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Perhaps you've noticed a new trend that has popped up on runways in the major fashion capitals of the world; wearing belts over shirts and jackets. Supermodels and common folk alike can be seen strutting city streets wearing belts that were usually reserved for belt loops on pants and jeans over their favorite tunic, and you're jealous. When you purchased a super-cute Marc by Marc Jacobs belt and attempted to put it on over your T-Bags tunic, your tummy pooch appeared bigger and it seemed that there was no hope for you to wear this new trend. However, there is hope for the women of America, because with the proper training, you can confidently walk into a party with a belt slung over your shirt and look ten pounds lighter. Here are some basic rules that I always follow when wearing belts over shirts.

1) Buy the right belt for where you are going to be wearing it on your body.
When walking down the streets of NYC, I often see women that have thin, flimsy belts slung around their hips, and it does not look good. If you're trying to look thinner, wearing a thin belt on your stomach does not help; it simply accentuates the extra pounds that you have accumulated. If you go the extra mile and attempt to tighten a thin belt to the max, it will create a "muffin top" over the waistband of your jeans, which does not do anything to make you look ten pounds thinner. Instead, reserve thin belts for your waist; thin belts will highlight any woman's waist and accentuate her chest. I usually go to Bluefly.com for thin belts; they have a selection of designers such as Kenneth Cole and Michael Michael Kors at prices that are considerably less than department stores. If your budget doesn't allow for extravagant spending, mass market retailer Target actually has cute belts at affordable prices. Thick belts should be slung below the naval towards the waistband of your jeans; they will hide any excess weight around the midsection and be a cute accessory to any outfit. Forever 21 has a great selection of thick belts at stellar prices; their Double Bow Belt incorporates the "bow" trend of the season, and is only $7.80!

2) Belts over shirts cannot be worn with just any top.
If you think that putting on a belt over any old tee-shirt is the key to mastering this trend, you are horribly wrong. Thin belts look best with tailored pieces such as blazers or blouses, and wide belts go great alongside a flowy tunic or dolman-sleeved top. However, this is just my personal opinion, and if you think that a belt goes great with a top in your closet, go for it!

3) You don't have to shell out big bucks for belts.
Even though top designers such as Chanel, Prada, Tory Burch, and Alexander McQueen are all showing pricey belts in their boutiques and runway shows, you can get a cute belt for less than $30 at most retailers. My favorite belt, which is a wide tan leather Lord & Taylor belt that once belonged to my mother, was sitting in her closet collecting dust until I asked for it; check out the closets of family members for belts that they no longer wear. High-end retailer Nordstrom's actually has some cheap belts in their Brass Plum section; on a recent trip there, I scored a black pleather belt for only $9! Even though they are sometimes hit-or-miss, TJMaxx stocks some cute wide and thin belts from casual sportswear designers Betsey Johnson and Calvin Klein.

The belt trend is all the rage now, so give it a shot. Find the perfect wide or thin belt and the too-cute-for-words tunic, and you're set for a casual Friday at the office or a night out on the town with your friends.

Learn more about this author, Julia Elizabeth Lynch.
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