Waist Belts

I am a HUGE fan of waist belts because I believe that instead of being a flash-in-the-pan trend, they will become a fashion main-stay. For starters, they enhance a woman’s shape by accentuating your true waist and subsequently enhancing the curves of the bust and hips. Also, by bringing the focus back to the natural waist, the leg-line is lengthened creating the illusion of longer legs – something that every woman who does not work as a runway model can surely appreciate! Finally, it is just yet another way to add interest to your outfit – some belts even act like an additional piece of jewelry! Below are some of my favorite waist belts:

1. These belts – sold on www.bloomingdales.com – are the perfect thin waist belts. The metallic hue will add sparkle to any outfit, day or night. They will hold a long grandpa cardigan closed over a tight-fitting tank or they will accentuate your waist and bring feminity back to a menswear-inspired collared shirt.

2. I am coveting this belt by Plenty by Tracy Reese for my summer wardrobe. It will add just the right edge to a simple outfit of lighter-wash 70′s inspired jeans and a classic eyelet top and it will update my simple white cotton dress to last another season. This belt can be purchased at www.nordstrom.com.

3.This third belt has a special place in my fashion heart. It can run the gamete from equestrian-preppy chic to rock and roll vixen. I would use it both day and night over everything from a long tunic and leggings to a sexy “LBD” and sky-high heels. You can check it out at www.marciano.com.

Of course – as with any trend – there are a few pitfalls to avoid. First, be sure to steer clear of belts made entirely of stretch material. They look tacky and they are generally of poor quality. Although the stretch fabric is appealing since the belt will be encircling your sensitive middle, please resist! It IS possible to get a comfortable fit with leather and natural fibers. Second, consider your body type when selecting the thickness of your belt. If you have a short torso or are petite overall, I would suggest choosing thinner belts. If you fill the entire space between your hips and bust with belt, your torso – and subsequently your entire body – will appear shorter. Finally, don’t overdo the 80′s look. If your belted outfit consists of leggings, a shirt with structured shoulders AND neon plastic jewelry, you WILL look like an extra in one of Cindi Lauper’s music videos. I love Cindi Lauper as much as the next person, but there is no need to reenact her heyday on any day other than Halloween.

Now that you know what to look for, get out there and get yourself some waist belts!

–Marisa