FASHION/STYLE : Wear a fashionable belt

These charming fashion trends have taken people over the wire! These days, women and girls alike, seem to be possessed with dressing up as the most elusive of pop icons. However, being stylish takes dedication; we should know because we all claim to be so. If asked, any fashionista will remember the moment they first had their fashion experience.

Friday, June 04, 2010

These charming fashion trends have taken people over the wire! These days, women and girls alike, seem to be possessed with dressing up as the most elusive of pop icons.

However, being stylish takes dedication; we should know because we all claim to be so. If asked, any fashionista will remember the moment they first had their fashion experience.

As it is our culture, this Sunday we have something new for all the stylish ladies and those aspiring to be. Belts are on the hook this season and a key player in every stylish wardrobe.

Belts are the perfect way to introduce a style to any outfit; this waist-wringing item is one of few accessories that can take any outfit up a notch, from fine to excellent.

Two of the most popular women’s fashion belts are skinny belts and wide belts. A wide belt creates a dramatic but fashion-forward look while skinny are ideal with a suit or a pair of slacks, but you can also wear it with a casual outfit by wrapping it around your waist.

I believe that every woman should have at least one of each type -- the wide belt for parties and casual everyday wear and a skinny for work.

If you want to stand out from the crowd, get creative and fashion yourself a belt out of unusual materials. Belts can be designed from a variety of innovative fabrics.

Remember to keep in mind your body’s proportions when choosing a belt; an ultra slinky skinny belt might visually add weight to a plus sized woman, whereas a slightly thicker medium width belt will produce a more balanced skinny-belt look.

Women’s fashion belts are the perfect accessories for the last finishing touch! The belts can instantly transform shapeless dresses and tops into chic and up-to-date outfits with gorgeous waist lines.

However, belts worn just below the bust line enhance the bosom and should be slight, skinny and simple. Look for thin belts in contrasting colours made from patent leather, alligator, suede, or a daintily bow-tied ribbon.

Unless your garment already has belt loops – and since significance will want to bring your belt down past your thinner natural waist – you will need discretely stitch loose loops into its outer seams.

Belts are awesome to wear when you want to change the look and feel of your clothes. Not to mention that a belt works as a quick fix when you want to make too-big shirts less boxy.

Belts in simple lines and styles win the day because they are flexible and won’t completely take the attention away from an outfit. So, secure simple belts in pain colours and with minimal embellishments before you start buying the latest styles.

Belt at the hips 

Wear a thick or thin waist-level belt with a pair of high-waisted trousers, a pencil skirt or over a simple shift dress.
Give definition to day dresses by nipping them in with textured, woven, cut-out or plaited medium and thick belts.

Emphasize your curves and add sharp focus to tailored jackets and structured shirts by looping your waist with a belt.

Low-slung belts draw the eye to more womanly curves: the hips. The most relaxed and casual mode of wearing a belt, hip-hugging belts do wonders for tunics, casual shift dresses and trendy low-rise jeans—adding a ring of colour and a finishing touch of flair and personality to the outfit.
 
History

Belts have been known for male clothing since the Bronze Age. Both men and women used them, but it was a rarity in female fashion with the exception of the early Middle Ages, late 17th century Mantua, and skirt/blouse combinations between 1900 and 1910.

Ends