Are you wondering what type of belt to choose to enhance a long dress? Would you like some tips on how to match your belt to your outfit?
I'll help you out.
As a fashion enthusiast, and especially a fan of bohemian style, I believe that a belt is an essential accessory for any wardrobe. It can personalise an outfit and elevate its style in no time!
Today, I'm providing you with a comprehensive guide to help you find the perfect belt for any long dress, no matter your style or body shape.
Wearing a belt with a long dress is a fantastic idea as it accentuates your waist and enhances your silhouette, while also allowing you to personalise your outfit. When choosing your belt, I recommend matching it with your shoes or an accessory, such as a handbag. It's also important to pay attention to the material of your belt: a natural un-dyed leather belt, for example, would pair perfectly with a bohemian dress. If you have a few curves, you can definitely wear this accessory, which will be ideal for balancing your silhouette and giving you a stylish look!
Want to know more? Keep reading to find out:
- Which belt to wear with a long bohemian-style dress,
- How to choose the right belt colour that matches your dress and personal style,
- More information on vegan leather and fabric belts, unique and ethical,
- Which belt to wear with a long dress if you have curves,
- And a wealth of tips and outfit ideas with photos to help you find your style!
Why wear a belt with a long dress?
Traditionally, belts are primarily used to hold up trousers and prevent them from slipping down. However, they are also genuine fashion accessories that can be worn with a dress to add a touch of style to your outfit.
To Enhance Your Silhouette
If you're wearing a maxi dress, adding a belt at your waist will highlight it and accentuate the curve of your hips.
This will also help to structure your profile: indeed, to create a harmonious look, your clothing should follow these proportions:
- ⅓ at the top
- ⅔ at the bottom
➡️ The opposite is also possible!
The belt helps to emphasise your proportions, creating a sense of balance.
To personalise your outfit
A belt is also an easy way to customise your outfit and showcase your tastes and interests. Don’t hesitate to choose an original design, perhaps with a nice buckle or an interesting material effect: it will add character to your wardrobe!
👉 If you love belts, you can buy several varied ones that you can wear with different outfits. It’s a great way to dressing differently every day, without having an overflowing wardrobe!
A natural leather belt for a bohemian look
Bohemian dresses are known for their flowiness, comfort, and lightness. Their patterns are often delicate and natural. Fitting such a dress is a great idea, as it will elegantly highlight your silhouette.
You can choose a thin or thick belt, depending on your style and body shape. For the material, I recommend natural, untreated leather, which will pair beautifully with the colours and fabrics of bohemian dresses.
Moreover, natural leather can easily serve as a subtle reminder of your shoes, your handbag, or any other accessory made from the same material.
👉 Are you on the lookout for bohemian-style maxi dresses? Check out our collection at our online store dedicated to this style! You’ll find some of the dresses featured in the images in this article, along with many other trendy designs.
A carefully chosen coloured belt
There are two main trends for belts: choosing one that matches the colour of your dress, so it blends in seamlessly, or opting for a contrasting one to make a statement. I'll provide more details in the following sections!
Monochrome for a Classy and Chic Look
If your belt primarily serves to structure your outfit by highlighting your waist, you might opt for a belt in the same shade as your dress or a closely related shade. This will create the illusion that your belt is part of your dress.
This option is particularly suited if:
- you prefer subtlety,
- you’re wearing a black or dark dress and want to maintain a total black look,
- you’re trying to draw attention to something other than your bust: your hair, an accessory, your shoes…
In contrast, to add a bit of originality
Are you keen to wear a stylish and trendy outfit that showcases your love for fashion? If so, you could definitely consider choosing a belt that contrasts with the colour of your long dress.
This can be white if your dress is black, or the other way around. However, you can also opt for a coloured style. If that's the case, I recommend making it a nod to another element of your outfit: bag, shoes, jacket, or even a hair accessory.
To choose a shade that contrasts well and gives you style, you can rely on complementary colour harmonies:
- red and green,
- yellow and purple,
- blue and orange.
A stylish and ethical vegan belt
Are you passionate about animal welfare and the environment? Does your bohemian lifestyle reflect your beliefs and desire to protect nature? Well, there are belts available that are not made from animal leather.
While it can certainly be a fabric belt, there are also models that closely mimic traditional leather. These are made from synthetic materials, often recycled.
So, it's completely possible for you to have style while standing up for your values and remaining true to the causes that inspire you! 😉
A Fabric Belt for a Light and Airy Outfit
Whether it is made from the same fabric as the dress or a different shade, a fabric belt is an ideal option, especially in summer. Here’s some information about it, so you can decide if it’s right for you!
What are the benefits of this type of belt?
Very handy, the fabric belt stands out because:
- It's very easy to wash,
- You can make it yourself quite simply,
- It fits all body shapes,
- It doesn't constrict and is comfortable…
Additionally, it's perfect for making pretty bows 🎀 that will enhance your waistline.
How to sew a fabric belt?
You don’t need to be a professional seamstress to create this type of belt. It's actually a great project for beginners. Here’s a short video tutorial that explains how to get started:
Discover the Japanese-inspired obi belt!
Do you know about the traditional Japanese belts called “Obi”? This term refers to the length of fabric used to fasten a kimono, as well as lighter belts made from the same material that are worn for less formal occasions.
You can purchase these accessories from artisan creators, such as on Etsy. Obi sashes are known for their comfort, stability (they don’t slip), and a wide variety of patterns that allow you to personalise your outfits!
Should you wear a belt with a dress that's already fitted at the waist?
My answer to this question is quite simple: anything is possible! A dress with a fitted waist will already accentuate your silhouette; however, a belt can be a lovely detail that adds sophistication to your outfit.
When selecting your dress and belt, make sure to check if they match well together, and ensure your belt is wide enough to fully cover the elastic or stitching that gathers your dress.
Can I wear a belt with a dress if I'm curvy?
It’s definitely possible, and it’s actually a tip that will help you enhance your figure and highlight your curves. However, I recommend you steer clear of very thin belts, especially if your curves are around your waist. A thick belt will create a lovely effect and balance your silhouette.
Now you know everything you need to match a belt with all your long dresses (and shorter ones too!). Curious to discover more fashion tips? Check out our blog dedicated to this world, where you'll find plenty of guides to answer all the questions you have!