Nada Manley - Fun with Fashion Over 40

Ageless Style Confidence

  • Work With Me
  • Ageless Style Program
  • Videos
  • Blog
  • About
  • Contact
  • Login

30 Days of Outfit Ideas: How to Wear a Belt

January 27, 2018 By: Nada Manleycomment

Oh, the angst, you guys. The sheer agony and stress everyone seems to feel at the mere mention of the word belt. And yet, many of us feel like they’re a necessary evil, like wrinkles and saddlebags. They’re not, though. Necessary. Or evil. A friend recently texted me in a panic because her teen daughter had confiscated all of her belts and she found herself beltless.

What kinds of belts do you need? I asked. And for which outfits?

She didn’t know. She just knew she “needed” belts.

And like many women, she will buy the basics (the black pants belt, the navy pants belt), etc. and leave them hanging in her closet, content that the belt box is checked.

I remember hearing a television chef (was it Ann Burrell?) saying that people often view salt and pepper as a unit, but in her professional opinion, salt should always come to the party, whereas pepper rarely gets invited.

Ditto for, say, shoes and belts. (Belts are like pepper, here, BTW. I know it’s a stretch).

So, in other words, belts are fun, but optional. And, like most fun things, they don’t involve a ton of rules. Just a few, ahem, suggestions. And here they are:

In GENERAL

Short-waisted and petite women should wear narrower belts with less contrast. In other words, belt should be the same color as the outfit, or at least the same color as the top, to create a longer line.

Chic and casual all-black outfits

Source: Cultura Colectiva

Long-waisted and taller women can wear wider belts with more contrast (a contrasting color between the belt and the outfit).

Image result for brown belt brown dress

Source: Tea Green Chandelier

10 Ways to Wear a Belt

To define the waist when wearing something flowy or baggy

I like the kimono, not sure how I would pull it off

Source: Stylesweekly

To make a cardigan more flattering

Wearing a very bulky long cardigan? Belt it at your waist to show off some curves. This also makes it look like a coat.

To define the waistline of a dress

Charcoal grey sweater dress that can be worn multiple ways off-the-shoulder, one shoulder or cowl neck!

Source: Mary Orton/Memorandum

To pull separates together into an outfit

styling a cardigan and a sleeveless sheath (which I have so many of, but am never quite sure how to wear. This is IT!

Source: Extra Petite

To add color and minimize bulk when layering

how to wear a dress in winter

Source: Gurl

To add interest to a potentially boring pants outfit with color or pattern

Chemisier Laconique à Col de Chemise Couleur Pure Manche Longue Pour Femmes

Source; Sammydress

To accentuate the waistline in a coat

belts for women 5

Source: Stylish Wife

To make the transition between a top and bottom look less awkward, or to keep a tuck looking neat.

a simple tee and pleated skirt...i have two club monaco versions in a pale peach and navy

Source: Simply Love

To tie a look together

.

Source: Jillian Undercover

To define the waist under a jacket or cardigan

rock fashion on we heart it

Source: IMGFave

Belts for Every Budget

eiec

Skinny metallic Italian leather belt, $34.50, J. Crew

Main Image - Ada Handmade Leather Wrap Belt

Ada Handmade Leather Wrap Belt, $92, Nordstrom

Slide View: 1: Reversible Brown Violetta Belt

Reversible Brown Violetta Belt, $228, Anthropologie

I hope these ideas have helped you break out the belts in your closet and start wearing them! But only if you want to, ok?

More from Nada

  • 5 Ways to Cheat at Dinnertime5 Ways to Cheat at Dinnertime
  • The Very Best Ornaments, Part IIThe Very Best Ornaments, Part II
  • Best Skincare Products You’ve Never Heard OfBest Skincare Products You’ve Never Heard Of
  • 30 Days to Gorgeous Mom Style: A Recap30 Days to Gorgeous Mom Style: A Recap
  • Making Mornings Easier: Homemade Frozen BreakfastsMaking Mornings Easier: Homemade Frozen Breakfasts
  • Ann Voskamp Guide to Joyful ParentingAnn Voskamp Guide to Joyful Parenting
Sovrn

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Anti-Spam Quiz:

FREE OVER 40 WARDROBE GUIDE!

Discover how to overhaul your wardrobe and have fun with fashion again!

CLICK HERE!

I’m so happy to see you here! I’m Nada Manley, your "fashion friend"! I can't wait to help you conquer your closet and regain your style confidence. First, let me tell you more about me.
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

8-Book Series! Beauty Tips from the Experts

Archives

Copyright © 2023 · Nada Manley

  • Work With Me
  • Ageless Style Program
  • Videos
  • Blog
  • About
  • Contact
  • Login