Fashion: Belt up!

We have come a long way with fashion and as years go by, we copy what our foremothers wore and modify it to make yet another fashion. Today, we see belts back in the wardrobes. The trend for belts is alive and well, but there is a need to match them with high-waisted dresses. They will instantly update your wardrobe and see you through all occasions. Collette Uwase, a shop assistant at the Trade Union Center (UTC), says belts have more potential than being a mere fashionable accessory. Flexible belts can be used to hide the flaws as well as for highlighting your assets. “If you want to stand out, buy yourself flexible belts to jungle them on a casual fabric,” says Uwase. “If you have an apple-shaped body, then your upper body will be relatively slimmer than your lower part.” For this specific figure type, Uwase says a thin or broad belt worn on the empire line with flared tops, tunics and dresses can do wonders. Bear it in mind; an apple shaped figure requires some upper body planning while buying a belt. Medium sized belts worn just below the waist, not too low will best suit people with an apple shaped figure. By wearing such a belt, you provide a uniform finish to your body as the belt worn on the waist makes that area appear in line with your broad shoulders. Even if you want to go for a low-waist belt, choose the one with a hanging chain, pearl strings or corsage, this will grab people’s attention to your thighs instead of your waist. Make sure you avoid tucking your shirt inside a belted trouser. “Belts are the latest trend right now. Whether you are trying to look good in the office or for an evening event,” says Hope Mugwaneza, of Patricia’s Boutique in Nyamirambo. Denim belts are ideal. Today, those in the know prefer huge and colourless belts, because they do not limit them on any outfit. On a good working day, Joan Kamanzi says one can wear a hip leather belt over a shirt or dress to give them an elegant formal look without having to wear a suit. “To enhance this look, belts are smartest if matched with a perfect pair of heels, and with the latest peep toes, you can not go wrong!” Belts can also be played with to give a casual, chic and sexy expression. Wearing a belt over a casual dress or even blouse matched with either long trousers or hot pants is a good way to look unique and sexy, depending on your motive; you are assured of positive results. Unlike in the past, when belts were commonly known as a mother’s thing, Sarah Bariyo, 45, says stretcher belts were worn by mothers with an aim to reduce on their berries after giving birth. But today, girls have embraced the trend, making it the latest trend. Huge belts look great on tall women, while thin belts can be the perfect thing for short women. Emphasize your curves and add sharp focus to tailored jackets and structured shirts by looping your waist with a belt. With the changing phase in fashion, accessories are gaining topmost priority when it comes to accentuating any outfit with a glamorous outlook. It is here where the belt trend comes into attention and strikes on the beauty quotient with its everlasting appeal. For fashion conscious folks, the most relaxed and casual mode of wearing a belt, is hip-hugging belts that do wonders for tunics, casual shift dresses, trendy low-rise jeans and tight skirts, adding a ring of colour and a finishing touch of flair and personality to the outfit. “I love wearing huge belts because I have a good waist. My belts are just important. Each pair I’m wearing matches with the outfit, and of course they make me look chic,” says Mary Mutamba, student at the School of Finance and Banking (SFB). According to the recent trends, the bigger the size of the buckle the more attractive the belt appears. Teenager girls even go to the extent of decking up their simple belts with a variety of belt buckles. It’s nothing new that a big percentage of women are obsessed with fashion. No wonder they will forego their basic needs like food, and go for their favourite trends. “Rocking the office, wedding, or the cocktails in fact, the combination of the pretty belt and the more formal black dress works on many levels,” says Coco Batamuriza, an employee of MTN/Rwanda. Contact: lindaonly2005@yahoo.com