Belting Up Your Next Outfit
BOSTON (CBS) - I'm a huge belt lover. I wear them with skirts, dresses, over shirts, blazers, and under blazers. The only thing I don't do is wear them with jeans or pants. I don't know quite why, though it's probably due to the fact that I tailor my pants to fit snugly around the waist.
With summer here, I'm reminded of all the pretty dresses to be worn. I will submit that there's no better way to add sass to one's outfit than to bring in a belt. If you are a rocker at heart you have the option of incorporating studs or spikes to your wardrobe.
And if you have a love of cowboys or the Wild West, a cowboy-style belt can be your thing. Take a plain white, black or flower print dress, add a patent leather belt in the color of your choice, or choose a metallic belt or even an animal print belt and you've got a very different look. Simply, you can belt out your personality. Don't worry, wearing being a lover of belts won't predispose you to make bad puns.
If you ever purchase a dress or blazer that comes with a belt, don't feel obliged to wear that article as it comes from the store. At times, when an article of clothing comes with a prescribed belt, I welcome the opportunity to put that belt aside for another use. I'll then draw from my collection of belts until I reach the desired effect. I also throw my man's (or brother's) "borrowed" belts in the mix. In my mind, a braided belt that is obviously masculine adds a welcomed element of casual sophistication to my outfits.
If you are considering investing in belts, it helps to start out with 3 different widths. Start with a thin belt about ½ inch to 1 inch in width, one that is 1.5 to 2 inches (or about what you would wear with your jeans) and a thick belt that can range in width from 4 to 6 inches. Once you have these 3 starter widths, over time, you can add steadily to your collection. In terms of color, I find that a black, a metallic color— whether you tend to go towards gold, bronze, or silver—and a belt in cognac leather color are perfect starters for building your belt repertoire.
Here are some suggestions of where you can acquire belts. If you are vegan, there are quite a few vegan-friendly belts at the stores I suggest below. Belt it out, and have fun!
Buffalo Exchange
180 Harvard Ave
Allston, MA 02134
(617) 779-7901
Hours: Monday–Thursday 11 am–7 pm
Friday–Saturday 11 am–8 pm
Sunday 12 pm–6 pm
website and info
Crush Boutique
131 Charles St
Boston, MA 02114
(617) 720-0010
Hours: Open Mon-Sat 10am-7pm; Sun 12pm-6pm
website and info
Raspberry Beret
1704 Mass Ave
Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 354-3700
website and info
Martini blogs on the Boston fashion scene at BeyondBostonChic.com. She goes in search of the latest trends and snaps shots of men and women around the city who really understand style.
