Best Belts for Dresses

It is common knowledge that women must have an arsenal of belts in their closets. Belts may add flair, character, and charm to any outfit. However, wearing the proper belt at the wrong moment can make you appear to be trying too hard, or even worse, outdated.

A  girl in a white dress with black leather belt.

Should I accessorize a dress with a belt?

It is not always required to wear a dress with a straight cut. However, if you consider that the dress makes you appear shapeless, you should wear it.

Dresses and other boxier garments, for instance, are wonderful for highlighting your waist. A belt may provide structure to a dress and define your waist. Wear shorter swing-shaped dresses with longer swing-shaped dresses since shorter swing-shaped dresses do not show much of your legs. If you feel that your swing dress is excessively flowing, you may want to consider belting it. Dresses that are too short conceal your legs and make them look larger than they are. Your jacket or cardigan may occasionally feel boxy if it does not fit properly. This ensemble is very adaptable, from the soft sweater dress to the leather belt to the belt. Dresses with seams right above the belt hole should never be worn.

How should a belt be worn with a dress?

There are a variety of ways to wear a belt with a dress, depending on the style of the dress and the desired aesthetic. If your dress has a distinct waistline, you can highlight it by wearing a narrow belt around your waist. This is an excellent way to add a touch of feminine charm to an ensemble.

Try wearing a belt around your waist with the front and back ends linked together. This gives off a stylish appearance and will definitely accentuate your contours.

Alternately, you can emphasize your form by pairing a defined waistline dress with a broader belt. This is ideal for formal occasions because it has a vintage prom dress atmosphere.

There are three fundamental ways to wear a belt with a dress:

1) Close to your waist

2) Folded and wrapped around the hips

3) Tied around the rear waist, revealing some skin

What kinds of dresses need belts?

Essentially, you can belt any dress. But they will give you the greatest return on your investment:

Shirt dresses.

Simply switch it out for a leather belt, as they frequently include one. Immediate chic.

Dresses made of T-shirts.

They’re naturally shapeless, but adding a belt gives you a waist and improves the look.

Form-fitting and flared dresses.

Even if the silhouette is already established, dresses with a defined waist are a fantastic alternative. It gives a touch of distinction and breaks up the outfit.

Maxi dresses.

Typically, these long dresses require something to break up the fabric. A little belt in the middle is the ideal solution for this.

Different belts on a white background.

Best Belts for Dresses

1. Chain Belts

While a chain belt may not be the most practical accessory, it serves as a stunning addition to both casual and formal attire. Try layering a slouchy version on top of a sleek black dress; it’s a simple combo with tremendous impact.

2. Waist-Cinching Belts

If you want to bring attention to your genuine waist, a belt that ends at the stomach is a terrific method to do so. It can assist in breaking up thick apparel and cinching a bulky sweater or slack dress.

3. Traditional Black Belts

There is no more reliable accessory than a basic black belt. This item is often disregarded, but designers have created a variety of versions that, despite their simplicity, are elegant enough to encourage you to include them to your professional wardrobe (and casual occasions too).

4. Crafty Belts

Whether crocheted or woven with thick yarns, handcrafted and artisanal belts will lend a touch of craftiness to your ensemble. These fashions are not exclusive to modern bohemians; they mix well with a sleek city aesthetic. It all comes down to contrast.

5. Brown Leather Cinch Straps

A simple brown leather belt is a must-have accessory, particularly if your style is exceptionally neutral. A brown belt is softer than its black counterpart and pairs well with natural materials such as a raffia bag or cork wedge sandals.

6. Braided Belt

A braided belt is an excellent method to add texture and visual appeal to an ensemble. They are available in a variety of materials; choose the one that complements your attire and style the most.

7. Glitter Belt

Glitter belts are a fashionable way to add glitz to summer outfits. They come in a variety of colors and designs, so choose one that best complements your dress.

8. Woven Belt

Depending on the occasion, a woven belt may be dressed up or down, making it a versatile fashion choice. Choose one with a vibrant pattern to add visual appeal to your ensemble.

Why not pair a brown belt with outfits featuring animal prints? Or, match the color of the belt to your favorite dress and then accessorize with daring accents.

Women’s pink sweater matched with a pink belt.

9. Cotton Belt

When paired with summer dresses of varying lengths, a cotton belt adds texture and color to ensembles. A belt of medium width is ideal for casual attire, but if your dress or skirt is too short, you may appear frumpy.

10. Satin Belt

A satin belt is an adaptable accessory that may be worn with a variety of garments. Choose one of your favorite hues to instantly elevate your ensemble.

11. Sequined Belt

A sequined belt can add significant glitz to any event! It pairs best with shapes that have a low back or halter neck.

12. Tie-Back Belt

This sort of belt is an excellent complement to bohemian clothing. Choose a scarf that best compliments your dress in terms of texture and hue. Make sure it complements your entire appearance.

13. Skinny Knot Belt

This is typically a narrow belt knotted in front of the body. The belt may also contain metal hardware. However, the fastening consists of knots.

14. Metal Belts

Typically paired with formal dresses and bridal gowns. Some metal belts are attached with chains or are constructed entirely of chains. Some are crafted from filigree silver, gold, or gold/silver-plated metals.

15. Sash belts

A sash is a fabric or ribbon worn as a belt with dresses and gowns. For ceremonial events, it is draped from one shoulder to the waist, or it is wrapped around the waist like a sash belt. Typically, the tails of the sash belt are tied into a bow.

In conclusion

There are numerous reasons why a belt may be worn with a dress. First, a belt can help to define your waist, resulting in a more attractive appearance. In addition, a belt can lend personality or character to an otherwise plain outfit. In rare instances, a belt may be required to complete the appearance of a particular outfit (for example, a belted wrap dress). The decision to wear a belt with a dress is ultimately a personal one, but there are numerous reasons to give belts a try!