5 Tips on How to Wear and Style a Belt

Belts are an underused accessory that deserve a little more credit and attention. A lot of women use them solely for practical purposes like keeping your pants on your hips – but belts are so much more than that! A gorgeous belt styled the right way can completely change your outfit. In this article, we’ll give you 5 tips on how to wear and style a belt, so you can incorporate this next-level accessory into your wardrobe.

1. Know the parts of a belt.

Understanding what a belt is can help you learn how to style it.  A belt has three components: a buckle, a strap, and a loop.

The buckle is what holds the belt together. It usually has a prong that you will attach to the holes on the opposite side of the belt so you can tighten or loosen the belt. The buckle is usually made of metal or plastic.

A lot of people will match the metal of their buckle to the metal of their jewelry – like a gold belt buckle with gold jewelry or gold hardware on a purse. Buckles generally indicate the “status” or quality of a belt. A hearty, weight buckle will often look more upscale than a plastic one.

The strap is the material of the belt. This is usually leather or fabric. Leather offers a more elevated and refined feel, while a fabric belt is playful and unique. The strap has belt holes or “notches” that allow you to adjust the fit of the belt accordingly.

Then there is the loop. This is the end or “tongue” of the belt that is left over after you’ve buckled it. In the below picture, it is that piece of belt on the left side that is sort of hanging down. If you are wearing a belt through pants with belt loops, tuck the leftover belt into your pant loops to keep it flat.

Fashion hack: If you do not have belt loops (like if you are wearing a belt over a dress), consider using a hair tie to create a faux belt loop that will keep the tongue flat against the rest of the belt.  

2. Match your belt to your accessories.

This is one of my favorite fashion hacks: match your belt with your purse or shoes. By simply matching your accessories, you create a cohesive outfit that always looks put-together.

Notice how this bright pink jacket is doing all the talking, while the black leather and silver belt, purse, necklace, and long-sleeve pull together nicely. This gives the outfit a unified vibe that lets the pink shine without being overshadowed by too many pieces vying for attention.

Buy all your accessories in a matching fabric or tone, like these warm brown leather pieces. This keeps it simple, so your accessories always match. (I love that the warm brown accentuates this woman’s warm coloring, too!)

This is a simple outfit – a t-shirt with jeans and a cardigan—but it feels so stylish because of the matching belt and purse (and the addition of a cute pair of sunglasses).

One more example of how this outfit comes together with a perfectly matching belt-shoes-clutch combo.

3. Use a belt to accentuate your silhouette.

Belts are the perfect way to enhance your curves. A belt can even add structure and shape to oversized pieces. Whether you prefer to accentuate your bust, your waist, or your hips, a belt is the perfect way to draw the eye exactly where you want it to go.

Look how this woman uses this Gucci belt around her waist to add curves to her blazer…

And the same belt around her hips to break up an all-black outfit.

This light-colored belt draws attention to the waist, even when wearing a long and thick trench coat.

This long, rectangular dress is cinched perfectly at the waist with a cute tied belt.

If you’re feeling like your body shape is getting “lost” in a dress, blazer, or oversized shirt… Just add a belt!

4. Make a statement with your belt.

Move away from the idea that belts are only practical and start thinking of them as the stylish accessory they are. They’re the perfect tool to accent your outfit. For example, this neutral outfit could border on plain if this chunky belt didn’t add some dimension to break up the top and bottom.

This straw belt is the perfect accent to a white sundress to add that vacation-y feel while also accentuating her curves.

I’m obsessed with how this moon buckle gives this light academia outfit another layer of personality.

This linen belt adds an earthy pop of color, while its width and bow make it the focal point of the outfit.

A red belt is a great accent piece if most of your wardrobe tends to fall in white-black tones. Pair with a bold red lip and you have an unstoppable look. 

You know I am always down for an animal print accessory, like this classy snakeskin belt that adds a layer of refinement to this white dress.

It doesn’t have to be an accent belt itself. You can use any belt you have, but pair it with an unexpected outfit. This black outfit goes from casual to chic with the addition of an elegant belt.

5. Try a hip-bag belt.

Hip bag belts are so trendy for 2022. Think fanny packs but way cuter and trendier. I’m obsessed with this trend because these bags are practical and add dimension to your outfit. You can have your phone, wallet, and keys on you at all times without worrying anything will get lost or stolen.

Plus, look how these elevated hips bags make an outfit so much more put-together and purposeful.  It functions like a belt and a purse in one!

Also, bag belts are a great way to create a silhouette. We’re seeing a lot of models off-duty sport these kinds of purses to cinch their oversized outfits while still having a practical belt.

Notice how this woman’s black cross-body belt purse adds dimension to her brown check outfit. Bonus points because it matches her shoes and the belt that’s around her waist!

Buy your perfect belt

Every girl needs a classic, high-quality belt. Even one belt can completely change your wardrobe, accentuate your curves, and add a touch of style to your everyday vibe.

Current Boutique has so many gorgeous, unique belts on sale right now! From Y2K chain belts to genuine leather to accent fabric pieces, you’re sure to find a unique treasure on our belt rack. Best yet, you can buy quality, designer belts at a fraction of their original price. Current Boutique’s preloved gems mean you can have luxury for less, and your new designer belt is sure to become your new wardrobe go-to. Start shopping belts on consignment here.  

Photo Sources 

1. Belt buckle: https://www.whowhatwear.com/cheap-stylish-basics
2. Belt buckle matching: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/2603712277720880/
3. Belt strap: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/855050679259170099/
4. Belt loop: https://www.modedamour.com/blog/2019/8/17/buckled-belt
5. Black matching accessories: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/422281192057385/
6. Matching brown accessories: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/72902087704741454/
7. Matching belt and purse: https://glamradar.com/chic-ways-to-wear-suede/
8. Belt shoes clutch: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/173529391883832837/
9. Gucci waist: https://fashionjackson.com/black-velvet-blazer-outfit/
10. Gucci hips: https://fashionjackson.com/a-chic-all-black-holiday-outfit/
11. Brown belt trench coat: https://www.whowhatwear.com/how-to-style-belts
12. White dress brown belt: https://www.merricksart.com/how-to-wear-a-belt-with-a-dress/
13. Green dress with belt: https://karinastylediaries.com/10-ways-to-style-the-gucci-belt/
14. V belt: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/2040762323818125/
15. Straw belt: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/155303887708596591/
16. Moon belt: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/511791945167593425/
17. Linen belt: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/862931978617013650/
18. Red belt: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/35465915789557699/
19. Snakeskin belt: https://chictalkch.com/shop-instagram-outfits-denver-fashion-blog#/
20. Black outfit with belt: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/855050679254181474/
21. Hip bag snow: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/79587118404306537/
22. Hip purse: https://fashionjackson.com/how-to-wear-a-belt-bag/
23. Model off duty: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/28569778877590249/
24. Black cross body: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/713539134725073661/