Dressing For Your Body Shape: With Belts

You know that becoming your most stylish self doesn’t have to be so hard.  You know it’s all about knowing your body shape and choosing pieces that flatter your unique shape.

If you want to know your body shape click here for a quick review.

Now, what belt do you choose for your shape and how do you wear it, may be your next questions.

Good news…

Quick recap on the art of styling.

Instinctively, the human eye is drawn to proportion and your styling challenge is to create balance and harmony between your upper and lower body while accenting your waist and creating an illusion of an “ideal” silhouette.

The perfect belt can do this for you.

Allow me to show you how to style a belt for your shape.

Rectangle Shape

If you’re a rectangle shape your shoulder, bust and hips are similar in size and you don’t have a defined waist.

Your styling challenge is to define your waist and create curves on top and bottom.  You can do this by choosing the right clothing for your body and wearing a belt high on your waist or on the seam of your pants.  This defines and marks an illusion of a waist.

Wedge Shape

If you’re a wedge shape your body shape features a broad upper body and your waist and hips are smaller in proportion.

Your styling challenge is to create balance between your upper and lower body and highlight your waist or the smallest part of your upper body (your hips). Placing a belt on your hips and slightly bellowing out your top will pull you in at your smallest part.

Hourglass Shape

If you have an hourglass figure your shoulders and hips are around the same size but your waist is at least 10 inches smaller.

Your styling challenge is to maintain your proportional balance and highlight your waist.  No other accessory can accent and highlight your waist like a belt can.  A belt is also a great way to tailor a slightly oversized top as it gathers extra fabric and doesn’t allow bunching in the front.

Apple Shape

If you have an Apple-shaped body you tend to be wider throughout the bust and waistline.  And your arms, legs and hips are thinner.

Your styling challenge is all about flattering your assets while creating an illusion of a waist line.  The sweet spot for a belt is on the empire waist (below the bust).  If you’re wearing an A-line dress or skirt, a belt should sit right where the skirt flares. An A-line silhouette is one of the most flattering silhouettes’ for an Apple shape and a belt helps define the waist.

Pear Shape

If you have a pear-shaped body you typically have a smaller bust line and your hips and buttocks are wider than shoulders.

Your styling challenge is all about flattering that waist and bringing focus to your upper body.  No other accessory can accent and highlight your waist like a belt can.  Have fun and make a statement with a pop of color in a belt or bring in a unique shape such as a corset belt.  But what ever you do – show off that tiny waist of yours.

If you want to know more on how to dress for your body shape download our style guide below.  

And please be sure to leave a comment and let me know if this belt style guide was helpful and if you learned something new!