Belts, Belts, & More Belts!

As you all may know already, belts have continued their dynasty for the second season in a row (as have skinny jeans). Last fall, thick belts were all the rage, cinching waists almost as a corset would. Gucci’s Fall ’07 show, for example, showcased many great ones in beautiful tones of reds and purples with the signature three buckle front that would later be copied by others. This fall is still about cinching waists: however, fall ’08 is all about the skinny belts.

To recreate runway looks, just grab a thin belt & wrap it around a loose dress, the oversized tee-shirt, or even around a jacket (just be sure that the jacket is not bulky; we do not want puffs of fabric leaking over the belt like a horrible muffin top nor do we want you to look bigger than you are!) I’ll bring up Oscar de la Renta’s runway show for a tangible example; there were belts over tweed jackets paired with full skirts and dark colored tights that looked fabulous! Even running around in colder weather can be fashionable – there is no need to cover that fabulous-ness with a pea coat or trench! Accessorize that jacket!

Even adding a belt to a cardigan can take a bland outfit a long way; leave the cardigan unbuttoned, cinch that waist with a pop of color, and voila: A sophisticated look that plays on the curves.

I love this Juliana Jabour Cinto Skinny Belt in navy (it’s also available in white, on shopbop.com). This quilted patent leather belt has a wonderful sheen, guaranteed to add texture and depth to any outfit. The gold hardware pops against the navy – love it. I would suggest pairing such a belt with a cardigan in a neutral color, preferably in the family of whites and creams in order to draw attention to the waistline.

Okay. so this Moss Mills Skinny Horse Belt isn’t exactly my style, but something about is just makes me love it anyway. I love the organic look of it; natural in the brown leather color & bohemian in the brass sculpture of the horse. One must keep in mind that belts with a detailed buckle such as this one, that pairing it with thin fabrics (like a cardigan) would only make the belt look heavy. I would style this belt with an olive green military type jacket; leave the jacket open and reveal a black top underneath. Finish the look with a pair of dark wash skinny jeans and brown riding boots! This belt also doubles as a bracelet; just wrap it around you wrist a couple of times! (It should be an interesting look; available at intermix.com.)

I know this Double Buckle belt by Fullum seems so…blah. But don’t underestimate its versatility! The plain-ness of the belt allows it to be worn with nearly everything; jackets, cardigans, dresses, tees, etc whether it be on the waist or hips. The actual belt it 2 inches wide, with a one inch belt overlay with two buckles for extra dimension and detail. Outfit Epiphany (I have several of those): loose, cream colored tunic or dress + belt + slightly opaque black tights + ankle booties. I need this belt.

xoxo.