How To Wear A Belt

Do you actually need to wear a belt just because your jeans or trousers have belt loops?

It’s a great question and a common fashion dilemma …

In my Online Styling Reports, I dedicate an entire section to the power of horizontal details, such as belts. Being intentional with horizontal lines is a simple, yet game-changing styling trick because it’s these small elements that can completely transform an outfit.

There are so many outdated fashion rules related to belts. In fact, just recently my uncle pointed out that I forgot half my outfit because I chose not to wear a belt with my jeans. Whilst technically true, style isn't about following rules, it’s about creating balance, shape and confidence. Belts can effectively highlight and draw attention on some body shapes and not-so-much on others.

So before you automatically reach for (or skip) a belt, here are a few things to think about …

Placement

Belt placement is crucial! Wherever you position a belt is exactly where the eye will be drawn first - so it’s essential to place it where you want the focus to be. For some body shapes, highlighting the hips may feel self-conscious, so skipping a low-rise belt altogether can be the smarter (and more confidence-boosting) choice. Instead, placing a belt at waist height may create better proportions.

In fact, for those considered long-waisted, wearing a belt on the waist is a brilliant styling trick - it helps visually shorten the torso and create more balanced, vertical proportions.

Thickness

The thickness of the belt you choose can dramatically influence your overall proportions, and the best choice really depends on your personal style goals. As a general rule, wider belts create more visual interruption, which can make your torso appear shorter by breaking up the vertical line of your body.

On the other hand, thin belts have a more subtle effect, creating definition without disrupting your natural proportions as much. It’s all about balance and choosing a width that creates the proportions you like best.

Colour

Colour maters, especially when it comes to belts. The brighter, bolder, or more contrasting the colour, the more your belt becomes a focal point. So once again, be intentional about where you place high-impact belts, as they’ll instantly draw the eye. I

If you’d rather keep the attention soft and subtle, opt for a belt that blends in - eg. styling a red belt with red trousers will create a more seamless look and draw less focus to that area.

Reasoning

Ask yourself the following question - are you wearing a belt because it adds something to your outfit or simply because there are belt loops? There’s a big difference between using a belt to cinch in an oversized pair of trousers versus adding one out of habit. It’s worth pausing to consider why you’re reaching for a belt and whether it will actually highlight your shape or enhance your overall look.

Take my uncle’s recent comment - I was wearing a white tee with white jeans, a deliberate monochromatic outfit to create a long, uninterrupted visual line. I chose not to wear a belt for 3 reasons -
a). A belt would’ve changed my vertical proportions and reduced the lengthening effect
b). I don’t own a white belt and I didn’t want to introduce contrast where I didn’t want it
c). Leaving a few details undone works with my preferred personal style

Belts can often feel intimidating or unfamiliar to many women, however they are one of the easiest, most affordable accessories that can instantly elevate an outfit and add that signature 'wow' factor.