How to Wear

Belts are a definitive point of call for all fashionistas.  Belts fall into 4 basic categories: Jean, Hip, Waist and Skinny. Long gone is the notion that belts are solely used for holding up your trousers.
They accentuate waistlines, add contrast or colour to an outfit, make us look sharper at the office, dress up a jeans and t-shirt combo – in essence belts update any outfit in an instance. If you're looking for a simple, inexpensive way to spruce up your wardrobe, follow these tips from our designer as featured in ‘The Daily Obsession – How to wear belts’ to find the perfect belt to suit your figure and style.

1. Tips for accessorising with belts

2. By occasion

3. Body shape

4. Men's styling tips

TIPS FOR ACCESORISING WITH BELTS

Colours:
Colour is a great way to add definition to a simple and plain outfit. If you are colour shy, why not try a skinny belt allowing you to add a hint of colour without feeling overwhelmed. For those of you looking for a bold transformation, there is nothing better than a wide waisted belt in an eye catching colour to update your favourite LBD.

There is no fast rule whereby we must match our shoes and belts.  As a general rule, for black & brown belts, match or keep it tonal especially in a professional environment.  But if you are adding colour, there is no need to have the shoes matching too!  Also mixing can also liven up an outfit, if the rest of your ensemble is plain & basic.

It’s a good idea to match the colour of your jewellery to the colour of your buckle.  If you are wearing gold jewellery, wear a belt with a gold buckle, and the same if you are wearing silver jewellery wear something with a silver buckle.

Definition:
Waist belts are a fantastic way to define your waist and create an hourglass silhouette. Elastic back belts are particularly fab as they are more comfortable and wearable for everyday use. For a more structured look a thick wide waist belt looks amazing - creating that corset style look for special occasions. Corset belts with their dramatic wide shapes and taut fit, will nip in your waist and also slim your stomach. High waisted trousers and skirts beckon for a belt to accentuate the waist, whether it is a skinny or wide style.

Create a focal point:
Belts are a sought after accessory and can very much make or break and outfit! Making your belt a focal point is a great way to make a statement.  A simple jeans and t-shirt combo can look effortlessly stylish with the addition of fabulous jeans belt. Elaborate buckles also create a point of interest.

To bling or not to bling:
Don’t be shy of wearing bling during the day. We have a great selection of belts with Swarovski buckle and stud embellishments from dainty styles to more daring pieces. For everyday chic, a slim belt with some Swarovski detail looks elegant without overdoing it.  

Investment Pieces:
It is a good idea to have a black and brown belt for trousers/jeans, a hip belt and, a good waist belt and an embellished style. The majority of our belts are timeless designs made from exceptional quality leathers that you can wear again and again making them a sound investment for your wardrobe.  A girl can never have too many accessories!

Don’t want to buy a whole new outfit?
Savvy fashionistas know that a belt can transform a woman’s wardrobe and inspire you to create new outfits within your existing closet. Instead of buying a new outfit, trying adding a fabulous belt, you’ll be surprised at the results! Even stuff that you may have hiding in the closet from seasons past, if its shapeless or too big - don’t’ throw it away - try adding a waist belt to give definition especially to dresses, tunics and jackets. How we wear our belts can make all the difference! 

Winter coats:
Some coats have very boring and sometimes unappealing belts, the most inexpensive coat with a great quality belt over it, can look amazing.  Then you can always it again with other outfits.

BY OCCASION

Work wear:
For work wear, high-waisted skirts and shirts look fab with a cinch belt.  Our Isabel belt has become a staple piece in many a woman’s wardrobe. It’s easy to wear, functional, looks good and is perfect for the sexy secretarial style when teamed with a pencil skirt and shirt or over a shift.  Another favourite is the skinny belt, wrapped around the waist it looks ever so elegant creating a dainty look over dresses. Skinny minis add a demure touch when worn through trousers with a shirt. Try Orla or Amika.

Day:
For the day time, plainer styles are best suited or those with a touch of Swarovski embellishment, woven designs; some stud embellishment with denim looks good. If you only want a little design, embossed straps are great.  It is a good investment to have one black & one brown basic belt that you can team up with anything. 

Day to Night look:
Got a date after work and no time to change or drinks with your girlfriends? Work suit or Dress- take an amazing belt teamed with your trusted heels and gorgeous jewellery will make you look and feel fabulous. For summer gorgeousness try a floaty summer dress cinched in with a waist belt and sexy heels.

Holiday Wardrobe Glam:
Why not try out a fabulous belt with your favourite kaftan? There is no reason why your belt love can’t extend to the beach! We all spend a lot of time and effort preening ourselves for that sacred time away from it all and what more of an occasion than to look fabulous at all times. Chain belts look especially glam. We recently spotted our Amika wrapped around the wrists of a few fashion savvy ladies looking fabulous on Nikki Beach!

BODY SHAPE

Voluptuous ladies – cinch belts are indispensable, they will pull in your waist and create an hourglass illusion.  For the comfort factor, try elasticated belts – Isabel is a great option. Avoid wearing low slung belts if you are pear shaped as they will draw attention to your hips and bottom. Darker shades are best just as with the clothing rule, they will give a more slimming silhouette.

Slim builds – try layering, so wearing a sheer blouse, long cardigan & skirt for e.g. and then cinching in the waist to create the illusion of curves.  Choose a vivacious coloured belt for the waist and this will make you look curvier. Also lighter shades as with the clothing rule will also create the illusion of curves. In the winter month belts worn over chunky knits look fabulous.  Stick to belts that range from skinny styles up to approx 6cm in width.

Tall & leggy – in order to create the illusion of curves, try to wear wider styles around the waist.  Sometimes, thick & heavy belts can be too much, try leather and elastic versions (e.g. Isabel) or a supple lambskin belt so it looks softer, but still pulls in your waist to add definition.

Petite and curvy - try not to wear big, bulky belts as they will overpower your frame, try slimmer belts for the waist and for the hip.

If you are short-waisted then it is an idea to match your top to your belt so it creates a fluid line and creating length and if you are long waisted match your bottom colour to your belt again to balance the top.

MEN’S STYLING TIPS:

If your trousers have loops - wear a belt with them!  It’s a good idea to have a selection of at least 3 or 4 basic pieces to work with your wardrobe – a black belt, a brown belt, a tan belt and a studded belt.

It is a good idea to match your shoe and belt colour especially for formal occasions and for the workplace for a more polished look. For Men’s belts sizes, you would generally go up a size from your trousers/jeans.  For more information on sizes please refer to our Sizing Guide.

Guys you can bling it up too! A combination of studs and crystals look great for a boy’s night out with your favourite jeans. We generally only use muted Swarovski colours for Men’s belts so rest assured they are totally wearable. For a relaxed weekend look, try belts with stud detail or a detailed buckle belt with denim.

For work wear, we have a selection of different belt widths, finishes and simple buckles. For the office, try a sleek feather edged belt for a sharp and understated look.

Final word: You can never have too many belts...