It's fashion Marmite, but this one item could transform your wardrobe
Belts seem to be the Marmite of wardrobes – and I have a theory as to why: it’s not a love-or-loathe scenario, but rather one of total intimidation. I’ll be honest, even I’m intimidated by some of the avant-garde creations that come down the runways these days.
But belts don’t have to be the defining statement in an outfit. I like to think of them more as a finishing touch. They are an accessory that has a versatility like nothing else at your disposal.
A belt can define a waist, give structure to a garment, add colour, inject sparkle or all of the above. It can be an accessory that peeks through under a cardigan or it can take centre stage over a dress.
A belt can play many roles in an ensemble, yet all too often I see it left behind as an accessory that is not chosen by the masses, but rather only considered by those in the fashion world. I may be going out on a limb here, but I think that might have something to do with confidence in women and their waistlines.
I’ll be the first to hold my hand up, as a 40-plus woman who wears a size 18, to say that belts were not always even an option for me. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to wear them, it had everything to do with finding belts that would fit me. Uncovering a belt that would lasso these hips was close to impossible.
And then I found myself slightly uncomfortable with just how much attention a belt brought my hourglass figure. To leap over this hurdle, I began by wearing belts under cardigans or blazers. I then graduated to fastening them on top of oversized shirts and dresses. I allowed the belt to give me a waist while letting the garment take centre stage. I basically eased my way into my adoration of belts.
But I can tell you this much, since beginning my love affair with this accessory, I’ve never looked back and am now a collector with a sizeable collection.
The devil is in the details
Be subtle: layer to make the belt an accessory and less of a main statement
Add shape: belts are a great tool for cinching in oversized garments like this chunky sweater
Mix it up: there is no “perfect belt size” – skinny and oversized both work
Avoid black: for a timeless purchase, look for belts in brown leather with brass or gold hardware
Go for contrast: remember your belt DOES NOT need to match shoes, bags or any other accessories
Emily's top tip
Add a leather hole punch to your fashion tool box. For those belts that are just one or two holes short of fitting, this will be a lifesaver and a game changer.
Get the look: Emily wears a quilted jacket, £695, Marfa Stance; turtleneck, from a selection, Brora; leather belt, £125, Mackenzie and George; skirt, from a selection, Winser London; suede and calf hair boots, £275, Camilla Elphick
How to make it work for you
From top left to bottom left: Leather belt, £95, Mackenzie & George (available in extended sizes), Woven, £48, Reiss; Leather leopard, £22, John Lewis. From top centre to bottom centre: Benedetta Bruzziches Rhinestone embellished, £235, Selfridges; Loewe Leather logo, £250, Net-a-Porter; Pearl buckle leather, £35, stories.com. Right top to bottom: Raey Leather with rectangular buckle, £125, Matches Fashion; Distressed leather, £549, Ralph Lauren
Finish the look
From left: Leather bag, £525, Aspinal of London; below: Drop earrings, £265, Laurence Coste; centre, Wax seal bangle, £225, Jessica de Lotz; right, Jacquard cardigan, £350, Hayley Menzies
