When you think about it, belts may very well be a girl’s best friend. They keep our trousers up (and keep the world guessing what kind of underpinnings we’re wearing), turn even the most rigid grandfather clock silhouettes into sexy hourglasses and simply add a dash of interest to any outfit—we even found one that will hold your lipstick! If you don’t already have a bucket of belts overflowing in your closet, it’s time to start. Here are this season’s six most stylish waist cinchers with whom you should really strike up a friendship with ASAP.
1. SCARF
We know- scarf is not the first word you think of when compiling a list of essential belts. But, wrapping a silky piece of fabric around your waist simultaneously adds fluidity and structure to your look that a notched number just can’t compete with. Plus, thrift stores are packed with uniquely patterned ones for practically pennies!
Pick one in a contrasting color to your bottoms like DUCKALICIOUS did and tie the ends in a bow for a quirky and sweet touch.
Show off a well-crafted patterned scarf by layering it over a vest or cardigan in a neutral tone. STYLENOMAD looks so chic with the ends of her scarf dangling.
Try tying the scarf and tucking the ends in for a more traditional belt look. SIMPLYCHEAP’s- pop of cheetah print perfectly breaks up the solids in her outfit.
2. METAL
One of the most fool-proof ways to draw attention to something is by making it metallic. So consider a shiny belt an eye magnet to your tiny waist. A metal chain of oversize coins is forever gypsy-chic and adds a rustic feel to girly pieces.
We adore the look slung low on the hips, especially over a pair of smokin’ hot neon shorts like DISARMINGDARLING’s
This belt is just as stunning cinched at the waist. SAYLOR’s chain belt reigns in her floaty sheer dress perfectly.
3. BRAIDED
A cornerstone of preppy style, a braided belt is an unexpected way to add texture to an outfit. You’ll be occupied for hours holding its elegant woven strands against every fabric in your closet. The best part? It goes with essentially everything!
The daintiness of VANESSATAN’s shorts begs for a dash of artistic braids. The contrast of textures is gorgeous. Cinch a slouchy sweater with one like CREEPY_STRANGER did for a cosy look. Or, reunite your braided belt with its true love, denim, like ACCORDINGTOANNIKA did for a casual vibe.
4. SKINNY NEON
You learned how to rock the neon trend here last week, so, by now, we hope you are as obsessed as we are. A skinny belt is the best way to make sure you don’t go overboard on the trend and will transition effortlessly into your fall wardrobe which always needs a dose of color.
All things prim and proper look amazing with a shot of the unexpected, like AMOS_PHOTOGRAPHY’s navy pleated midi skirt. Her skinny lemon belt is tiny, but packs a major punch. Get even punchier, like CHAPLINNN did, and mix your belt in with other high voltage shades.
5. CLASSIC SKINNY
One of the most versatile belts out there, a classic skinny band, is a must have for every Chictopian. Whether woven through denim belt loops or wrapped around a maxi skirt, this belt does it all.
Use it to create a slight paper bag waist for a maxi skirt and tee combo like MANXCAT did. Tuck the long end through the belt once and let the end hang to keep things laid back.
Retain your hourglass silhouette while wearing a loose blazer by letting the belt hug your curves from the outside of your jacket. ASHES’s skinny belt polishes off her look without competing with the pattern in her dress.
Milk this belt’s minimalistic appearance for all it’s worth by pairing it with a sleek button down and trousers in a matching hue. We adore the crisp line BENNIE52491’s skinny belt draws between her top and bottom.
6.MINI PURSE BELT
As evident from your comments to Heather’s Mini Purse Belts: Chic or Tacky? post we know a lot of you Chictopians have yet to embrace the mini purse belt trend in all its nerdy glory. But, we still have to politely disagree. Maybe it’s our childhood infatuation with Indiana Jones and all his secret pocket compartments, but the idea of whipping our cell phones out of our belt feels eternally badass.
If you won’t love ‘em for their functionality, you gotta dig the visual interest they add to basics. JEANGREIGE-’s slouchy pants and tank combo gets structure and a focal point from her tan purse belt. BLACKBERRYGIRL uses the belt in the same way-pulling together the boho look flawlessly.
Are these sensational six in your belt arsenal, Chictopians? Let us know in the comments!
by Missy Steinberg
Main Image via Bec Parsons for Oyster #92
