Belting Shirts

Krissy

Hi there!
This is my first post with a style question of my own. I recently bought a very pretty denim top from GAP. It's a button down shirt, but not tunic length. I wore it last night with some black skinny jeans and black boots. I decided to belt the top with a skinny black waist belt because I have a pear shape and clothes always look more flattering if I define the waist.

However, I debated for a while whether or not belting a shirt just looked silly or if the waist-definition was worth it looking a bit odd.

What do you think? Do you often belt tops when wearing jeans? Is this a fashion faux-pas? Thanks in advance!

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10 years ago

Dressing

8 replies

Latest reply was from unfrumped

Dimity

Active Member

I think the belted style suits you, and this looks good. I personally find belts uncomfortable and don't wear them myself, but I love them on other people.

10 years ago

Anonymous

You're right in that belting helps define a waist . I'm not sure thought that a top with a placket that ends mid-torso like this one does is meant to be belted. The vertical placket is competing with the horizontal line of the belt.

It's a very casual shirt, and I think they look great worn loose and easy!

10 years ago

Robin

Active Member

I'm into waist surrendering looks, so I might be the wrong person to chime in, but I think that particular shirt would look better unbelted or with a wider, lower slung belt. From the photo, I think the material looks thin enough to drape and hint at your waist without the definition.

10 years ago

Karie

(website)

Veteran

I often belt my button-down shirts, so I hope it's not a fashion faux-pas!

10 years ago

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

I am a belter... I think lowering it and blousing this would be more visual pleasing. That is my personal preference after much experimentation and photo evidence. I also use a couple other tricks with tops when I opt not to belt... I add a vest, scarf or long necklace to create a vertical line to break it up that way...

10 years ago

Anonymous

You should wear it the way you feel best. This past year I have used a half tuck of a shirt or knit top into a belted bottom to define the waist. It may take some experimenting but could be a solution.

10 years ago

Krissy

Active Member

Thanks for all your responses!

Lisa - thanks for your tips and I'm new to fashion; what is the placket? Although I think I understand your point about competing horizontal and vertical lines.

Tracey - thanks especially for those tips about belt alternatives.

I'm not sure if I'll belt this top in the future or leave it as is, but I'll have fun experimenting with different silhouettes as I try both waist defining and waist surrendering styles. Thanks again!

10 years ago

unfrumped

Veteran

I like belting, too, and also struggle with what looks right, or too prim on me. I am usually trying to make a higher waistline with my shape, but your belt would look better a little lower and more relaxed as Tracey suggested, to give more waist room. I like contoured belts for that, but they can be hard to find. Also, see what a lower- contrast colored belt would loo. Sometimes i like that for more subtle waist definition.

The half- placertshirt is sometimes called a popover. I sometimes prefer them because I don't always want a long vertical torso line with my long torso, but shorter- waisted gals may do better with the full placket.

Look at Angie's projection for spring post about reining in fluid fits. I am going to see what I can do with that.

10 years ago

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