Do you want a designer look on a budget? Save with a designer belt. This little piece makes the biggest difference. I’ve loved fashion my entire life and have always been inspired by the designer world within it, but buying designer pieces on a retail sales income isn’t very realistic. The trick to getting a designer look on a budget is all about the mix. Designer belts are good introductory designer price points, can be worn all year, and don’t wear out as fast as clothes. You don’t have to have a tiny waist to pull them off. There is a style that will work for every body style from long and lean to busty and short-waisted.
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SAVE WITH A REVERSIBLE DESIGNER BELT
Skip to THIS POST for a recent roundup of reversible belts and to see my new favorite belt brand.
LONG WOVEN DESIGNER BELT
Off-White belts are the most affordable designer belts out there and the ultimate cool-girl accessory. This one -size -fits -all accessory can be styled in so many ways. Here are a few of my favorite ways, using my green Ganni belt. They are easy to recreate. Save this for reference.
WAYS TO WEAR A GROSGRAIN BELT
JEANS
BLAZER
SHIRT DRESS
GO TO GUCCI BELT
Here I’m wearing the 1.5″ size with my trendy $22 Target jeans and baby blue button up. If you are short-waisted, larger busted, or don’t have much of a waist, consider the .8″ size. It won’t take up as much real estate in the space you don’t have to spare.
THIN OPTIONS
WAYS TO WEAR A GUCCI BELT
DRESS
SHORTS
JEANS
WHAT SIZE TO BELT TO BUY?
The most popular question I am asked about buying belts is; ” What size should I buy?”. The trick is getting one that you can wear through the loops of your lowest-rise jeans or around your waist.
If you’re more of a visual learner. Here is an IGTV video on belts I made.
HOW TO MEASURE
- Take a soft tape measure through the loops of your lowest rise jeans.
2. Measure around your natural waist.
If you can’t get your hands on a soft tape measure use wrapping ribbon or dental floss and hold finished lengths up to a ruler.
3. Convert to centimeters. Most designer belts use that instead of inches.
4. Find a size that works for your biggest and smallest number. Belts are measured to the middle hole.
5. Size up. If you can’t find your ideal size, size up. You can always buy a bigger size and have a cobbler punch an extra hole or shorten it from the buckle end.
MOSCHINO LEATHER BELTS
The magic of Moschino is all the different ways this belt without a buckle can change a look.
The 1.5″ size is great for covering an ugly elastic waist.
Swapping out your free fabric belt for a Moschino will make your outfit look more expensive.
No waist. No problem. Just add a magic Moschino.
WAYS TO WEAR MOSCHINO BELTS
BLAZER
WHITE JEANS
PAPERBAG WAIST
SAVE WITH A DESIGNER BELT – SHOE COLOR COMBO
Let a matching shoe and belt be your starting point. Wear any of the pieces above like a blazer, jeans, or a dress in neutrals and you’re set.
CHANEL CHAIN BELT
Chanel accessories are my favorite. A chain belt is a great investment. Plus who doesn’t love buy-one-get-one-free accessories? If you are local to the greater Sacramento Area or a current personal client of mine, you can shop Panache on H St. for the best authentic designer Chanel accessories anywhere. Here are a few of my favorites.
