I can’t buy enough belts lately. I always wished I owned a wider selection of belts, so I stopped wishing and started buying a few months back. I didn’t go crazy, but I was more conscious of belts when shopping (I tended to overlook them before). I got a couple from the Banana Republic outlet during our Woodbury Common trip and a few more from H&M, Uniqlo and Urban Outfitters. Now I’m the proud owner of at least 15-20 belts of varying widths, colors and materials.
My favorite belted looks of the moment are made up of a skinny belt (1) cinched over a draped sweater (as shown above); or (2) fastened over a flowy shirt or dress (as shown below). I’m so into belts right now, I even wore one over every single outfit I sported in Miami this weekend (including my travel outfits). During the work week, I like to wear belts over cardigans and other layers a la Michelle Obama. Just so I don’t sound completely insane, I will note that I am not wearing a belt right now (but I might wear one tomorrow).
I know more than a few women who think they cannot wear belts. My advice: try lots of different styles over all kinds of outfits – a skinny belt over a slim sheath dress, a wider belt over a chunky sweater, a braided belt over a jersey summer dress, a dressy medium width belt over a fitted blazer. Try to wear the belt at your natural waist, or try a thinner belt higher mimicking the look of an empire waist top. You’ll be surprised just how much a simple belt can add to an ensemble.
Marni Bow-embellished skinny belt, $210 at Net-a-Porter
Lanvin Gathered skinny belt, $117 at The Outnet
Some other favorites:
Superskinny leather belt, $29.50 at J. Crew
Ruffle waist belt, $28.00 at Urban Outfitters
Studded leather skinny belt, $24.50 at Gap
Metallic colored skinny belt (in bronze), $5.80 at Forever 21
Skinny glitter belt, $4.80 at Forever 21 (watch out – this one will likely leave glitter everywhere)
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I LOVE the ruffle waist belt. You have inspired me to buy more belts, HCG!!
Personally, I don’t wear belts because of my height issues, but LOFT has some kick ass belts that wrap around 2 or 3 times. I was staring at them longingly on Saturday;)
T-Paz: Isn’t that ruffle belt SO cute? I’ll let you know how it looks in person if I swing by the store.
Jenn: Thanks for the tip! Fortunately, there is a Loft on Walnut St. only half a block from Urban Outfitters. Looks like it will be a lunchtime belt shopping trip for me.