You know that little shimmy you see people do as they tug on their belt loops? By definition this is the jean dance and its gots to go. With looser jeans at the forefront of modern fashion, belts are a necessary way to quite literally tie the full look together. Buckles are bigger, chains are longer, and colors are brighter (Yes, even in the winter.) proving, almost any threadable waist hugging item can and should, be a belt.
The Band: If we’re talking traditional belts; i.e. leather belts with a center buckle and multiple notches, faint animal prints like snakeskin or a femme crocidble remain king. A two inch or so pale yellow croc belt is a great way to add texture to your everyday looks. I’ve also been partial to soft purples because regardless of the groundhog, I crave a little Spring preview this time of year. Belt bands are an easy opportunity for a color pop! A pastel belt plus literally any neutral-tone top is a winning combo that looks like it took a lot longer to put together than the two minute reality. Tuck or partial tuck your shirt tail to show off that you’re *fancy* enough to sport a fun belt.
Printed belt bands for adults are tricker to pull off than your solids but can really add to the ‘fit. We are starting to see Marvel movie’s influence on the fashion world with comic-printed or film strip belts. Holographic belts are my personal favorite because they move with you. The scene is always changing as you change scenery..
The Buckle: “Geometry and shapes are only fun for fashion purposes.” ~ Whitney. The belt buckle is the most obvious star of any belt because it is spotlighted in the center of the belt but also worn in the direct center of your body. The belt that provides that minimalist ladylike structure is a thin belt square buckle on a black leather band. I picture it polished with a french mani and a scrunchie purse carried in hand by the side. Frayed jeans make a square belt buckle less serious. As belts make a more regular appearance on runways, whimsical buckles like hearts and diamonds (aka sideways squares) gain traction. Think of your belt buckle the same way you would your sunglass lens. Fun shapes all the way!
Belts for Skirts: If you aren’t really someone who needs a belt, the self-tie thick ribbon belts of the mid 2000s-2010s have returned just for you! If you’re thrift shopping for one I recommend looking for a size or two up because today, the longer the ribbon belt, the more stylish. Think Fleetwood Mac, gypsy-goddess vibes with fringed fabric cascading down your waist to your thighs. I can’t help but picture this look with mood rings and mules. Tying a ribbon belt or even a vintage scarf in a double knot and sliding it over your best hip will be the way to reinvent your denim and corduroy mini skirt collection. Here's the cool thing. Ribbon belts can always be knotted around your waist - no belt loops needed.
Belts should not be forgotten.
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