How To Choose the Best Belt For an Outfit

  • November 25, 2009
  • 2,866 Views
Please install Flash

As important an accessory as a handbag, a belt doesn’t just hold up your pants or pull in your tummy. Change your look by creatively matching your belt with your outfit.

You Will Need

  • A measuring tape
  • A variety of belts
  • A selection of outfits
  • A men's tie (optional)
  • Velcro (optional)
How To Choose the Best Belt For an Outfit: Try outfit first

Step 1: Try outfit first

Try on the outfit and decide where you want the belt to sit – hips or waist. Use a measuring tape to determine the proper belt length

Belts generally come with five holes; a comfortable fit will use the third hole. Tightening further can cause an unattractive “muffin top” effect.

How To Choose the Best Belt For an Outfit: Determine width

Step 2: Determine width

Determine the width you need. A belt worn over a dress or shirt can be any width. If you’re wearing it around your hips, use a belt that is narrow at the top and follows the contour of your hips.

How To Choose the Best Belt For an Outfit: Choose a color

Step 3: Choose a color

Select a belt that is the same color as your outfit. Or, if you choose a belt for contrast, make sure it complements colors or design elsewhere in the outfit.

How To Choose the Best Belt For an Outfit: Enhance but don’t clash

Step 4: Enhance but don’t clash

Enhance your outfit with a fancy-cut or textured belt, but avoid clashing. For a conservative ensemble the belt should be less noticeable.

Create a belt using a men’s tie, fastening it with three-inch strips of adhesive Velcro.

How To Choose the Best Belt For an Outfit: Highlight your waist

Step 5: Highlight your waist

Highlight your waist when wearing separates by tucking your shirt in. Add a belt that best fits the belt loop width.

How To Choose the Best Belt For an Outfit: Try fun alternatives

Step 6: Try fun alternatives

Wear metal belts with segments, Indian beads and leather, fancy fabric weaves, even scarves, for a fun look when going casual.

Did you know? Belt buckles date back to the Bronze Age.

Something wrong?

Report This How-To

Cancel

Comments (1)

HeatherMenicucci

These outfits are so adorable and so are the belts! Great-looking video!

over 2 years ago by HeatherMenicucci

Reply

or to post a comment. Or, sign in using your Facebook to comment
and share your activity with your friends

Video is in Shop Till You Drop (16 videos)