How to Wear Wide Belts

Co-authored by Jordan Stolch

Last Updated: November 20, 2020

A belt is an easy, versatile way to really make your outfits look unique and interesting. A wide belt is one of the most flattering and eye-catching accessories when paired with the right outfit. Keep in mind that wide belts won't work with every outfit but for the outfits it does suit, they look fantastic. Learn how to choose a wide belt and what styles to wear with it. You'll see your style sense improve almost instantly!

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Choosing a Wide Belt

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Consider the material. The beauty of a wide belt, is that you can find or make them out of almost any material. You could choose leather for a bold, classic look. You can also find wide belts in almost any kind of fabric. Wide belts with elastic are good choices, since the elastic will move with you and be more comfortable.
- For a quick wide belt, wrap your favorite silk scarf around your waist. Adjust the width and tails of the scarf.
2
Pick several belts to wear. Instead of choosing one wide belt, look for two or three thin belts that you can wear together. This will create the effect of a wide belt.
- Ribbons also make great belts. Wrap several ribbons in various shades of the same color to create a wide-belt look.
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Find a belt that matches your personal style. Simple straight belts in monochrome colors work with several looks. They can also help to define a thicker waist.^{[1]
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Research source} You may want to try belts with embellishments, such as studs, beads, stones, or large buckles. Bold belts with decorative prints can also make a simple outfit really stand out.
- You may need to try on a variety of belts to see what works with your outfit. The belt should enhance your look, not compete with it.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Wearing a Wide Belt

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Choose where you want the belt to sit on your waist. If you place a wide belt directly under your bustline, you'll emphasize your chest. You'll also make your curves stand out more and highlight your waist.^{[2]
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Research source} Most wide belts are worn higher above the hip bones on your waist.^{[3]
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Research source} This can help define large midsections by breaking up your torso.^{[4]
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Research source}
- If you have a shorter torso, you may find that a wide belt takes up too much of your torso. You may need to wear a slightly thinner belt.
2
Wear a wide belt with a loose top or dress. If you have a shirt or dress that's a little too large and hides your figure, wear a wide belt. The belt will define your waist and give some structure to a loose outfit.^{[5]
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Expert Source

Jordan Stolch
Image Consultant & Style Advisor
Expert Interview. 3 November 2020.}
- Keep your belt at the natural waistline. If you wear the belt below your hip bones, it will help to give your torso a longer silhouette, especially with a loose dress or top.
- This looks especially good with an A-line dress that's flowy at the bottom—the extra volume at the bottom will emphasize your waistline.^{[6]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Jordan Stolch
  Image Consultant & Style Advisor
  Expert Interview. 3 November 2020.}
3
Wear a wide belt with a cardigan. If your outfit has several pieces, such as pants, shirt, and jacket or cardigan, a wide belt can help pull the look together. Wear the belt over the cardigan or underneath the cardigan.
- If your outfit is a bit drab or monochrome, the belt can also be a way to liven it up. Choose a bright belt or one with an unusual pattern. This can keep your look from becoming boring.
- You could also wear the belt over an oversized blazer. Finish the look with skinny jeans and heels or flats.^{[7]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Jordan Stolch
  Image Consultant & Style Advisor
  Expert Interview. 3 November 2020.}
4
Blend the belt into your look. Don't think that your belt always has to be the center of attention. Pick a wide belt in the same color as your shirt or dress. It will break up the texture and design of your outfit without clashing with it.
- If you're wearing a leather belt and don't want to match the color with your outfit, try matching accessories, such as your handbag or shoes. This will make your look more polished without being too similar in color.

Expert Q&A
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Question

How can I use a wide belt to accentuate my waistline?

Jordan Stolch
Image Consultant & Style Advisor
Jordan Stolch is an Image Strategist, Style Advisor, and the Founder of MiKADO - a concierge personal styling firm. With over a decade of experience, Jordan specializes in helping people eliminate the confusion and insecurities associated with how to dress in order to build a powerful image and use clothing to their strategic advantage. Jordan trains entrepreneurs, business leaders, and corporate executives in the foundations of "power dressing", from some of the country's preeminent companies such as Morgan Stanley, Deloitte, Berkshire Hathaway, Universal Music Group, Starbucks, and Disney. She works with clients both in-person and virtually, teaching them how to take the confusion out of style so they can operate at a higher level. Jordan earned her BA in Psychology from the University of Waterloo and studied Merchandise Marketing at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIDM).

Jordan Stolch

Image Consultant & Style Advisor

Expert Answer

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Try wearing an A-line dress with a flowy bottom. Putting a wide belt in the middle will create the illusion of a waist because it will pull in the dress at the middle, showing that there's more weight at the bottom of the dress. You could also wear a wide belt over an oversized blazer and a pair of skinny jeans or leggings.