How do you put a belt on a dress?

We often wax poetic about our love for dresses. From casual summer dresses to formal styles, this throw-on-and-go wardrobe staple makes getting dressed simple—they tend to require little to no styling. However, when you are in need of something extra, adding in a chic belt to your dress will give your look the update you’re looking for. Use it to create contrast or to balance out a more oversize design—either way, this waist-defining accessory will do just about everything. Style your dress with a neutral black or brown, or go for a something with a bit more contrast to add flair to your ensemble. If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve rounded up our favorite influencers who have mastered the look for summer. See how they’re doing it; then shop each outfit to make it your own.

Give your favorite little black dress extra visual interest with a classic black belt.

When you add a neutral brown suede belt, your off-the-shoulder summer dress will feel so different.

A black belt will go with any type of dress or color that you wear, like this bright green one.

Summer’s the perfect time to break out those floral maxi dresses. Wear yours with a classic black belt to give it a fresh twist.

Add a dainty chain belt to an extra-romantic ruffled dress to add extra interest without taking away from the star of the show.

A wide white belt will be the perfect type of contrast to your summer dresses while also making a major statement.

Give a simple black dress an instant update with a cool chain belt with metal details. You can wear this look to any occasion.

Yes, you can wear your formal dresses with belts, too. Style them with simple belts to keep the look streamlined.

A wide belt with a cute minidress = endless vintage vibes—so chic.

See? Styling a belt with a dress will instantly update your favorite dresses, and it only takes a minute.

It seems like a simple solution, an old trick that's basically foolproof: Tie a belt around the waist of your dress, et voila!, an instantly body-flattering look that wraps around your natural waist and creates the illusion of an hourglass shape. But, since even the most efficient of style tricks can start to feel a little snoozy, these latest examples help us remember that a belt is not only a smart, style tip, but also an integral part of your ensemble.

Small, understated, and half-way tucked or wide, powerful, and clasped, these 12 belts make all the difference in fit and personal-style flavor. Jump ahead to see what your next look could be missing.

June 17, 2020

How do you put a belt on a dress?

During the summer, dresses are my go-to. Belts are a great option to give yourself some shape and upgrade your outfit. Let me show you how to wear a belt with a dress and show you how big of a difference it makes!

Let me show you how to wear a belt with a dress

I’m living in summer dresses lately. They’re such an easy choice for the summer, and make me feel put together. I’m also constantly wearing them with belts and you guys have been asking about them. Let me show you how to wear a belt with a dress.

A quick and easy way to upgrade any dress

I’m serious, adding a belt to a dress is the easiest way to upgrade any outfit. I’ll show you a few examples of how it takes an outfit to the next level.

But first, here are three reasons to belt your dress

  • Adding a belt instantly creates a waistline

  • A belt gives shape to a boxy dress

  • Chic belts instantly upgrade your look

Which dresses should be belted?

Honestly you can belt basically any dress. But these are the ones that will give you the most bang for your buck:

  • Shirt dresses. They often come with a belt, so just swap it out for a leather belt. Instantly chic.
  • T-shirt dresses. They’re shapeless by nature, so adding a belt gives you a waist and makes the outfit feel a little nicer.
  • Fit and flare dresses. Dresses that already have a defined waist are totally a great option, even if the the shape is already defined. It just adds a little something special and breaks up the dress.
  • Maxi dresses. These long dresses often need something to break up all that fabric. A little belt in the middle is the perfect way to do that.

Are there any dresses you shouldn’t belt?

I’d say the only ones I’d be careful with are dresses with an elastic waistband built into the dress. It can definitely work, but the belt will more easily slide around and expose the elastic waist throughout the day, since the belt won’t be sitting on smooth, flat fabric. Make sense?

Also dresses with a lot of volume and fabric get very bunch-y when their belted.

It’s more of a case by case basis here, and these styles of dresses can totally still work, just be aware that you might have these issues with these styles of dresses.

Here are some examples of cute dresses that are belted

How do you put a belt on a dress?

all images found via pinterest

Now you probably want to grab a belt. Here are some great options.

Which belt is the most versatile?

During the summer, a skinny brown leather belt is my go-to. The one I’m wearing above is actually the belt from THIS BELT BAG, but THIS ONE is similar. My black belts get tons of use during the colder months, but they feel a little too bold and heavy with my summer dresses, and animal print feels more appropriate with rich hues in the fall.

So if you’re going to grab one for summer, get a brown leather one in a skinny to medium width. Braided, solid leather, straw…pick which one feels most your style. It’ll be super versatile for summer.

But I’d recommend having a black belt and a brown belt in your closet!

Trying to figure out how to tie your belts?

About a decade ago, tying your belts in crazy ways was really trendy. I think some of those crazy ways are still cute, but they can also easily feel a little dated. You can’t go wrong with belting it normally around your waist, or doing a simple loop knot, like I did in the picture below.

It’s easy, it’s special, and it’s simple.

How do you put a belt on a dress?

Now it’s your turn to try! Think you can belt a dress this week? Give it a go!

IF YOU LIKED THIS POST, YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE THESE POSTS:

  • Accessories and pieces you should have for summer

  • My summer 2020 style guide

  • How to dress your age 

photos by Aubrey Stock

How do you belt a dress without a belt?

10 Ways to Cinch Your Waist Without a Belt.
Knot your top. ... .
Use bows on dresses. ... .
Tie a jacket around your waist. ... .
Try wearing bottoms with a paper bag waist. ... .
Wear shirts with knots. ... .
Wear outerwear with bows you can tie. ... .
Use scarves in place of belts. ... .
Wear pieces with strategically placed cutouts..

Should I put a belt on my dress?

Yes, you can wear your formal dresses with belts, too. Style them with simple belts to keep the look streamlined. You'll wear this dress for all your formal summer occasions.

How do you wear a long dress belt?

Slip into your silkiest loose maxi and buckle a leather belt around your waist. The key to avoiding a corset look is to tuck the slack behind the belt's band. If you tug lightly at the dress above the belt, it'll gracefully gather around you and raise the hemline to expose some shoe.