How To Wear a Belt

Photo by Polyvore

Belts aren't just for holding up pants, in fact, you can wear a belt just as an add-on like you would a necklace or earrings. These waist cinchers can pull lots of outfits together. 

You can wear a belt over a cardigan, dress, t-shirt, or sweater. You can even substitute the tie belt on your winter coat with a more fashionable belt like the ones shown here.

What's great is that in these times when we're all recessionistas tightening our belts, we can just add an inexpensive belt to give our wardrobe a boost.

I did a little belt experimentation last night with my favorite long sweater....

The first photo is my sweater without a belt. The one in the middle is with a wide belt at my natural waist. The last one is a double-wrap skinny belt sitting low on my hips. One sweater, three totally different looks!

• Play with color. Fred Flare's faux suede braided belts ($10 each) come in five bright hues.
• Go bold with width and hardware. Try Banana Republic's Wide Croc Embossed Belt ($79) or Embossed Contour Belt ($79).
• Multiple buckles look great at your natural waist. I own Alloy's Sydney Belt ($16.50) and wear it with over sweaters and dresses.
• Funky belts make a cool statement. Try Fossil's Concho Station ($48). 

Have you tried these looks? Have any other ideas about belts to share?