Syncing Your Style: How to Enhance Your Look with a Belt

I have always been an accessories kinda girl. I love the way I can take my old stand-bys and give them a boost with a few good accessories. My latest craze has been for belts. I love skinny ones, printed, wide ones, and I have even fallen back in love with the classic braided ones. (see below for my new favorite one from Lands’ End-updated yet classic). A belt is often a forgotten about, yet it is also a necessary and super versatile accessory. I love finding vintage ones with big, statement buckles-perfect for a plain white tank and jeans. I have found belts everywhere, from dresses that no longer work, to consignment shops, garage sales, my sister’s closet, my mother’s attic, as well as unique, handmade ones at the craft fair hosted by local Native Americans.

Found a belt but it’s not your size?  A trick I learned from my shoe-maker, if your belt doesn’t fit the way you need it to, simply use a small nail and hammer a new hole where you need it! DIY fix in 1, 2, 3!

Belts are a simple way to express my personal style.

I use belts to not only eliminate that weird gap in the waist of my jeans, but also to:

• Gives shape to a dress: Fashion Model Brittany Gibbons reminded me that dresses come with a waist line that “guesses” where your natural waist might be. To fix this unflattering fashion conundrum she recommends using belts to cinch dresses at YOUR natural waist to accentuate your curves and flatter your figure. She adds that it is imporant that your belt matches your proportions. She is seen here wearing a braided belt, posing at the Momtrends Lands’ End party.

• Adds a pop of color: I use belts to add some color to a monochromatic outfit. This is such a great way to update your favorite or “go to” outfit.

• Try a trend: Fashion styles change with the tide, so to be on trend, I choose to use my belt to be fashionable without having to bend the budget. This summer I nearly wore out my neon belts!
• Update a look: I had a favorite one shoulder dress but to bring it to this season’s look I added a wide black belt-old dress, new look.
• Add sparkle and shine: To bring an outfit from day to night or to dress up your LBD, I add a metallic belt. Adds instant glam with ease.

• Keeps an hourglass shape: This works when you wearing a dress paired with a cardi. In the above picture, I use a thin belt to hold the cardi in place, which added texture as well as created a polished look.

Thank you to my models  - Kerri @savvymomnyc, Lauren @nyclaurenbeth and Brittany  @Brittanyherself. Look for the upcoming Syncing Your Style post where I show how real women can wear the bold, geometric prints shown on the runway.

Michelle  is a SAHM and self-described ‘€œgreen’€ fashionista. She is a NYC woman, turned burbs mama, raising her 2 B’€™s in an eco conscious manner. She blogs about natural parenting and green living at www.everythingsabuzz.com. Find her on twitter @queentob. Have a fashion question? Look for the new Syncing Your Style section on the Momtrends facebook page or tweet us your fashion questions at @momtrends! 

Momtrends was not compensated for this post.
Lands’ End did send me the double buckle braided belt I am modeling above for review purposes.