Cute Ways for Plus-Size Women to Wear Belts

Pop singer Adele belted her little black dress at the Grammy Awards.

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A belt can be a plus-sized fashionista's favorite find; tying one on refreshes closet basics, defines a shapely silhouette and turns a ho-hum outfit into something spectacular. When shopping for the right belt, choose a length that allows you to toggle comfortably between sizes, and don't choose a smaller size just because you can make it work on the last notch. The belt will strain in an unflattering manner, and your curves deserve better.

Related Searches: Go to Waist

Cinching a belt around your waist can give new life to closet staples. Layer a camisole under a sheer tunic swim coverup and add a wide leather belt for a chic, bohemian inspired ensemble. A slim patent leather belt in lipstick red or bright yellow defines your waist and lifts your spirits when slung around an over-sized cotton jersey T-shirt. Wrapping a leather belt around a man's white button-down shirt or boyfriend-style cardigan gives womanly curves to a menswear-inspired look. Position the belt slightly above your belly button for optimal figure flattery.

The Right Stuff

The right belt for a plus-size frame depends largely on personal preference. Skinny belts are recommended by many stylists for plus-size women, but these can look out of proportion to the rest of your shape. Wide, large belts match scale more closely, but too large and the belt can look cheap and add weight to your frame. Try on several belts in a variety of widths to determine which is the most flattering for your figure. A belt wardrobe that contains belts of varied widths gives you flexibility, as the appropriate belt style and width also can vary by outfit.

Bold Strokes

Your curves make you stand out in a crowd; this boldness also allows you to try unconventional materials in place of a standard belt. Long silk, organza or satin scarves look romantic and ethereal when wrapped around the waist of a summery sundress. Unusual materials like faux snake and ostrich skin or multistrand belts comprised of thin chains and beads can perk up a black dress with a dose of sassy style.

Sugar-Coat It

Blouses and dresses aren't the only clothes that benefit from a belt of style; wrapping a belt around a wool or canvas coat changes the silhouette and adds glamor. Many trench-style coats come with a canvas belt, but swapping the included belt for a classic leather belt in a coordinating shade (chocolate leather with a taupe coat or black-on-black) freshens the look and provides more structure and support than flimsy fabric belts. A wool coat benefits from a wide belt that can stand up to the bulkiness of the fabric while providing slimming definition.

ReferencesPasazz: Ten Ways to Accessorize the Plus-Size Little Black DressRedbook: Five Style Essentials Every Plus-Size Woman Should OwnYouLookFab: How to Wear Belts -- 7 Guidelines for the Belt ChallengedMarie Claire: Big Girl in a Skinny World: The Belt, A Fashion Must-HavePhoto Credit Jason Merritt/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty ImagesRead Next:

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