In the past, belts were simply known for keeping your pants up. Aside from the huge belt buckle craze in places like Texas, the everyday person wasn’t really concerned about their belts and for a while, belts all but disappeared from mainstream fashion. That is no longer the case. The belt has made its comeback as a fashionable accessory and fashionistas everywhere are loving it.

Belts are now known as an accessory that can make or break an outfit. Believe it or not, there is a right way and a wrong way to wear a belt. Luckily, so many fashionistas and celebrities have made it easy to find out what belt wearing trends are “in” and which ones should be avoided. One way the belt has been able to make its impression in the fashion world is its ability to flatter various body shapes. If you want a defined waist, a stylish belt will help you achieve it. Women of all sizes and shapes can utilize a belt to help them accentuate their best qualities while hiding the flaws.

When it comes to using a belt in favor of your body shape, the tricks of the trade are fairly easy to follow. Belts are ideal for accentuating curves, making this accessory a great addition to any plus size woman’s wardrobe. Wide belts work favorably for plus sized women or those suffering from excess stomach flab. The wideness of the belt can help flatten the stomach and create the appearance of a slimmer waist. Of course you should be careful to not cinch the belt so tightly that you can’t breathe. Also be wary of huge belt buckles. This is a distraction that can work against you. Another way of wearing a belt to flatter larger figures is to opt for an empire style belt, which is cinched right below the bust area. This style should be worn with long blouses or tunic dresses.

Just as belts can help plus size women hide their flaws, belts can also help skinnier women add the illusion of curves. These type of women should choose a medium sized belt or slightly skinnier, which adds proportion and can create curves. Women with short torsos can elongate their mid-section with a belt that is the same color as your outfit. This will create a slimming effect as well. Avoid wearing a belt in a distinctly different color - it will only draw attention to your short torso and make it look like it’s been cut in half.

Not all belts are created equal, either. These days you can find belts in leather, fabrics, or even made of gems, stones, and metal. This means you can find a belt to go with just about any outfit you have.

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