by Katie Hinderer

Created on: November 14, 2008

Skinny jeans can actually be worn by everyone! Gasp! It's hard to believe when so many people believe the exact opposite. But really the ability to wear skinny jeans does not lie in the size of a woman's legs, but rather in the style top she dons. And that top likewise changes the type of belt that goes best with the skinny-leg jeans.

A long knit shirt, that hits somewhere around mid-thigh, can cover a multitude of biological issues. The same look can be achieved with a short sweater dress. To belt this look go for a large colorful bulky belt. However, do not cinch the belt directly across your biggest section! If you have a significant waist or a bit of a tummy, place the belt above that section. By notching the belt above your waist you will give the illusion of a smaller waist. This happens because our eyes are naturally drawn to horizontal lines and contrasting colors, therefore drawing people's eyes to your belt and miraculously shrinking your waist.

To pick the appropriate belt for this look you will likely need a smaller size than you would if the belt was going to sit at your waist or hips. If the belt is too large it will either slip down or look awkward with a large portion of the belt sticking out when you notch it on the last hole.

Another option, if having a belt sitting around your ribs makes you uncomfortable, is to angle a large bulky belt around your hips. For this style, you will likely need to purchase a belt in a larger size to achieve the desired look. Notch the belt on one of the last holes and angle it so that the buckle is sitting near one of your hipbones. The opposite end should sit closer to your waist. The angle of the belt makes the look less severe and also has a trimming effect.

If you are planning on wearing your skinny jeans with a more tailored piece on top, like a button down woven shirt or a basic cardigan, a skinny belt is the better choice. Pick a basic color that will go with most of your wardrobe options. Black, gray, white and brown are all usually safe colors. Again if you are going to cinch this belt a little above your natural waist over the cardigan try a smaller size.

For those who tend toward the tucked-in shirt style with their skinny jeans, shop for a thin colorful belt. This can then be pulled through the belt loops and offer a little contrasting color to spice up an outfit. Although, it is true this is a look that is really only pulled off well by the uber-skinny ladies out there. For those of us with more bulk in the area, a tucked in shirt and little colored belt offers too many eye-catching points that will make you look bigger than you really are.

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