by Melissa Raissa

Created on: November 12, 2009   Last Updated: February 21, 2010

There are plenty of styles available for modern belts. Choosing the right belt given all these options can be overwhelming especially if you don't know what to look for in the first place. Much like any wise purchase, it's important to keep your senses about you when buying belts that you can actually use. Make a mental inventory of all the clothes you already have and choose belts that will complement those styles.

Function

Dress belts are usually made of leather and is used mostly for office wear. The simplest of all belts, it has a very utilitarian look consisting mainly of the strap and buckle with little or no embellishments. They are usually placed at the hips within the pant loops for anchoring the pants and refining its look.

Fashion belts, however, are never without an accent or two. They can come with stylish straps, whimsical buckles or a combination of both. They can be worn at the hips or waist with the main purpose of sprucing up an outfit. They can range from skinny to wide, elegant to rustic, and everything else in between.

In choosing belts that combine both fashion and function, stick to simple styles that emphasize either only the strap or the buckle. Simple patent or leather straps with jewel-studded clasps give off a sleek look. Animal print straps with plain buckle closures have a fun yet subdued feel. These styles transition well from day to night.

Width

Skinny belts are common among dress belts because of its simple yet sophisticated appeal. These are also more tasteful options when wearing belts with distinct prints and patterns. Skinny belts subtly widens if worn at the hips and cinches if worn at the waist because its delicate slimness contrasts with the widening effect of horizontal lines.

Wide belts are the more adventurous alternative. Its expansive coverage make it a prominent feature of your ensemble. These can also be worn at the hips or waist. Wide waist belts are best worn with simple straps and a beautiful buckle or accent. Wide hip belts look great with multiple metal hardware or closures, and also with elaborate braided or perforated leather.

The width of your belt helps to enhance or minimize certain areas of your body. Depending on how it's worn, wide belts can broaden the hips or the waist, especially if it has a lighter color than your outfit. Skinny belts also widens the hips, like all horizontals do, but in a subtler way. If worn at the waist, skinny belts have a narrowing effect especially if it's darker than your outfit.

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