figure is actually wider than it is simply because it highlights her widest point, which is her waistline. Skipping the belt and opting for another accessory will naturally make her feel more confident.
Available up to size XL, this double leather belt has an edgy vibe that transforms and outfit. Female founder.
Does a Belt Communicate Your Authentic Personal Style?
A low slung belt has a boho vibe that makes sense for a woman who loves to channel her inner 1970’s style. The still popular logo belt is just right for someone who wants to show off her luxury brand affiliations with a more intimidating (rather than approachable) style. Whether or not belts are on trend, opting to wear one that aligns with your personal style is essential. If it doesn’t show off your shape or further your style goals, it’s unnecessary.
This is the only belt that I currently own. I wear this dress with and without it, depending on the ocassion. With my Triangle shaped figure, it highlights my smallest point. Available up to size XL. Ethically made. Female Founder.
Are you going to wear it over a dress?
Right now, this is the main reason, if any, to own a belt. Sure, trends will change and yes, it’s still very important to flatter your frame. But, if you want to wear a belt and aren’t sure where to begin, a dress is the ideal gateway.
I can’t wait to see what you decide.
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