Choosing the right belt to wear depends largely on on the purpose of the belt in question. Is it meant to hold another garment up? Or is is meant for decorative purposes only? You can, of course, have a belt which is both decorative and which stops your trousers from creeping down, but a purely decorative belt can be worn in many different ways to this.

Belts Which Hold Up Another Garment

In this case you will need to choose a belt which is fit for its purpose, and which fits you comfortably also. Belts which do up with a buckle need to have the right amount of holes to close snugly, without being tight and uncomfortable, or so loose that they are a constant cause for concern.

Your next consideration may be about what material the belt is made from, and about its appearance. Leather belts can be both practical and attractive. They come in a variety of thicknesses, and are either plain or have embellishments.

The style of belt you choose will have allot to do with where you intend to wear it. If you are going to work then a plain, classically styled belt will be best. If going to a nightclub, a belt made of material which sparkles or with diamante embellishments will help you to stand out from the crowd.

Decorative Belts

There are a huge variety of attractive belts on the market which can really help to add richness to your personal style. Some belts are thin and beaded, others wide and embroidered in ethnic colors and are imported from the third world. Often the money for them goes towards the traders from that country.

Decorative belts, unlike supportive ones, don't need to be worn directly around the waist. They can be worn on the hips, or at an angle from the waist to the hip at the other side of the body.

How you wear your belt will lend personality to your outfit and will give your look individuality.

What you are wearing your decorative belt with can help you choose the right one to wear. A figure hugging red dress can look great with a wide, black belt. A tailored linen suit will look wonderful with a thin leather belt in a similar color to the suit.

Belts Which Gather Material In

Many clothes that are a loose fitting can benefit from a belt being added to them in-order to gather the material in, and give the wearer more of an appearance of a possessing a great shape.

Waist clinchers, often worn in the 1950's and a relation of the corset belt worn in medieval times, are back in fashion.

There are also belts, made from a wide band of material with ties at each end, available to buy in many different choices of style.

Tips For Choosing Belts

Most of the time, it is best to wear loud and decorative belts during leisure time, and to stick to plain but well made belts for time spent at work.

Likewise, belts made of shiny material are attention grabbing and are best worn when out with friends, rather than to the office where a more subdued belt will be better appreciated.

If you have plenty of time to care for a belt then you can choose one which needs to be polished and taken care of, but if you are very busy, one made out of a durable and washable material may be better for you.

Learn more about this author, Bridget Webber.
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