Belts Do's And Don'ts
Belts used to be seen as a necessity — to hold your pants up. But this season, belts are one of the biggest must-have fashion accessories!
On The Early Show Tuesday, Marie Claire magazine Editor at Large Joyce Caruso Corrigan showed how to get the most out of belts for the look you aspire to.
She offered three looks, with "don't" and "do" approaches for each.
LOOK #1: BELTED DRESS
DON'T: A gold skinny belt is a great tool to liven up a casual dress. But it's wrong for stunning dresses because it is excessive.
DO: Landes black suede belt $62 paired with a Derek Lam turquoise chiffon dress $2,700 and Rene Caovilla black croc shoes $600
Runway inspiration for this look: Derek Lam & Peter Som
A new trend the editors have noticed at Marie Claire is dressing down a cocktail dress with an unexpected everyday belt. Pairing this leather belt with this dress enables you to wear it in the daytime. You could even throw a jean jacket over it to take it down another notch! Remove the belt and add some evening jewelry to take the dress from day to night This also justifies investing in a fabulous designer dress!
LOOK #2: BELTED TROUSERS
DON'T: White wide belt with hardware: White leather accessories are making a big comeback this season. Joyce loves this belt, but it looks wrong when paired with luxe wool trousers. This belt would be better matched with jeans.
DO: Lauren, by Ralph Lauren paired with black belt with gold hardware $85
Nicole, by Nicole Miller, ivory chiffon tuxedo blouse $89.90
Alvin Valley grey wool wide leg pants $720
Nine West black round toe pump $79
Runway inspiration for this look: Fendi Fall '06
This office-friendly look is a great way to show your style in the workplace. The menswear-inspired wide leg pant is a big trend for fall, and you can create a more feminine shape by adding a belt. The hardware on this belt adds dimension to the neutral palette and adds a touch of shine to the masculine wool fabric.
LOOK #3: BELTED TRENCH COAT
DON'T: Use the khaki cloth belt comes with the coat! The editors at Marie Claire say this belt works with the coat, but is a little bland. They suggest you swap it out with a belt with more character.
DO: The editors have selected a leopard print double buckle belt with gold hardware to use with the khaki trench coat.
Runway inspiration for this look: Proenza Schouler Fall '06
They love the idea of spicing up a wardrobe essential, such as a trench with this leopard print belt! A wide double buckle belt is perfect here to break up the trench's solid silhouette This Fendi belt is well worth the price because it can be used again and again to take your look to the next level.