Dressing for your body type, Style Tips

Are you absolutely sure your belt is the best for you?

by Nicole Mölders
#advancedstyle woman looking posh casual in a men's wear inspired outfit with belt

Which belt is best depends on your body type

Last weeks post of this reader requested accessories series pointed out the 19 most common worst belt styling mistakes. Today’s post addresses which is the right belt for you. Of course, you belt must fit your outfit and your personal style preferences. Are you not knowing your primary style? Take this free online style finder.

In addition to your personal style and outfit, your belt has to fit your body type. No, here it’s not about the belt’s length – whether it fits or not – but about the belt’s width.

Don't underestimate the importance of the right width for your belt. Click To Tweet
#fashionover50 woman in casual posh work outfit with three horses statement belt
Layering top (similar here), Anne Klein cashmere sweater, Pendleton glen check wide pants, GNW socks, pointy toe pumps, Hermes collier de chien bangle, cameo cat pendant necklace, cameo women’s portrait earrings, LeatherCoatsEtc beret, Kieselstein Cord belt and buckle (all own)

The importance of the width

In dressing for your body shape and achieving your best look, it’s all about balance. Hiding the “flaws”, emphasizing the best features. The most balanced body type is the hourglass. When we weren’t lucky to be born with the shape, we still can give the illusion to have it.

#fashionover50 woman looking posh chic in a sweater with high waisted plaid pants look
Back view of posh casual outfit with Anne Klein sweater, Pendleton plaid wide pants, black pointy toe pumps, LeatherCoatsEtc beret, Kieselstein Cord belt, and Jord bamboo watch (all own)

Who looks best with which belt?

When you are short-waisted thin leather belts and whimsical chain belts work best for you. You can read more about how to dress when you are short-waisted at the link. Try a low slung belt on your hips.

When you have a long torso and comparatively short legs, wide belts are your best friends. Avoid low slung belts and convex ones. Match it to your skirt, or pants. Here match means, have the belt the same color as the bottoms.

#Accessories Vintage MOSCHINO belt
Here the  MOSCHINO belt serves to give shape to the straight cable-knit Barbour dress (all own)

When you have a short torso and long legs, match your belt to your top to elongate your torso.

When your body type is balanced you are lucky. You can get away with a belt that contrasts to what you wear on the top and bottom.

#fashionover50 #agelessstyle mildlife woman looking posh chic with a statement belt, burgundy pants, coat and beret
LeatherCoatsEtc beret, Cole Haan motorcycle coat, tuxedo inspired Apostrophe colored pants, statement belt, Anne Klein cable knit sweater, Pavlova Russian floral print scarf with silk fringes, and Harley Davidson booties (all own)
#fashionover50 older woman with Russian scarf, statement belt, colored jeans and beret
LeatherCoatsEtc beret, Cole Haan shearling coat, Apostrophe colored jeans, statement belt, Anne Klein sweater, Pavlova Russian floral print scarf, and Harley Davidson booties (all own)

When you are pear-shaped, never wear a belt on your hips. Any horizontal line creates attention to where it is. You don’t want the attention at your widest part ever.

#advancedstyle midlife woman looking posh in men's wear inspired attire
OOTD with layering top under Anne Klein V-neck sweater, Hermes collier de chien bangle, cameo necklace and earrings, Pendleton high-waist front pleated trousers, GNW socks, pointy toe pumps, LeatherCoatsEtc beret, Kieselstein Cord belt and three horses buckle, and Jord men’s bamboo watch (all own)

To look your best ignore the trends

Never let fashion dictate you to wear a wide belt when a thin one is best for you or vice versa. Even when a dress or skirt comes with a belt, exchange the belt when it has the wrong width or color for your body type.

Are you absolutely sure you wear the right belt? #agelessstyle Click To Tweet

Next week’s style tips will cover how to best accessorize with belts will follow later this month.

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P.S. Liked this post? You may also like how to wear a scarf as a belt.

Photos: G. Kramm

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© 2013-2018 Nicole Mölders | All rights reserved

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