• Style
  • Women
  • Huff/Post50
  • Weddings
  • HealthyLiving
  • Divorce
  • Parents
  • Sign In / Register
  • stylelist home
  • huffpost style
  • FASHION
    • Departments

      Fashion News Fashion Features Fashion Trends Designers Models Accessories
      In The Market For Intern Diaries Step Into My Office Object of My Affection Stylelist Network Stories

      Featured

      Can You Guess The Child Model's Famous Aunt? Can You Guess The Child Model's Famous Aunt?
      Vintage-Obsessed Blogger Shares 18 Recent Finds Vintage-Obsessed Blogger Shares 18 Recent Finds
      Pinterest Cracks Down On Thinspirational Images Pinterest Cracks Down On Thinspirational Images
  • BEAUTY
    • Departments

      Beauty Basics Beauty News Beauty Features Beauty Trends Uptown Downtown Makeup Healthy Beautiful You
      Skin & Body Fragrance Nails Facetime The Unexpected Icon

      Featured

      This Student Reveals Her Bright-But-Wearable Pink Lipstick Shade This Student Reveals Her Bright-But-Wearable Pink Lipstick Shade
      Do You Use A Facespray Like This Yoga Instructor? Do You Use A Facespray Like This Yoga Instructor?
      Morgan Spurlock Waxes Philosophical On Mantyhose & Manscaping Morgan Spurlock Waxes Philosophical On Mantyhose & Manscaping
  • HAIR
    • Departments

      Hair Trends Hair How To

      Featured

      The Hair Doctor Is in: Consultation Is Key The Hair Doctor Is in: Consultation Is Key
      Guess Which Beauty Treatment She Gave The President Guess Which Beauty Treatment She Gave The President
      Can Pink Hair Look Sophisticated? Can Pink Hair Look Sophisticated?
  • CELEBRITY
    • Departments

      Style Evolution Look Of The Day Uptown|Downtown A Look Back

      Featured

      How Donna Summer Helped Me Through College How Donna Summer Helped Me Through College
      PHOTOS: Cameron Diaz's Life In 54 Looks PHOTOS: Cameron Diaz's Life In 54 Looks
      PHOTOS: 27 Stars Who Look More Beautiful Without Makeup PHOTOS: 27 Stars Who Look More Beautiful Without Makeup
  • CULTURE
    • Departments

      Art & Design Film Music Books & Magazines

      Featured

      How Long Does It Take To Become Mrs. Don Draper? How Long Does It Take To Become Mrs. Don Draper?
      5 Things This Hot New Musician Can't Live Without 5 Things This Hot New Musician Can't Live Without
      PHOTOS: SXSW Street Style PHOTOS: SXSW Street Style
  • FASHION WEEK
    • Departments

      Fashion Week Spring 2012 Fashion Week Fall 2012

      Featured

      Fashion Intern Tells All From Behind The Scenes At Two British Magazines Fashion Intern Tells All From Behind The Scenes At Two British Magazines
      Prada's Take On Ombre Prada's Take On Ombre
      The Intern Diaries: Behind The Scenes At A British Magazine The Intern Diaries: Behind The Scenes At A British Magazine
  • VIDEO
  • STYLELIST NETWORK

The Beauty of the Beltway

by Phebe Hunnicutt (Subscribe to Phebe Hunnicutt's posts)
Posted Apr 17th 2009 at 5:30PM  
2 Comments
Share
A well placed belt looks effortless and elevates any outfit, but picking the right one for your look and body type isn't as easy as it seems. A skinny waist cincher can get lost on fuller frames, wider cuts can overwhelm petite figures, and matching colors can be difficult if you aren't used to accessorizing. To make sure your purchase is appropriate take into account these simple guidelines:

1. Follow the First Lady's lead and invest in a high quality belt that can be paired with multiple outfits. You don't have to drop as much dough as Mrs O. did for her Azzedine Alaia studded number, but do make sure you spend enough to get a good leather that will last and age well.

2. Just like buying a suit, your first belt should be a basic. Black or brown are the safest bets depending on the overall tone of your wardrobe. Once you've learned how to work your new accessory, add a bright color or statement buckle to your collection for more fashion-forward looks.

3. The most versatile option is a belt that has enough holes to fit on both your hips and your waist but this isn't always possible. If you have to pick between the two, this season go for the waist. This position is figure flattering and can be paired with both dresses and pants.

To learn more about this simple wardrobe upgrade check out our definitive guide to belts.
http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,localizationConfig,entry&id=854210&pid=854209&uts=1299276114
http://www.aolcdn.com/ke/media_gallery/v1/ke_media_gallery_wrapper.swf
Belts: The Definitive Guide
Checkout how these AOL employees transformed their outfits with a belt.
Joshua Griffler for AOL
WireImage.com

Belts: The Definitive Guide

BEFORE

ELASTIC NOT SO FANTASTIC: Jessica looks sweet in this chartreuse polka dot dress, but a cinched waist would add dimension to the ensemble and eliminate the unseemly elastic gather.

Belts: The Definitive Guide

AFTER

COLOR CHAMELEON: Adding a light green belt makes the dress pop. Basics like black, brown, and nude are easy standbys but (lest we learn nothing from Carrie Bradshaw's carefully curated ensembles), color on color accessorizing is fun and imaginative.

Belt: Mango Blandi Belt, $50, www.mangoshop.com

Belts: The Definitive Guide

BEFORE

TRULY TRADITIONAL: Jackie's simple black dress is great for the office but lacks definition. She does, however, earn extra points for selecting a nude shoe which is a fashion-forward touch that adds length to her legs.

Belts: The Definitive Guide

AFTER

SHAPE SHIFTER: Adding a substantial waist-cincher improves Jackie's already professional outfit by accentuating her trim figure. A second tawny accessory also helps to elevate her look from simple and plain to planned and polished.

Belt: Target Faux-Snakeskin Wide Double Belt in Natural, $17, www.target.com

Belts: The Definitive Guide

BEFORE

EXCESS FABRIC: The pieces of Joey's outfit are well matched but the loose flowing top hides her waist line and adds weight to her frame.

Belts: The Definitive Guide

AFTER

CINCHED AND CHIC: A skinny belt instantly gave Joey a slimmer silhouette and tied the outfit together nicely by connecting the shoes with the pattern in her blouse.

Belt: Emily Noelle Twisted Snakeskin Belt, $150, www.intermixonline.com

Belts: The Definitive Guide

BEFORE

WHITE OUT: A shirtdress is suitable for work or play in the warmer weather. Stacia's version is versatile enough to wear over leggings with playful peep toe pumps.

Belts: The Definitive Guide

AFTER

WHITE ON!: Plain-colored clothing (like black and white) is the perfect canvas for colorful accessories. Take a risk and go for something dramatic like this metallic snakeskin belt. This is an ideal choice for Stacia - the stretchy material hugs her killer curves and avoids rumpling the fabric.

Belt: Black and Brown London Elektra in Metallic Lime, $135, www.black-brown.com

Belts: The Definitive Guide

BEFORE

TOO CASUAL FRIDAY: Julie is one of the many women who turn to jeans and a simple tank when the weather gets warm. The strappy top is great on a petite frame but leaving it untucked causes her to lose inches from her legs.

Belts: The Definitive Guide

AFTER

PRETTY AND POLISHED: Tucking in the tank and adding a thin belt mitigates Julie's waist. The color contrast creates a pop element that is consistent with the retro vibe of her ensemble.

Belt: Target Women's Merona Trouse Buckle Best, $13, www.target.com

Belts: The Definitive Guide

Read All Comments
Filed under: Accessories, Fashion, How to Wear
Tags: belts, phebe hunnicutt, PhebeHunnicutt, real women, RealWomen, style guide, StyleGuide
Share

Style Around the Web

ImaxTree

ImaxTree

  • Make Up Tips For Girls With Glasses - Refinery29
  • How Celebs Work Red Into Their Wardrobe - FabSugar
  • Celebrity Wardrobe Malfunctions - The Daily Beast
  • Deodorants that Actually Work - Daily Candy
  • Would You Wear Long-Sleeve Shirts As Skirts? - The Frisky
  • Tricks That Guarantee Gorgeous Hair - Daily Makeover
  • Celebs Have Us Seeing Stars - People Style Watch

Related Videos

by 5min
  • How to Choose Belts for Men How to Choose Belts for Men Play In this episode, host Scott Studenberg discusses this season's belts that are all the rage. Learn which belts accentuate different styles and which ones to wear to complete a great outfit.
  • Ohne Titel Runway at New York Fashion Week: What's Fab First Look Ohne Titel Runway at New York Fashion Week: What's Fab First Look Play The Ohne Titel Fall 2010 runway bravely combined textures and fabrics like mesh netting, velvet, fox hair, wools and knits -- and pulled it all together into a beautiful, wearable collection. Massive leather belts at the waist, shearling moto jackets, and menswear trousers are just a few of the runway trends. Stay tuned for FabTV's exclusive interview with Ohne Titel's hot designer duo, Alexa Adams and Flora Gill!
  • Rachel Roy Runway New York Fashion Week Fall 2011 Rachel Roy Runway New York Fashion Week Fall 2011 Play Rachel Roy's Fall presentation - held at the Library for the Performing Arts - was filled with mismatched prints and luxe fur touches, perfect for the sartorially savvy world traveler. And while we loved all her belted kimonos and silky patterned pants, her capsule collection of denim trenches was particularly exciting, offering the ideal finish to her vibrant, eclectic ensembles. To see all this - and the beautiful braid-centric beauty looks - watch our full coverage now!
  • Lanvin Spring 2012 Ready-To-Wear Collection Lanvin Spring 2012 Ready-To-Wear Collection Play Alber Elbaz always knows how to make a woman look beautiful and polished season after season, and for Spring 2012, his sheer dresses and impeccable draping did not disappoint. Focusing on sky blues, rich greens, and classic black and white, Lanvin's collection debuted boudoir-inspired separates with a ladylike flare. Topped off with bird wing necklaces and belts, oversize cross pendants, and other statement jewels, we just can't get enough of this gorgeous collection. Watch the entire show here.

READER COMMENTS

(1)Add A Comment

Kristin, 4-17-2009, 6:04PM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
Kristin

Cute story! I'm inspired to get a new belt! They really can jazz up the plainest of outfits and give instant shape!
http://bonbonrose9.blogspot.com/

Reply »

 
ADD A COMMENT
  • NEW USER
  • RETURNING USERS
  • AOL/AIM USERS

Got something to say? Say it!

Simply enter your name and e-mail address, and you'll receive an email confirming your comment and issuing you a password. Use that password, and you're good to go.

If you already have an AOL/AIM screenname, log in under the other tabs.

Happy commenting, and keep it classy.

Members enter your username and password.

Enter your AOL or AIM screenname and password.

ADVERTISEMENT

STAY IN THE LOOP!

ONLY ON STYLELIST

Sunscreen Dangerous? Experts Shed Light on the Controversy
Beauty
Healthy Beautiful You
Should you be afraid of sunscreen? From natural to chemical to Vitamin A, our experts explain and advise just...
Beauty BasicsMom MakeoversMore Beauty Tips »
Reese Witherspoon's Retro Waves: How to Get the Look!
Hair
Hair Basics
Reese Witherspoon goes retro on the May 2011 cover of Vogue with glamorous '40s-era hair. And we've got pro...
Haircuts by FaceMore Hair Help »
Sample Sale Snitch | Proenza Schouler SS 11
Fashion
Spring
Check out some discounted duds from Proenza today and tomorrow.
Style GuideStyle by BodyMore Fashion Tips »
Look of the Day: Aubrey Plaza & Amy Poehler at the Premiere of
Celebrity
Look of the Day
Both ladies opted for fun, printed frocks -- but each styled their looks much differently.
Look for LessMore Celebrity Tips »

MORE ON Stylelist

Garden Tips
Gardening and Landscapes Your Garden Design Questions, Answered
Room Makeover
Know-How 3 Life-Changing Room Makeovers
Weekend Diys
DIY Weekend DIY Ideas: 8 Ways To Fix Up Your Home In 2 Days Or Less (PHOTOS)
Ray And The Ro Ksubi
Stylelist Network Ksubi 'Bad Sports' Lookbook: From The Stylelist Network
Memorial Day Sales
Projects Memorial Day Sales 2012: Home Decor And Outdoor Furniture Sales At Macy's, Sears, Home Depot And More (PHOTOS)
Pier Liautaud Home
Design Inside A Gorgeous '50s Style Home In Haiti (PHOTOS)

SITES WE LOVE

Eddie The Gun's Favorite '80s Accessory? Her Pup

Summer Survival Guide: 10 Essential Beauty Buys From Your D.C. Editor

We're Letting You Splurge On This $$$ Beachwear

Michelle Obama Attends Beyonce Concert

PHOTOS: Princess Charlene Finally Steps Up Her Style Game

Chris Powell: Bringing The Fun Back To Fitness

Carine Roitfeld, Janet Jackson, Karl Lagerfeld, and More at Last Night’s amfAR Gala in Cannes

Natalia Vodianova Was Royal in Blue

Cathy Horyn Deems Mickey Drexler’s Life ‘Not the Stuff of Novels’

Scrub Down: Hadali Detoxifying Body Scrub

Dressed In White: Sophie Theallet Sea Island White Cotton Gown

Patriotic Purse: Edie Parker Red, White and Blue Jean Clutch

Look of the Day: Leopard Meets Brights

Olivia Palermo Inspires the Perfect Last-Minute Memorial Day Look

Diane Kruger Closes Cannes in Christian Dior - See It From All Angles!

Kim Kardashian a Kopy Kat?

Priscilla Chan’s Wedding Secret

Mozart Meets the Future

EVEN MORE ON Stylelist

Clean Home
Beauty
Inspiration
Home Design
Beauty Basics
Hair Highlights
 
  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Trademarks
  • Advertise
  • About Our Ads
  • Get AOL
 
 
© 2012 AOL Inc. All Rights Reserved