https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-belts Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 07 May 2026 16:59:05 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-belts#post-721988 Sat, 15 Sep 2012 16:45:27 +0000 Anonymous 721988@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If your hubs has a nicely broken in tan leather belt, these are fun to play with for belting over blazers a la Parisian Chic. You can loop the extra length around into a knot thingie on the side. My husband's belts are actually the right size to wear in my low-rise jeans loops, but they're a bit bulky. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-belts#post-721920 Sat, 15 Sep 2012 15:08:39 +0000 Angie 721920@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ah. I hear you on NOT wanting to belt a low rise. But it sounds like you've found your tucking sweet spot spiffy lady, so lets see those outfits! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-belts#post-721628 Sat, 15 Sep 2012 00:22:02 +0000 Anonymous 721628@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny, I don't own the exact belts I mentioned, but was trying to find similar stretch belts with interesting fronts. You will have to experiment with size. I tend to wear the stretch belts most with skirts and dresses. I don't usually have a problem with buckles digging in when wearing stretch belts. I own 2 of these both from Nordstroms on sale...one tan/brown and one black. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-belts#post-721623 Sat, 15 Sep 2012 00:18:18 +0000 shiny 721623@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You know, JR, I also thought elastic belts were dated. I used to wear them in the 80s. So many fond memories! The gals here have so many fab elastic belts, and reality is that elastic is the *perfect* solution for over dresses, cardis, blazers. They stay put. They don't slice off buttons when you sit down. They work great for a short waist, because they conform and are comfortable to wear. Etc, etc. So yes, I'm totally sold and I'm on the hunt now.... </p> <p>I have already tried a few on, while out and about, just haven't found "the one" yet. There was one at AT -- calf hair-- that was major contender. Except that it was white and brown, and I'd prefer white and black if I can find it. And the buckle would slip and get too loose when I sat down (my waist must grow about 3 inches when I sit, or something... ) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-belts#post-721618 Sat, 15 Sep 2012 00:12:46 +0000 shiny 721618@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, I never tucked because if I wore my jeans as low as in your photos (which are gorgeous) I'd have a big wad of jiggly flab/loose skin hanging over the belt. And even if I could conceal it with just the right top, I'd be so uncomfortable I'd not ever smile or feel confident about it. It's really just that simple! But these new jeans seem to hit at just the right spot: not too low, but also not too high. </p> <p>I really hope that they pass the photo test, and it's not just me having a skinny day while hallucinating as I look in the mirror... </p> <p>You know, I probably *could* tuck-and-belt with my COH Huttons, which fit similar to these AG's but have more of a flare. I tend to prefer a shorter, more form fitting top with those. And, I *did* tuck a few months ago when I had to work a trade show. Those weren't jeans; basic BR black Martins.. was req'd to wear them with ugly black polo... I couldn't stand it, it needed something.. so I bought the snake print belt and belted those suckers... that is what got me headed down this path... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-belts#post-721586 Fri, 14 Sep 2012 23:32:45 +0000 JR 721586@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Are elastic belts back on trend? I have an old one from many years ago: a long 2" wide elastic threaded through a fancy clasp. The elastic is no good anymore, but it would be an easy thing to replace. Or is that style hopelessly dated? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-belts#post-721526 Fri, 14 Sep 2012 22:36:29 +0000 Angie 721526@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm thrilled that you're tucking your tops into jeans, Jennifer!!! It's about time young lady :). I cannot for the life of me understand why you wouldn't tuck. Bring on that WIW!</p> <p>I wear 90% of my belts through the belt loops of jeans and trousers ( I do a lot of tucking). I have two very flared skirts that I wear with a huge black patent bowed belt also lower on my waist. I haven't worn belts cinched in at my real waist for a very long time (apart from belts on trench coats). </p> <p>I vote a studded belt for jeans in a cognac. Like my belt here. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-belts#post-721498 Fri, 14 Sep 2012 22:11:54 +0000 Clarissa 721498@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like belts with stretch so you can really cinch your wast, but still be able to breath. You could also get one with stretch in the back but looks like a normal leather belt in the front. Since you say you are short waisted, skinny belts probably look best and will define the small of your waist better. Since I am longer waisted, I prefer medium to wide belts. Wearing hip slug belts to widen hips as others said sounds like a very good idea. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-belts#post-721486 Fri, 14 Sep 2012 22:01:10 +0000 Carole 721486@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, I am belt challenged for lots of reasons, not least of all being insanely short waisted, bigger boobed and broad shoulder, so I'm not able to offer advise. But I love the belts you have already and I can see how they would be so versatile. Anxious to see what the experts have to say.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-belts#post-721466 Fri, 14 Sep 2012 21:34:16 +0000 Suz 721466@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh...I am DROOLING over Mo's belt pics and Elisabeth's gorgeous list! </p> <p>Higher quality belts is a goal of mine, too. These sound wonderful. I have a few belts but none are very remarkable; I think I could do a lot better with some nicer ones. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-belts#post-721383 Fri, 14 Sep 2012 18:42:43 +0000 Mo 721383@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny you're in luck!! Belt in 8/9 is on eBay for $10. <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chic-Faux-Leather-Double-Triple-Quadruaple-Multi-Buckle-Belt-Elastic-Waist-Band-/230850158221?pt=US_Women_s_Belts&#038;var=&#038;hash=item35bfbdde8d#ht_13376wt_835" rel="nofollow">http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chic-F.....3376wt_835</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-belts#post-721376 Fri, 14 Sep 2012 18:28:45 +0000 Aziraphale 721376@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny, all of my belts were impulse purchases when I was shopping for other things (except the red one, which I picked up while out shopping with mother-in-law, tried on, loved, looked at price tag, and put back down in a hurry! Then she surprised me with it for my recent birthday. What a lovely woman!). I like nice leather, so that's what I'll buy. I can't imagine shopping for belts any other way than in person, because for me at least, I really need to try them on to see.</p> <p>ETA I think everyone needs a red belt. I would add that to your wish list. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-belts#post-721372 Fri, 14 Sep 2012 18:22:30 +0000 shiny 721372@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Mo and Elisabeth -- this is helpful! Mo, I want your red belt, and belt #8!</p> <p>Elisabeth, I think you are right, I need a skinny belt if I'm going to wear it at my real waist, which is up high and there's not a lot of space. I wind up with chest above, and poof of belly below. The 2 inch belt seems to work just fine and stays put -- but I'm actually wearing it a bit lower than my real waist. I like your suggestion of hip slung belts to widen the hips. Oh, and I forgot: I have a skinny black patent belt. Came with something. it's cheap, but I do wear it to hold up my ponte knit pants. I also have a wider black belt to hold up my skinny jeans, but it is fugly and it's already breaking apart... I never allow it to show. </p> <p>It sounds like best strategy is to shop for belts in person? Hmm. Or maybe this weekend I'll try to do mini-capsules with bag, shoes, scarves and belts and see where my belt holes are.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-belts#post-721366 Fri, 14 Sep 2012 18:11:42 +0000 Aziraphale 721366@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I went on a bit of a belt bender this year too, for the first time ever, so I can share with you how I wear mine. Unfortunately my comments are going to be nearly as useful as Mo's, because she's got all these great pictures of herself modeling the belts! -- but you and I have a similar height and frame (I think) so perhaps what I have to say will have *some* value.</p> <p>This is what I've got:</p> <p>-- stretchy black wide Smoking Lily cameo belt, worn just under my bust -- works very well with certain tops and dresses by turning them into empire waist. If I were taller, with a long torso, I'd wear it on my waist, but on me it works best up high (and stays put, too. If I try to put it on my waist, like on the model in this pic, it rides up throughout the day: <a href="http://smokinglily.blogspot.ca/2010/07/lily-of-ages-bon-voyage.html" rel="nofollow">http://smokinglily.blogspot.ca.....oyage.html</a>).</p> <p>-- skinny blond leather belt, worn through the belt loops of low-rise dark skinny jeans, with a fitted, stretchy tee semi-tucked in. It came from Aritzia, I think. It's very simple: just leather with a small silver buckle. The narrowness of the belt works well with my petite frame. I find that when I wear it low, it draws a high-contrast line across my hips, widening them, which is the effect I want. It creates balance on my straight, rectangular figure (which tends slightly towards IT because my bust is moderately full). The blond colour looks awesome with dark indigo jeans and a black top, a combination I wear a lot. </p> <p>-- a red leather and silver chain belt (MaxMara, I think). This one was expensive -- a generous birthday gift from my in-laws. But you get what you pay for. It's very narrow but heavy, and drapes exactly how I want it to. It's useless for holding up pants, but looks great draped low on my hips over a simple dress or a top. Again, this look works for those of us wishing to emphasize narrow hips. The red belt is awesome over black, navy blue, and all shades of gray, and is extra-awesome when I wear it with red shoes.</p> <p>-- two very skinny leather belts, one black, one tan, made by some local designer. Super-simple: just leather and silver buckle. I wear either over a tailored shirt, at my natural waist, with a pencil skirt. It creates the fake-peplum effect, because the shirt flares out under the belt and gives the impression of an hourglass. I wear the black one with my coloured shirts, and the tan one with my black shirts. A very skinny belt is the ONLY option for me when it comes to wearing belts at my natural waist. There is so little space between my ribcage and hipbones that anything wider than an inch just doesn't work. I'm sure you have found the same thing!</p> <p>-- chunky black belt with three rows of studs, because I can't resist the odd bit of punk rock. I find that if I wear it with other punk details, it's too much, but with a nice knee-length wool A-line skirt and fitted top, with black steampunk boots, it looks just right. Must be worn low on hips, like in Mo's pic #4 above.</p> <p>- plain black leather belt, 1.5", for when I just need to hold up my pants. Sleek and simple, with good quality leather, this belt is primarily functional but looks good if it happens to peek out.</p> <p>So that's it. Only seven belts, but lots of ways to wear them. I use them for adding interest, sometimes, which is the goal you say you are after, but I also use them a lot for figure flattery. In those cases the belt is not the focus of the outfit, but has to "go". </p> <p>For you, I would err on the side of a narrower belt, because you're small with a short torso. You might find a stretchy wide belt works the same on you as it does on me: it'll want to live right up under your boobs, which can look good with the right dress or top. Angie talks about finding your belt "sweet spot(s)". </p> <p>As for your question about cobalt booties -- if it were me, I'd use my blond belt for that. Leopard might work too. Or cobalt. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-belts#post-721353 Fri, 14 Sep 2012 17:25:16 +0000 Mo 721353@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, and I could bore you with some belt pics if you like - ha ha. I hardly ever wear cinch belts up at my natural waist. I put the top of the belt at my waist and the rest rides below to sort of cinch in the goodies so to speak (as in pic 1). The skinny belt Heather gave me (see pics 2 and 3) is not a stretch/cinch, but leather and I wear it at my natural waist. Another Heather belt in pic 4 worn way below my waist. The top of it might be at my navel. 5 and 6 skinny belts worn where belt loops are on pants/skirts - guess you'd call it at the high waist? And lastly pic 7 of the widest non stretch belt I can manage. It gravitates up to my natural waist, but I try and wear it just a little lower, where it then dents into the hip. Can't really win with this one - I'm working on it. HTH somewhat!</p> <p>EDIT: you mentioned belting over dresses so I'll add 2 more dress pics. Another Heather belt (she is my fairy BeltMother!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-belts#post-721350 Fri, 14 Sep 2012 17:20:47 +0000 shiny 721350@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ooh I like the Lodis Waverly.. that would work for dresses/skirts only, right? </p> <p>The Steve Madden O-ring: that O looks awfully big! How comfortable is that to wear? I do like that color leather, which may be a good option... </p> <p>The Steven... I don't know about that buckle either... does it dig into your rib when you sit down? I fear it might! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-belts#post-721345 Fri, 14 Sep 2012 17:16:51 +0000 shiny 721345@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You know, Joy, you'd think that a high contrast belt would cut me in half, but I am not finding that, or my eye is totally off. The skinny belt I wore with the taupe pencil skirt and even though the contrast was quite low that made me feel cut in two. I think because the belt was skinny? Skinnier than the wide waistband of that skirt. Whereas I've worn the leopard belt over a black sheath and with hot pink skirt and for some odd reason that is working for me... </p> <p>I will look up the belts you recommend - thanks! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-belts#post-721344 Fri, 14 Sep 2012 17:16:34 +0000 Mo 721344@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me, belts are like handbags and shoes, I have a visceral - love it or hate it - reaction to them. It's therefore not possible for me to suggest one for someone else. That said, I wouldn't go wider than maybe 2" since you are petite, unless you have a long waist. I am 5' 4.5" with a short waist and can barely do 2". Have fun belt shopping! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-belts#post-721316 Fri, 14 Sep 2012 16:56:08 +0000 Anonymous 721316@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Since you are small and want to wear the belt with black, if I were you I'd look for a black stretchy belt with a gorgeous closure. I think you want something that is low contrast so that it doesn't cut you in half.<br /> I have one from Nordstrom that I don't see on the site now. I'm on my cell traveling and don't know how to link, but look at the Lodis "Waverly" style, only in black rather than white.<br /> Another might be the Steven by Steve Madden patent stretch belt at Nordstroms.<br /> Look at Steve Madden Woven Leather O-ring stretch on Macy's site. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lets-talk-belts#post-721308 Fri, 14 Sep 2012 16:49:40 +0000 shiny 721308@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I never wore belts and now suddenly I am all over them. I want to buy more, but I am clueless about what to add next, and could use everyone's help, including links to potentials I might try. </p> <p>I have one that looks a lot like this, but with gold buckle:<br /> <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/michael-michael-kors-reversible-belt/3250070?origin=category&#038;contextualcategoryid=0&#038;fashionColor=&#038;resultback=4248" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/mi.....tback=4248</a></p> <p>And I have this one -- which I'm finding lots and lots of ways to wear:<br /> <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/lauren-ralph-lauren-leopard-print-calf-hair-belt/3303246?origin=category&#038;contextualcategoryid=0&#038;fashionColor=&#038;resultback=7669" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/la.....tback=7669</a></p> <p>I would absolutely like to try a stretch belt, but which one?</p> <p>What I don't want: black. I want a belt that will add pop and interest to outfits, and I already wear a lot of black, so that's not cutting it for me. </p> <p>How I would wear: </p> <p>1) With a skirt. It adds something. I like the wider as much as the skinny belt with skirts. </p> <p>2) Over a sheath dress -- black. </p> <p>3) Over a blazer to cinch it in. </p> <p>3) With my new AG slim cut boot jeans. Which I just got back from the tailor. And I cannot believe I'm saying this, but i tried them on yesterday with this blouse <a href="http://www.anntaylor.com/ann/product/AT-Petites/AT-Petite-Blouses-Tops/Petite-Silk-Starlight-Legacy-Blouse/289327?colorExplode=false&#038;skuId=12075072&#038;catid=cata000026&#038;productPageType=fullPriceProducts&#038;defaultColor=1481" rel="nofollow">http://www.anntaylor.com/ann/p.....Color=1481</a>, TUCKED IN! And with the leopard print belt. And ... I cannot wait to do a WiW for you all. This is MAJOR big deal for me: I never ever tuck in my tops with jeans. I never thought I could pull this off. But it works... something about these jeans... it works! So with that in mind, I'm thinking I need a similar width belt but something that will coordinate with the cobalt suede booties? </p> <p>Wide open for discussion here: what to look for? Details I may not have considered? Color options? Width considerations? Brands you like? And pics of your own belts and how you wear them? </p>