One of the best type upgrades can be one of the most ignored—belts.
Belts can be tremendous complicated.
I get requested all the time.
“When should I wear a belt?”
“How do I style one with different outfits?”
And I get it—belts can really feel tough.
But when you perceive how to type them, you’ll see they’re small… however mighty in the type division. 😉 They’re one of the easiest methods to immediately elevate your on a regular basis outfits.
I’m keen to guess that if you happen to’ve ever seemed in the mirror and felt like your outfit was nearly there—however lacking one thing… it was most likely a belt.
Below, I’m sharing straightforward, wearable examples of how a belt can take fundamental items you already personal and make them look extra polished, intentional, and flattering.
Let’s dive into how to type belts!
If you’re battling what to put on… you must return to the fundamentals. Be positive to take benefit of our expertly curated wardrobe fundamentals checklists. Sign up for the FREE lists proper right here!
the best type improve ever
#1 | From Simple Basics to Stylish Outfit in Seconds!
Let’s begin off with a easy outfit that many of us have already got in our closet: a cultured black high (doesn’t want to be a turtleneck) and darkish wash denims.
This combo is timeless and all the time stylish—however including a modern black belt is what takes it from fundamental to styled.
In this look, I’m carrying an AG ribbed turtleneck half-tucked into the denims.
Hot type tip: By leaving the high out on either side, you’ll be able to color-block your method to a smaller-looking waist! It’s one of these straightforward tips that makes a huge impact.
The belt breaks up the black-on-black simply sufficient to outline the waist, spotlight your form, and make the complete outfit really feel intentional… not like an afterthought. The combo of wide-leg denims and a waist-cinching belt offers that beautiful, female hourglass form so many of us need to create.
It additionally creates the phantasm of longer legs. I’m 5’4″, however this outfit makes me look nearer to 5’8″.
Talk about styling magic.✨
Not into turtlenecks? You can get the identical impact with a slim-fitting sweater, a cultured shirt, or perhaps a structured button-down. Just be sure that to tuck (or half-tuck!) so your belt will get a second to shine.
BTW, this belt by Isabel Marantis the excellent dimension to add influence, but additionally nonetheless wearable on a regular basis. I like the refined texture and modern gold buckle. Here is one other nearly similar choice for much less.
#2 | Break Up the Printed Dress.
Bold prints—like the animal print costume I’m carrying above by Ronny Kobo—are enjoyable and trendy, however a head-to-toe print can typically really feel like an excessive amount of. That’s the place a belt turns into your finest styling buddy.
Here, I added a easy, skinny black belt round my waist. It pulls double obligation: defining the waist and breaking apart the print.
Add Drama and Definition to a Full-Skirt Dress
This stunning black costume above is well one of my most versatile LBD’s (I’ve worn it throughout each season! You can try different methods I’ve styled it right here.) It already has such a female really feel thanks to the full cotton skirt—however the belt takes it to the subsequent stage. It exaggerates the waist and creates such a flattering form, including construction and drama with out taking away from the costume itself.
DO strive waist belts together with your black attire. They can actually add that type and femininity you’re in search of.
Pro Tip: If you desire a belt to put on at your pure waist with skirts and attire and at your hips with denims and pants, purchase your common pant dimension and add a smaller gap with this helpful device. One belt, two methods!
#3 | Elevate Your Jumpsuit
Nothing transforms your black costume or jumpsuit quicker than a belt! They are the excellent clean canvas for a belt.
In this look above, I went with a large, daring Dior “Saddle” belt that provides construction, form, and makes the complete outfit really feel elevated. I linked the Dior and a few of my different favourite standout belts under.
Sometimes, all it takes is one accent to flip a “just okay” outfit into a complete wow second.
#4 | Turn a Basic Coat Into a Head-Turner —Just Add a Belt
This final method to put on a belt is a sport changer. Most coats include an identical belt which is nice, however swapping it out for a press release belt immediately elevates the complete look. Think of it as styling past the outfit… it’s styling your outerwear. I merely eliminated the tie that got here with this brown longline wrap coatand swapped it out for a special type.
A heavier buckle, like this western-inspired choice that I’m carrying above, provides character and construction—whereas additionally defining the waist, which is all the time exhausting in the winter with all the additional layers. It’s stylish, a bit sudden, and extremely flattering.
This trick alone will make each coat you personal really feel model new and customized to you and your personal type. And for anybody who’s questioning, “But wait, Erin—what do I do with the belt when I get somewhere and take off my coat??”. Just roll it up—belt buckle on the inside of the roll, and put it in your bag. Or if you happen to’re hanging the coat on a hook, dangle your belt first on the identical hook.
For tips about dressing heat with out the bulk, be sure that to try this game-changing put up subsequent!
#5 – Belt Your Sweatpants? Yes, For Real!
This final outfit begins with my favourite viral sweatpant denims—a secret type hack all on their very own. These “jeans” are literally created from a cotton terry mix (sure, like sweatpants!), however they give the impression of being and match like fashionable, wide-leg denim.
I like them a lot as a result of not solely are they insanely cozyin addition they have practical pockets and belt loops! So, of course, I added a stylish belt to elevate the look.
This is an outfit I’d put on all over the place—from working errands to internet hosting an informal vacation dinner at residence.
It’s the excellent instance of the energy of a belt.
Without it, the outfit feels… kinda boring.
But with it? It’s easy, polished, and completely intentional—with out giving up consolation.
why belts are so flattering
A belt does extra than simply look good—it strategically shapes the physique and completes your outfit.
☑ Defines the waist (even if you happen to don’t really feel like you might have one)
☑ Balances proportions when carrying wider or extra voluminous items
☑ Creates a slimming impact by making a waist even if you happen to don’t have one
☑ Finishes the outfit so that you look polished and styled
Think of it as a built-in styling device. You put it on, and immediately? You look extra put-together. It is that straightforward!
begin with one nice belt
You don’t want a closet full of belts—only one or two high-quality, impartial choices offers you infinite styling mileage. Think versatile shades like black, brown, or tan. I like to recommend having one darker tone and one lighter tone to hold you coated year-round, plus a pair of belts in several widths for styling selection.
Here’s my problem to you:
This week, strive including a easy belt—to denims, trousers, a sweater costume, and even over your winter coat.
Once you see how rather more polished and pulled-together your outfits look, you’ll begin reaching for belts increasingly more.
And you received’t be questioning how to put on them anymore…
You’ll simply put on them.