What Belt to Wear with a Long Dress? 👗

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 will help you.

As a fashion enthusiast, particularly for bohemian style, I see the belt as an essential accessory in any wardrobe. It allows you to personalize an outfit and elevate its look in no time!

Today, I'm offering you 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 defines your waist and enhances your silhouette, while allowing you to personalize your outfit. When choosing your belt, I recommend coordinating it with your shoes or an accessory, like a handbag. It's also important to pay attention to the material of your belt: a natural untreated leather one will be perfect with a bohemian dress, for instance. If you have a few curves, you can absolutely wear this accessory, as it will help balance your silhouette and add flair to your look!

Want to learn more? Keep reading to find out:

  • Which belt to wear with a bohemian-style maxi dress,
  • How to choose the right belt colour that complements 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 a curvy figure,
  • And lots of tips and outfit ideas with photos to help you find your own style!

Why Wear a Belt with a Maxi Dress?

Traditionally, belts are primarily used to hold up pants, preventing them from slipping down. However, they are truly fashion accessories that can be worn with a dress to elevate your outfit.

long dress belt

To Enhance Your Silhouette

If you're wearing a long dress, adding a belt at your waist will accentuate it and highlight the curves of your hips.

This will also help to structure your profile: indeed, to create a harmonious look, your clothing should adhere to the following proportions:

  • ⅓ at the top
  • ⅔ at the bottom

➡️ The opposite is also possible!

The belt allows you to highlight these proportions, creating a sense of balance.

To Customize Your Outfit

A belt is also an easy way to customize your outfit and showcase your personal style and interests. Don't hesitate to choose a unique design, featuring a beautiful buckle or an interesting material effect: it will add character to your wardrobe!

👉 If you love belts, you can buy several in different styles that you can wear with various outfits. It’s a great way to dress differently every day without having an overcrowded closet!

A Natural Leather Belt for a Bohemian Look

Bohemian dresses are known for their flow, comfort, and lightweight feel. Their patterns are often delicate and inspired by nature. Cinching such a dress is a great idea, as it will subtly enhance your silhouette.

Natural leather belt for bohemian women's dress

You can choose a narrow or wide belt, depending on your preferences and body shape. For the material, I recommend natural, unfinished leather, which pairs beautifully with the colours and textures of bohemian dresses.

Additionally, 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 looking for bohemian-style long dresses? Check out our collection on our online store dedicated to this world! You'll find some of the dresses featured in the illustrations of this article, along with many other trendy styles.

A Coloured Belt, Choose Wisely

There are two main trends for belts: choosing a belt that matches the colour of your dress so that it blends in, or opting for a different colour to make it stand out. I will provide more details in the following lines!

Monochromatic Style for a Classy and Chic Look

If your belt mainly helps to shape your outfit by defining your waist, you can choose a model that is the same colour as your dress, or one that is a close shade. This will create the illusion that your belt is part of your dress.

black long dress belt for women

This option is more suitable if:

  • you prefer discretion,
  • you’re wearing a black or dark dress and want to maintain a total black look,
  • you’re looking to draw attention to something other than your bust: your hair, an accessory, your shoes…

In contrast, to bring a touch of originality

Do you want to wear a stylish and trendy outfit that showcases your passion for fashion? In that case, you might want to consider choosing a belt that contrasts with the colour of your long dress.

It can be white if your dress is black, or vice versa. However, you could also choose a coloured option. If you go this route, I recommend matching it with another element of your outfit: bag, shoes, jacket, or even a hair accessory.

colourful women's fashion belt

To choose a shade that contrasts well and adds 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 rights and the environment? Does your bohemian lifestyle reflect your beliefs and your commitment to protecting nature? If so, you should know that there are belts available that are not made from animal leather.

It can certainly be a fabric belt, but there are also models that closely resemble traditional leather. These are made from synthetic materials, often recycled.

eco-friendly chic vegan belt for women

It is absolutely possible for you to have style while standing up for your values and staying true to the causes that inspire you! 😉

A Fabric Belt for a Light and Breezy Outfit

Whether it's made from the same fabric as the dress or in a different shade, a fabric belt is an excellent option, especially in the summer. Here are some details about it to help you decide if it's right for you!

fabric belt summer dress for women

What are the benefits of this type of belt?

Very convenient, the fabric belt stands out because:

  • It is very easy to wash,
  • You can make it yourself easily,
  • It fits all body shapes,
  • It doesn't pinch and it's comfortable

Additionally, it's perfect for tying beautiful bows 🎀, which will accentuate your waist.

How to Sew a Fabric Belt?

You don't need to be an expert seamstress to create this type of belt. It's actually a great exercise for someone who's just starting out. Here's a brief video tutorial that explains how to do it:

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 secure a kimono, as well as lighter belts made from the same material that are worn for less formal occasions.

Japanese fabric obi belt

You can find these accessories from local artisans, for example, on Etsy. Obis are known for their comfort, their stability (they don't slip), and their wide variety of patterns, which allow you to personalize your outfits!

Should you wear a belt with a dress that is already fitted at the waist?

My answer to this question is quite simple: anything is possible! A dress with a fitted waist will already highlight your silhouette; however, a belt can be a lovely detail that adds sophistication to your outfit.

women's belt for dress

When selecting your dress and belt, be sure to check that they match well, and that your belt is wide enough to fully cover the elastic or seam that cinches your dress.

Can I wear a belt over a dress if I'm curvy?

It’s definitely possible, and it’s even a trick that will help you enhance your figure and showcase your curves. However, I recommend that you avoid very thin belts, especially if your fullness is around your midsection. A thick belt will create a nice effect and balance out your figure.

plus-size dress belt for curvy women

Now you know everything you need to match a belt with all your long dresses (and shorter ones too!). Interested in discovering 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!

Need some inspiration? Explore the perfect belts to complement a long dress. View Our Belt and Dress Ideas