Adding a belt is a great way to add style and class to an outfit. Belts can flatter the figure, enhance (or create) curves, hold things in place, and help pull a look together.

However, wearing the wrong belt can create a fashion disaster.

Many women are unaware of how to pair a belt with different outfits, or even how to wear one properly.

Others find that they do not want to draw extra attention to the waistline and are self-conscious about adding a belt for this reason.

Thus, belts are not always a go-to item.

To wear a belt with a dress or over a top, a woman must first consider her body type, outfit colors, where to position the belt, and belt construction.

To help, there are some rules and guidelines to achieve best results when choosing a belt.

Since a belt can be a fun and useful accessory, the following sections explore ways that buyers can add a belt to create more diversity in their wardrobe and express creativity at the same time.

Consider the following list of tips as a guide for wearing belts with any outfit.

 Tip #1: Wear it on Your Natural Waist

 For buyers that do not have a naturally curvy figure, wearing a belt on the natural waist creates a smaller looking waistline.

 This is also effective when a particular outfit, when worn hanging loose, makes the wearer look boxy.

 However, women with an apple or rectangular shaped body should skip the belt and go for showing off legs instead, as a belt can  sometimes create a negative shape on those body types.

 Tip #2: Create Contrast

 When an outfit is all one color-tone or pallet, a belt of a contrasting color makes an interesting and eye-catching addition.

 Adding a high contrast belt to a light-colored dress or skirt adds interest and dimension.

  
 Color Blocking

 Buyers can also use a belt to break up two colors that may not look good next to each other, or which are very bold.

 This creates an opportunity to play with daring colors and create new outfits that otherwise wouldn't work

 (e.g. an aqua top with a candy red skirt)

 Tip #3: Size Your Belt Correctly

 As a general rule, the longer the torso, the wider the belt can be.

 Wearing a wide belt with a short torso visually shortens the whole body, which is unflattering.

 For buyers that are unsure how wide their belt should be, check that the belt is no wider than where the waist naturally curves  outward.

 Here are some tips to help you get the right size belt:

·   For women who need a little girding, a wide elastic belt can be just the trick.

 ·  Long waisted women should wear extra wide belts to make the torso look smaller.

    This is very helpful for women who are self-conscious or very-tall.

 ·  Short-waisted women look better in skinny or narrow belts (as long as the waist is trim).

   Women carrying some extra weight in the midriff should make sure the belt does not rolling over or create bulges when sitting.

Tip #4: Think in Layers

When considering how a belt works into an outfit, always consider the layers that will be on top as well.

Adding a belt to a long shirt or tunic can create negative effects around the midriff, but when paired with a jacket or cardigan, it can look very snappy.

Pairing a belt with a dress worn under a jacket can create a very sharp look for the office or when out on the town.

For a more casual look, you can belt a sweater over a dress or top, as long as the underlying fabric isn’t too heavy.

Don’t try to belt two heavy garments together, such as a light knit and a sweater, or the result will be bulky and unflattering.

Tip #5: Reconsider the "Belt with Purchase"

Garments sometimes come with a belt as part of the purchase.

But just because the belt comes with it doesn’t mean you always have to wear it that way.

It can also be fun to try other belts, to create more interesting looks.

Since these pre-selected belts are usually of a similar color and fabric as the garment, replacing the belt with one of a different textile often creates a more sophisticated look.

Adding a contrasting colored belt, or one more suitable to the wearer’s body type, draws the eye directly to the waist and creates the illusion that the waist is both longer and thinner.

Tip #6: Construction is Key

When choosing a belt for your outfit, the construction of the belt is an important consideration, since the belt is often focal point of an outfit.

In some situations a shiny blue belt might look great with a tan cardigan, while a shiny black snakeskin belt would be out of the question.

For another example, only a brown belt might flatter a green pair of slacks, but that belt might work in a variety of styles, whether braided, flat or otherwise.

Tip #7: Try Patterns

When wearing an outfit without much pattern or color variation, a patterned belt can really draw the eye.

When putting together two solid colors, choose a complementary patterned belt that brings out the color of both garments in the belt’s pattern.

Popular patterns are stripes, flowers, or checks.