Rock The Look: Belts (Thick or Thin!)

By Anna R

(Left to right, Fall 2008 RTW, from style.com: Jill Stuart, Fendi, Fendi, 3.1 Philip Lim)

[Do you ever feel like you can’t pull something off? Have trendy pieces in your closet that you would never have the courage to actually wear out? Well take those pieces out, shake off the dust, and continue reading! In this series, I will choose a different piece that can be difficult to incorporate into an outfit and give you ideas on how to wear it. If there’s anything you would like to read about in the future, please leave a comment!]

Belts are your most useful accessories; they can hold up your pants, make your waist look small (even in the bulkiest of sweaters), and (literally) pull your outfit together.

Belts are a worthwhile investment because they are so versatile. Neutral colors like brown or black will work with most items in your wardrobe, and brighter colors can make a boring outfit unique. Read on for different ways to cinch your waist this winter. (Warning: anything that applies pressure to the stomach is probably not something you’re going to want to try out at Thanksgiving dinner.)

All dressed up:

Blake Lively looks amazing in this purple Tadashi Shoji dress and black belt at the 2008 Teen Choice Awards in August. This is a great look for any more formal event, like a New Years Eve party. Just wear some tights if you’re going to be outside! Put this look together yourself below: (Click the picture for more info.)

A Casual Look:

Dress up your drab daytime look by adding a belt. Try wearing one over a cardigan, like Sophia Bush in this picture. It is an unexpected twist that really highlights your waist and adds a little ooomph to your ensemble. Here’s where you can get this look (click pictures):

More good ideas for wearing belts:

1. Tie a long skinny belt instead of buckling it – it looks messy but in a good way.

2. Tuck your scarf in. It makes the whole look a little more chic.

Also, make sure you try both wide and skinny belts – both are very in and very cute right now.