Dress Beautifully: belts

Showing posts with label belts. Show all posts

Nov 13, 2024

Belted

Belts are by far one of my favorite accessories. I have quite the collection with a good bit of vintage ones. They're the most interesting to me!

Belts add so much to an outfit: shape, texture, shine and a finishing touch of beauty.

Here are 3 ways to add a belt over a layering piece ...

STRIPE BUTTON UP - UTILITY JEANS

Over a longer vest creates flattering proportions

elongating the lower body by creating a high waist line

A wide belt really makes a statement!

BLAZER - BELT

Over a blazer takes it from simple to elevated!

I kept it tonal for a polished addition.

FUR VEST

Over a fur vest minimizes volume and adds a dressy element to an overall casual piece.

Dress Beautifully Belting Your Outfits

XOXO Sarah Louise

Nov 17, 2023

Friday Favorites: Belts

TGIF! What a week! And it's the last one before Thanksgiving. I don't know about you but this month has flown by for me.

This week the ladies bible study I participate in finished for the semester with a lovely brunch (my small group has planned for a Christmas gathering in a few weeks so we can see each other again before the end of year), I hosted a gathering of kindergarten mamas from Vivian's school for coffee & breakfast and continued to fill my days with my usual to-do's.

This weekend will be Vivian's last soccer game of the season (her cousin is surprising her and coming to watch - she's going to burst with excitement) and a celebration of my sister's birthday that includes a sleepover!!

When I am putting an outfit together and have chosen the main pieces accessorizing is truly the step that creates the most style. The jewelry adds shine & sometimes color, handbags & shoes add texture and sometimes print, jackets can add all of these elements as well as structure & shape!

My favorite finishing piece is a belt. Belts can add shine, color, texture, pattern and the ultimate shape.

I'm starting to consider myself a belt collector, my favorite being my vintage ones!

STYLE FACTS: Belts do NOT have to be designer to be chic! In fact - I encourage with all things purchasing on sale.

Here are some great belts to layer jeans, dresses, skirts and even blazers with ...

I love this over an all black outfit

CLASSIC

in 2 colors and 2 metal finishes

I have this one and it's truly timeless

METALLIC

in 8 different finish/color options

Dress Beautifully Belted

XOXO Sarah Louise

Mar 28, 2020

Friday Favorites: Cinched

TGIF! (a day late - see my previous post as to why) We rounded the corner on week 2 of staying in our sweet homes and I'm must say (don't hate me) that it's actually been fun! I've realized how much time is spent running around and just how much I can accomplish by staying put. Our home is spic and span, our yard and garden is manicured and the laugher our walls have heard is higher than ever.
A lot of it's coming from the FaceTime & Zoom meetings we are having!
Even Vivian is using it for story time with other kiddos.

Ever popular 'GG' belt

While many things about this are far from easy, it's a cinch to elevate your outfits! Belts, gals, belts. They're my favorite accessory!
Bonus: If your waistline has suffered (which I hope it hasn't) a belt can be the best disguise creating an emphasized hourglass silhouette.

Belts add shape, detail, texture, shine and can add a breaking point to in your outfit creating flattering proportions on your body.
Example: A belt high on your natural waist will make your lower body/legs appear longer.

~~Tip~~ RULE: If your dress, skirt, pant or even peplum top comes with a self fabric tie/sash REPLACE it with a belt! I always do this and it enhances the garment and overall outfit 10 fold!

Belts are also a good accessory to invest in due to their ability to be worn over and over again with so many pieces. Just like a classic pair of shoes.

Here are some of my favorites ...

G Horsebit Belt

3 variations

Stretchy Leather - Skinny Version

several color options

4 variations

7 color options

also in black

Chain

Here is a less expensive option

Braided

I love these for the ability to adjust

15 variations

This dress is straight so I needed to add shape while these pants came with a self fabric belt and needed more contrast (and shine!).

I've had these belts for a long time.
I good portion of mine are vintage!

Skinny GG Belt

7 variations

Dress Beautifully in a Belt

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Feb 19, 2020

Tunic Tune Up

Tunic dress are great for several reasons. They fit every body type, comfortable, cool in the summer, and are versatile for any occasion. The key to making them versatile is styling.

I believe that belts hold a lot of power. They instantly transform a piece and can take a shapeless tunic dress and give it a cinched waist at the snap of a buckle. They also add texture, shine and detail to an outfit. Belts are truly one of my favorite accessories and most of mine are vintage treasures I've collected over the years like this one.

There are belts for every single style. You can go fancy with designer belts, casual with rattan or braided belts, boho with woven and tie belts, cinched with a stretch belt and super shiny with a chain belt. I haven't worn mine in a while and now I really want to put together an outfit with it.

As with your belt shoes can change the look as well, sandals and sneakers will probably be what I wear most and leave the heels for church and nights out.

Tune up your tunic dresses with a belt!