Belts are obviously a functional accessory, but they can be so much fun too. It’s always amazing to me how adding a belt to the simplest outfit will instantly elevate your look. There has been a resurgence of belts on social media, but they never went out of style. You can be certain that any belt that works for your closet is chic! Belts are actually a great investment if you see a few you love or just one that feels unique to you! Let’s look at all the ways to style a belt.
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How to Wear A Belt In Different Ways
There are so many ways you can style a belt. I always look for new ways to wear the same belt with different styles of clothes, including in different seasons. For example, you can obviously wear it through belt loops on your clothes. But, you can also style a belt around your blazer or the waist of a skirt that doesn’t have belt loops.
When Should You Wear A Belt?
There are lots of reasons to wear a belt that range from functional to fun. Sometimes, belts just help your pants fit a little bit better or they cinch your waist perfectly in a dress. You can also wear a belt just for style purposes. Belts can go a long way to upgrading your outfit. You can wear belts all year! Belts look just as nice with a linen skirt as they do with jeans or a sweater dress.
How To Choose A Belt For Your Outfits
Consider The Details Of The Belt, Such As The Belt Width
Okay, this might seem obvious, but it took me a bit to figure out just how important the width of the belt is. Different size belt widths impact the entire feel of your outfit. I find super wide belts to be gorgeous online, but overwhelming if I’m wearing jeans. Belts that are around 1 inch or under are perfect with denim if you ask me. However, a wider belt can be the center of attention of your outfit – a statement belt is always a fun option, whether you wear it with jeans or with a dress.
What Color Belt To Wear
Choosing a belt color all depends on each outfit, obviously! I typically wear neutral leather belts with similar pant colors. Your belt and pants don’t always have to be an exact match! I love tonal outfits, where you wear a lot of similar shades of one color. When it comes to denim, I just choose a belt color based on my top and accessories. I typically prefer my belt and shoes to match. You could also choose a belt with a fun buckle to be the centerpiece of your outfit.
If you’re looking for a belt to wear around the waist of a dress or blazer, you can go for a classic belt or fun, statement belt.
How To Style A Belt
From leather belts to canvas belts to belts with big belt buckles, the options are pretty endless for how to wear a belt. Here are a few belts I love, and tons of tips and outfits below!
How To Style A Belt Over A Blazer
Styling a belt over a blazer is easier than you might think. All you need to do is fasten the belt where the blazer button hits. So, typically around your waist. This look is super versatile, too. You can wear this to work or drinks with friends.
I recreated this outfit below with my exact belt!
How To Style A Belt With A Shirt Dress
A midi shirt dress or maxi shirt dress are both perfect dress styles to wear with a belt. You can style these with a thin belt or a wide belt! The options are endless. Just fasten the belt over your natural waist or wherever it feels the most comfortable to you around your midsection. I typically try it in a few places and go with what works best. There isn’t an exact science here!
My linen shirt dress is old from Everlane, but I love this one from Aritzia. I’ve seen it in store and it’s a very nice quality dress!
How To Style A Fabric Belt
There are many times when a blazer or dress comes with a fabric belt. You might be left wondering, where does this go, especially when there aren’t any belt loops! You can tie these belts in a bow or a knot, whichever works best for that exact belt with your own waist. I typically go for some sort of subtle knot because bows tend to look overwhelming on me.
Okay, anyway, I love these pieces because it typically means you can use the belt that the piece of clothing comes with or use one of your own leather belts for a totally different vibe. This blazer, which I’m wearing below, is the perfect example. If you style the fabric belt around your natural waist, it looks polished and work appropriate. You can style this with work trousers or a skirt for a meeting, presentation, or regular day at work. Similarly, this dress is perfect for work or the weekend. I wore it here to get dinner with a friend.
This other dress is one of those dresses you wear at the height of summer. It’s linen with blue and white stripes, which screams classic summer to me. Anyway, I love how this looks with the fabric belt the dress came with, but you can easily wear this with a braided belt too! I love this one in either color, but I’d probably go for the cream option.
You can also style a belt with a sweater dress! Click for my post on how to wear a sweater dress.
How To Style A Belt When There Aren’t Belt Loops
A lot of linen bottoms do not have belt loops. If your linen skirt has an elastic waistband, a belt is the perfect accessory to hide the waistband and elevate your look. I’m actually wearing a fairly heavy suede belt with this outfit because the sun medallions on it felt summery, but braided belts are the standout belt for summer!
How To Style A Belt For A Night Out Look
This chain belt comes in gold or silver, and it feels like it was made to wear on your next night out. This is the perfect example of how a belt can add the finishing touch to make your whole outfit. This belt will draw attention but won’t overtake your outfit. I love how you can style it over a blazer, around your waist with a dress, or with pants.
How To Style A Casual Belt
Casual belts, such as a simple leather belt, always look nice with a t-shirt and jeans. You can also wear them to work with work pants and a button up. The belt I’m wearing below is actually a little thicker than what I typically wear, but I love it! It’s such a good quality belt. I also love how a skinny belt looks with this outfit, but just pick your favorite! There are so many leather belts with a fun buckle style that will add a lot to a simple outfit, too.
This navy outfit below is a great example of an outfit that would also look really nice with a belt! I’ve been wanting a navy blue belt to wear with these pants, and there are a few available this fall! I’m eyeing this one. PS if you’re wondering what color goes with navy blue pants like mine, check out this blog post!
Did you find any help choosing a belt or picking up a new style idea? Let me know what you think, and don’t forget to sign up for my email list!
