What kind of belt do you wear with a dress?
Are you a little confused when it comes to accessorizing your dresses? Fear not, for Elliot Rhodes is here to enlighten you on the art of belt-wearing with dresses. Yes, you heard that right, belt-wearing is an art form that requires years of practice and dedication (or just a quick Google search). So, let's dive into the world of belts and dresses, shall we?
First things first, let's talk about the different types of belts you can wear with a dress. There's the thin belt, the wide belt, the statement belt and within that a multitude of options to consider.
When to use a thinner belt?
A thinner belt (We are talking belts in anything from 20-30mm in width) is perfect for a fitted dress that needs a little extra oomph.. When we mention fitted it is quite important as if you choose a thin belt with a dress that is too floaty or has too much fabric the belt will just get lost and it will lose its impact.
The thin belt is ideal for adding a colour pop whilst staying subtle. But even a classic tone will give your dress a finishing touch whilst at the same time giving you a flattering silhouette as it will sit into the narrowest part of your waist.
As for colour – if you want to go tonal with your look then a simple texture on the belt rather than a flat leather will add some contrast and definition. If your dress has a pattern pick out a tone within the pattern for a more mellow look or go for contrast for greater impact. Keep any texture on the leather a little simpler so things don’t look too busy!
When to use a Wider belt?
A wider is great for a more relaxed dress that needs a little definition. It can help cinch in your waist and create a more flattering silhouette. By being a little wider it can also be more striking, so it is the ideal opportunity to experiment with colour and texture. I personally like contrasting textures in most cases, but for elegant occasions a smooth leather or one with a subtle texture will be the right choice.
A 40mm width belt is ideal for this look but for a real statement you can also consider an even wider belt of 60mm width or more. This depends a little on your body shape. If you have a natural waist then 40mm width will be ideal, but if you are a little straighter in shape a 60mm+ belt will really create a great illusion of a waist for you.
And then there’s the Statement Wider belt
The big advantage of wider belts is the array of buckles you can choose to embellish them. Classic buckles are great but choosing a buckle that has some sculptural shape or detail or even one encrusted with a few crystals is a way to take even a simple outfit and make it really special for both day or eveningwear. This is where an Elliot Rhodes belt really comes to the fore!
If you're feeling bold and daring, go for a statement belt! This type of belt is all about using your belt as the centrepiece of an outfit, adding a pop of colour or texture to a simple dress. Leathers with texture, strong colours, buckles with crystals, belts with studs, handwoven belts…especially for eveningwear occasions belts like these are ideal and a great opportunity to express yourself.
