“When dresses became such a huge trend a few seasons ago they were very voluminous and mostly shift and trapeze styles,” said Jenny Strand, Neiman Marcus’ CUSP accessories buyer. “Simply by purchasing a belt you can take that dress from a couple seasons ago and make it look new, especially if you're on a budget.”
The possibilities are endless: wide, skinny, low-slung, high-waist. Jazz up a shirt dress, add interest to a long-forgotten cardigan, or funk up your favorite Little Black Dress. The belt is the recessionista’s answer to livening up her closet without breaking the bank.
“Belts are super hot – a great way to buy something designer without having to spend a lot of money,” agrees Julie Greene, a New York City-based fashion stylist and image consultant. “Luxury is not as affordable now. Accessories are a great to get a touch of that luxury. Maybe you wouldn’t buy the designer look head to toe, but would get the designer belt.”
So, ready to get belt-happy? We have a few tips that will help you get started this season.
Keep It Simple
The key to belting it this season is to flatter instead of boldly draw attention. “Belts are a bit tamer for this season, I didn't see much in terms of embellishments; it was mostly about colors and new fabrications and leather treatments,” Strand says. “My favorite is the continued use of the nude or barely there color in shoes, which is now moving into handbags and belts.”
The LAI nude patent belt is a sure bet, Strand says. It goes with anything and enhances everything. With two-inch width, it complements dresses for a more fitted look. It also adds polish and tailoring to a blouse-and-jeans look. With such possibilities, this belt “is going to be a staple item for everyone’s closet this Spring.”
Know Your Waist
“Don’t just buy something because it’s trendy,” Greene says. “Go for something that is flattering to your body shape.”
For instance, skinny belts work better on shorter torsos. And, this season they come in a multitude of eye-popping jewel tones. “I love all the patent pop colors for spring to add something to an outfit,” Strand says.
“A skinny belt can give you a bit more length and accentuate your waist when used over a long cardigan and a floral dress. The belt works here so that the feminine silhouette isn't lost under all the layers.”
By the same token, wider belts work well on long-waist body types, Greene says.The obi – paired with tunics and capris at the Marc Jacobs show – is one such belt.
“The obi has been done before, but it seems very modern right now because it is so versatile,” Greene says. “It is a great way to change up the shape and silhouette of what you are wearing.”
Get in Touch With Your Inner Peace-and-Love Child
With the skinny-jean trend going strong and a bohemian/hippie girl/Western look on the horizon, belts in earth tones are making a splash this season. There also seems to be a re-emergence of belts that aren't too wide to ensure they fit through belt loops on jeans.
“They look great with jeans tucked into a pair of cowboy boots and paired with a ruffled-front plaid button-down shirt,” Strand says. Pairing floral romantic blouses and dresses in spring with a wide contoured braided belt is another way to play with the bohemian-hippie-Western trend.
Have Fun
Women these days are paying more attention to accessories and, conversely, designers are doing fun things with accessories. Belts are no exception. “The belt has become a fun, great accessory,” Greene says. “You can show some personality without having it be an 'It' bag. It’s not just a boring old belt just to hold up your pants anymore.”
