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This accessory gets overlooked far too often.
If there’s one essential item in our closets that gets overlooked far too often, it’s the belt. Belts are the hardest working accessory, from elevating basics like T-shirts and jeans to adding much-needed structure to a billowy shirtdress. Belts can serve as a chic center of gravity to your outfit that will have all eyes on you. Deciding how to wear a belt is easy-breezy once you pick out a style that suits your needs, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find one that doesn’t match your look. There is a near-endless array of options to choose from, like skinny belts, Obi belts, Western ones, and chains and ropes.
Ahead, find eight styles of belts you can wear with any outfit.
Statement Belts
A wide statement belt is the perfect center of gravity for any breezy, flowy summer outfit as this style is able to make a grand gesture with whatever you decide to style it with. For outdoor OOTDs, we love to wear statement belts with a crisp white button-down shirt and a delicate lace skirt for a Midsummer maiden look, or with a classic tailored suit to summer an Office Siren-approved outfit.
Skinny Belts
Skinny belts offer thin strips of color that are a welcome breath of fresh air to any attire. A relatively harmonious outfit feels exciting when a jolt of color breaks up the monotony of monochromatic hues. This thinner style of belt can also make one's torso appear longer, so don't think they have to stay affixed to your hip—instead, try wearing one around your waist for a more elongated look.
Rope Belts
Braided rope belts are an easy way to try out the boho trend that's been regaining popularity. The fibrous nature of rope belts lends a relaxed, earthy feel to even the simplest of outfits. For a more playful touch, try out your bow-tying skills, which can transform limp ropes into sweet, romantic accents.
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Studded Belts
If you yearn to channel minimalist chic with your clothes but still want to add a bit of dazzlement, reach for the closet studded belt. These embellished styles have long been associated with rock-n-roll rebellion and are an easy way to make even the simplest outfits sing with style. Picking a studded belt that mixes metals is an easy way to match countless colorways.
Western Belts
Rustic charm is easy to achieve when you wear a worn-in Western belt. Buckles are often the centerpiece of this style, so seek out ones with plenty of pizazz. If you want an even more personal touch, go for a plate-style buckle, which gives you the surface area to make your own work of art.
For an unexpected softer spin on the country chic accessory, try swapping out rigid leather for sumptuous suede.
Wrap Belts
Whether you choose a wrap belt in leather or silk and everything in between, they're a versatile style that can work with countless looks in your wardrobe. The ability to control the way you wrap these belts around you makes them a more versatile option than other belts, and the soft lines flow well with numerous silhouettes while still pulling the look together with a knotted center of interest.
Corset Belts
Much like a statement belt, corset styles can make even the most basic outfits bold fashion statements in a cinch. Corset belts can flatter any figure thanks to their built-in ability to accentuate the curvature of the body, and they look endlessly flattering on even the most oversized dress or sweater.
Chain Belts
Need something to polish off your outfit? Then, a chain belt might be the missing link in your style equation. While the flashiness of their design may seem intimidating, once you think of them as just another form of jewelry, the styling strategy of these becomes much easier. From single strands to cascading layers, this style of belt instantly serves as a statement-making conversation piece with any outfit.