A belt truly is the MVP of fashion accessories. It can accentuate a little middle, add curves to an athletic figure, draw the eyes towards your, ahem, assets, and even work well on swimwear.
But there’s one place you might have never thought to utilize the versatile accessory: winterwear. “Sweaters and coats can be so bulky and oversized that your figure gets lost in the added volume and thicker fabric,” explains Argy Koutsothanasis, a stylist whose clients include The Bachelor’s Jojo Fletcher and Becca Tilley. “A belt is a quick and easy way to cinch a thick sweater or puffy coat so that you give your shape some definition.”
Not sure how to pull off the look? Koutsothanasis says it’s all about playing with what you’ve already got: “The trick is to select a style that works with your body and proportions. If you have a small waist and curvy hips, you can wear a larger belt to really accentuate your tiny middle. If you have a fuller or straight up-and-down torso, you can pick a thinner belt so as not to add volume to your middle.”
Her only rule? Pay attention to where you place the belt—on the natural waist or on top of the hips are the two best positions; anything too high or too low will just look awkward.
As for color and pattern, she says go with whatever you’re feeling with the outfit. A simple brown or black belt will do the trick nicely, but she believes that animal print can be just as easy and chic when treated as a neutral. And when it comes to a pop of color, there’s no wrong time to go bright.
Scroll down for 7 belts perfect for your oversized chunky sweater or faux fur coat.
Kate Spade Leather Bow Belt, $58
Rag & Bone Canvas and Leather Belt, $117
Halogen Square Keeper Calf Hair Belt, $35
No. 21 Elastic Buckle Belt, $115
Tory Burch Enamel O-Ring Belt, $248
Etro Printed Leather Waist Belt, $364
Madewell Perfect Leather Belt, $45
Level up the look with a belt bag (yep, fanny packs are back) if you want to kill two birds with one stone—I mean, feed two birds with one scone….
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