Three Ways to Style the Top Must-Have of Summer: Light Wide-Leg Linen Pants

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!

Memorial Day weekend marks the start of Summer — according to my calendar! And what that means is that linen clothing, bold colors, and dresses start to take center stage. I recently purchased this colorful midi linen dress from J.Crew and I have been obsessed with it. It checks all the Summer boxes and delivers so much versatility. The midi length means it can be worn to just about any occasion and settings — office included. If you're taller like some of us, you'll appreciate that this dress comes in tall sizes. The color is another perk of this garment. The poppy red makes a bold statement without being too flamboyant (it also comes in black if you prefer to keep it toned down). And perhaps the part I love the most is the sleeveless shirtdress design. It means the dress can be worn many different ways and who doesn't like that?

Now, let's take a look at some easy outfits I have put together with this red midi shirtdress.

1. Red Shirtdress with High Heels

Elevating a simple shirtdress to officewear level is as simple as pairing it with dressy high heels. For this look, I wore this J.Crew linen dress with black pointy toe stiletto heels and a matching skinny belt. To give it a French chic flair, I added a silk scarf as a neckerchief. The looks is polished without being stiff and that makes for a perfect Summer work outfit.

2. Red Shirtdress with Sneakers

To give a linen dress a casual vibe, wear it with sneakers. Sneakers not only give you all the comfort you need to run around town, they also impart a laid-back vibe to an otherwise structured look. For this casual chic outfit, I wanted a little contrast to play up the bold red so I opted for ivory leather sneakers, a neutral cropped blazer and a matching leather bag. This combo creates a little playfulness that works well for weekend errands and casual social events.

3. Red Shirtdress with Jeans

When it comes to versatile clothing, shirtdresses are true heros. In fact, a shirtdress can be styled on its own or layered to create interesting dimension. Because this red dress has a fit-and-flare silhouette, I wanted to try pairing it with something flowy, like wide-leg pants. I opted for extra wide-leg blue jeans to keep the look breezy and give it some patriotic contrast too. And because it's Cowboy Carter season, I went for a bit of a western touch with a straw cowboy hat. I finished the look with a large straw tote and raffia sandals to play up the Summer vibe. 

4. Red Shirtdress with Flat Shoes

Before getting into this one, we should take a moment to groove on the seamed details that adorn this red shirtdress. They create beautiful texture and give definition to the flare silhouette. When looking for a linen dress, going for a simple piece with refined craftsmanship ensures that your investment will deliver classic and timeless style. And let's just say, J.Crew hit the mark with this piece. Another way that I have styled this red dress is by pairing it with a wide black leather belt, studded black slingback flats, and a large leather tote. I was going for a classic look with a bit of an edge. This is a versatile outfit that can be worn to the office, to a coffee or lunch date, and upscale shopping.

5. Monochrome Red Shirtdress Outfit

Matching colors from head to toe is a style move that never fails. It works well for neutral hues, and also for bright colors. To achieve an effortless chic monochromatic outfit with this red linen shirtdress, simply pair it with matching flat shoes and go with the assorted sash belt. 

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A post shared by Brandy Gueary - Color Expert & Stylist (@authentically.b)

Which look would you wear? Let me know in the comments!