No Waist? No Worries--Belts for Women Can Accent or Camouflage

Today’s belts for women offer a variety of fashion possibilities. Fall’s trends range from embossed or textured suede and leather belts to gold, silver or antique chain belts featuring pearls, crosses, cameos and other innovative ornamentations.

Not surprisingly, belts are the perfect accessory for the woman who wants to highlight her waist and hip line. The woman with a figure problem, however, must invest more time and thought in selecting a belt that will help camouflage lines. What belts provide a slimming effect? What type of belt should be a staple in every woman’s wardrobe? What kind of figure should stay away from belts with obvious metal detailing? Dana Walker, fashion coordinator for Nordstrom, offers the following suggestions:

* If you want your figure to make an understated statement, avoid wearing a white belt with a dark garment.

* Tailored, slim belts should be a part of every woman’s wardrobe. These are narrow enough to slip into belt loops and add a finishing touch to the waistline of a tailored pant or shirt. To further emphasize the “career look,” a belt featuring a croco-embossed texture is recommended.

* Women with larger figures should avoid belts with flashy metal buckles. Instead, select blending colors and buckles that of oxidized (darkened) metal or covered in the belt fabric. Also, they should stay away from belts with excessive ornamentation.

* Contour belts are suggested for women who desire a long and lean look. A contour belt that is at least two inches wide and curves to the waist will accent the waistline; one that is about three inches in front and reduces to 1 3/4 inches to the sides and back will give the illusion of a smaller waistline.

* Chain belts draped in front of the stomach or slung across the hip bone make a figure appear more slender.

* A belt with a long end will provide a slimming, vertical effect.