3 things to consider before buying a belt

Including game-changing styling tips

One of the big style shifts that we’re seeing as denim styles become looser and wider is the desire to cinch something. Skinny pant styles really caused a loss of belt consciousness, or perhaps as I was chatting with a friend the other day, a bit of belt confusion. When your entire pant is tight to your body, you don’t really need a belt, and visually, a belt really doesn’t contribute much to an already fitted style. Not to mention simply wearing a belt for decorative purposes can feel silly (again, 2000’s belt trauma entering the chat). Now our collective consciousness is awake again to the power of a good belt, and we have little clue as to how to use one for our purposes. It can be hard to introduce a belt into your wardrobe, maybe for the first time, and know how to make it work for you.

Consider your purpose.

I’m a big fan of relying on your gut instincts, but sometimes our gut needs a little training. If that’s you, before you grab (or purchase) a belt, consider your purpose. Do you need it to actually hold your pants up? Opt for something at least 1” in width so it is less likely to slip to the top of your belt loops and cause some weird gaping. Are you wanting to add some detail to an otherwise simple outfit? Maybe try a belt with a unique buckle shape. If you’re more of a maximalist, Maybe you want your belt to anchor your outfit with it’s simplicity of size, shape, and color. Or go even bigger with something embroidered or hand-painted.

Consider scale.

Styles with large buckles and a lot of heft can feel awkward on some, and likewise belts that are really delicate and narrow can feel equally out of place. Consider the scale of your proportions. Are you really tall, or have broad shoulders? Likely something with a bit of heft will feel most natural on you. Are you small and rounded? Likely a narrow belt with a rounded and delicate buckle will feel best. These are two opposite examples, but of course there are a vast array of options in between!

Consider color.

Don’t underestimate how the color of your belt can impact an outfit. I recommend having at least one belt in a light neutral and one in a dark neutral to begin. If you don’t have your neutrals narrowed down, take some time to figure this out before investing in more accessories. There are lots of great options, and it’s easier than ever now that matching your shoes to your belt to your bag is not necessary anymore. Does mixing feel risky to you? There are a few principles you can pick from to bring more ease to your styling. First, keep your darks next to your darks and your lights next to your lights. Second, you can choose all dark or all light for your belt, bag, and shoes. Or my favorite option, number 3, make your whole outfit either light or dark and opt for one element that is the opposite. Like a navy and black outfit/belt/bag with white loafers.

Not every style of belt feels great for every single person. It’s okay if you keep trying something and it doesn’t seem right to you. I hope these ideas will help you trouble shoot and make some informed belt purchases so you can keep your pants in place and look good doing it.

I’m not going to lie, it’s been a hard week of parenting over here, but lots of joys mixed in. It’s late and my youngest two kids are in bed, while my older two play chess. I overhear them joking with Cody while the rain falls outside. The windows are open, and life doesn’t seem too shabby after all.

We’re all just doing the best we can with messy days and schedules, often quite literally demonstrated in the state of our homes. I want to invite you to carve out a little time for yourself. In the midst of your busy life, are you craving something to help anchor your body as you go about your day? This has been one of the most rewarding aspects for me in prioritizing figuring out the methods to the madness that is often personal style. I’d love to help you, too. My style program is designed to meet you right where you’re at, and will give you tools to use now and down the road. We go beyond the trite and the trends, and delve deeper into the ways that your unique look and life already inform how you should dress. You’ve probably already found the blue bits of your style puzzle. Let’s fill out the border and the complicated parts together.

I have a couple more spots open for my 8-week style program at a temporarily reduced price. Are you in?

Until soon,

MDS