by Heather Russell

Created on: April 18, 2007

If you want to pull off skinny jeans (and by "pull off" I mean "successfully wear" actually getting out of the buggers is another article altogether!), the first accessory you need isn't a three-month supply of TrimSpa or a year at the gym; it's confidence. Skinny jeans look hot on no one but the skinniest of models; however, the rest of us have the right to be fashionable no matter how unflattering the look! So banish your insecurities, pull out the pliers and Crisco, and get ready to accessorize.

The best and brightest trend with which to accessorize your skinny jeans is the statement belt. Go for bright candy-colored hues, black or white in an ultra-modern patent leather, or a neutral canvas with a big buckle and patent accents. Keep in mind, the fashionista of the moment does not use her belt for something as pass as holding up her pants. Today's belt is all about distraction. Forget the low-slung belts of two years ago; these belts are cinched up high, accentuating (or holding in) your fabulously feminine curves, and drawing eyes upward from your hips and thighs (or whichever body part isn't cooperating this week).

These belts work best over the flowing tunic tops that are mercifully in fashion right now. Pretty and feminine, they forgive all manner of sins while allowing you to look effortlessly chic. Other things to keep in mind when buying a fabulous belt include shoes (absolutely NO matchy-matchy unless both the shoes and the belt are black patent leather; and even then, only if you're going for a very tailored look), posture (upright!), and, as I mentioned before, confidence!

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