If you've been following me for some time, you probably know that I am a belt aficionada. From wide corset belts to skinny western belts, I seldom say no to the opportunity to cinch an outfit. Though belts play a very practical role in our wardrobes — think solving for waists that are too wide — a belt also creates shape and adds feminine definition to an outfit and I am all for it. I have collected all kinds of belts over the years and have paired them with everything from jeans to dresses to oversized shirts. Here are some ways that I have styled my belts and that may inspire you to reach more and more for this essential accessory.
1. Wide-Leg Pants with a Corset Belt
When you want to make a bold statement without going overboard, reach for a wide leather corset belt. Those are great for adding a tailored touch to an outfit while also giving it bold character. This Pritch London leather corset belt perfectly complements a relaxed, oversized outfit. Here, I paired it with colorful wide-leg pants and an oversized white shirt to give the look a little cinch. I was also going for bold color-blocking and adding the wide black belt in the middle made for an interesting colorplay.
2. Black Maxi Shirt Dress with a Sash Belt
Everyone needs a black maxi shirtdress. It is a versatile piece that can be styled many different ways including as workwear, or casual wear. The great thing about black is that it makes the perfect "blank canvas" for accessories. You can pair just about anything with black and come out looking like a fashion pro! For this casual fit, I wanted something that would add a cinch to the dress without being too structured. So I reached for my black wide striped sash belt. It makes for a subtle contrast that still delivers a catchy effect thanks to the gold stripes.
3. Denim Jumpsuit with a Sash Belt
This jumpsuit owes me nothing! I purchased it this past Spring and have absolutely loved wearing it. It's comfy with an on-trend wide-leg silhouette and cap sleeves. I paired it with several pieces in my wardrobe including a trench coat and a blazer. I also styled it with a brown sash belt not only because I love a blue denim and brown combo, but also to create an elevated casual look that could multitask for off-hours activities, and work too depending on your workplace dresscode. Adding a belt is just an easy trick to spice up a wide-leg silhouette, and this sash belt with its striped design is perfect for achieving a striking yet effortless look.
4. White Dress with a Raffia Belt
You know it's Summer when maxi white dresses make their way out of storage, or join the wardrobe! A white dress is an effortless way to put some Summer pizzaz in your outfits. And just like black dresses, white dresses make for great styling canvas. For this casual look, I paired a white off-shoulder eyelet dress with raffia accessories, including a raffia belt. Raffia accessories are Summer staples and when combined with white, make for a classic hot weather fit.
5. Cargo Jeans with a Sash Belt
Between almond croissants and these baggy cargo jeans, I don't know which has me more in a chokehold! These jeans have quickly taken over my denim collection thanks to their unique silhouette. Needless to say, I wear them a lot, and for this look, I went for a fitted bodysuit top and kitten heel pumps. Usually I would thread a skinny belt through those belt loops to accessorize the jeans, but this time I decided to go over the belt loops with my striped sash belt. I love the contrast it adds to the look, how it defines the waist, and how the end just hangs. I wore this outfit to an evening meetup at a restaurant and felt chic, put together but not too serious.
There are many more ways to style belts during the Summer and these looks are just a few ideas to inspire you to cinch your looks a little more! Let me know which one you like the most, and how you like to incorporate belts in your outfits!