Are you wondering what type of belt to choose to enhance a long dress? Do you need tips on how to match your belt with your outfit?
I will help you.
As a fashion enthusiast, especially when it comes to bohemian style, I believe that a belt is an essential accessory for any wardrobe. It allows you to personalise an outfit and enhance its flair in no time at all!
Today, I'm sharing 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 personalise your outfit. When choosing your belt, I recommend matching it to your shoes or an accessory, like a handbag. It's also important to pay attention to the material of your belt: for instance, an un-dyed leather one would be perfect with a bohemian dress. If you have some curves, don’t worry—you can definitely rock this accessory, as it can help balance your silhouette and give you a stylish look!
Want to know more? Keep reading to find out:
- What belt to wear with a bohemian-style long 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 options,
- What belt to wear with a long dress if you have a curvy figure,
- And loads of tips and outfit ideas in pictures to help you find your style!
Why Should You Wear a Belt with a Long Dress?
Traditionally, belts are mainly used to hold up pants, so they don’t slip down. However, they are truly fashion accessories that can be worn with a dress to elevate your outfit.
To Enhance Your Silhouette
If you're wearing a long dress, adding a belt at your waist will accentuate it and highlight the curve of your hips.
This will also help to structure your profile: to create a harmonious look, your clothes should follow these proportions:
- ⅓ on 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 personal style and interests. Don’t hesitate to choose a unique design, perhaps one with a nice buckle or interesting textures: it will add character to your wardrobe!
👉 If you love belts, you can buy a few different styles to wear with various outfits. It's a great way to dress up differently every day without cluttering your wardrobe!
A Natural Leather Belt for a Bohemian Look
Bohémien dresses are known for their flow, comfort, and lightness. Their patterns are often delicate and natural. Tailoring such a dress is a great idea, as it can subtly enhance your silhouette.
You can choose a thin or thick belt, depending on your style and body shape. For the material, I recommend natural, raw leather, which pairs perfectly with the colours and fabrics of bohemian dresses.
Moreover, natural leather can easily serve as a subtle reminder of your shoes, or your handbag, or any other accessory made from the same material.
👉 Are you on the lookout for long bohemian-style dresses? Check out our collection on our online store dedicated to this style! You'll find some of the dresses featured in this article's illustrations, along with many other trendy designs.
A Colourful Belt: Choose Wisely
There are two main trends for belts: choosing a belt that matches the colour of your dress so it blends in, or opting for a contrasting colour to make it stand out. I’ll share more details in the following paragraphs!
Monochrome: For a Classy and Chic Look
If your belt mainly serves to structure your outfit by defining your waist, you can opt for a belt that matches the colour of your dress or is in a similar shade. This will create the illusion that your belt is an integral part of your dress.
This option is more suitable if:
- you prefer discreet styles,
- you’re wearing a black or dark dress and want to keep a total black look,
- you want to draw attention to something other than your bust: your hair, an accessory, shoes…
In contrast, to add a touch of originality
Are you looking to wear a stylish and trendy outfit that showcases your love for fashion? If so, you can definitely try choosing a belt that contrasts with the colour of your long dress.
This can be white if your dress is black, or vice versa. However, you can also opt for a coloured design. If that’s the case, I recommend making it a reflection of another element of your outfit: bag, shoes, jacket, or even a hair accessory.
To choose a shade that contrasts well and enhances your look, you can rely on complementary colour harmony:
- 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? Well, there are belts available that are made without animal leather.
It can definitely be a fabric belt, but there are also models that closely resemble traditional leather. These are made from synthetic materials, often recycled.
So it is totally possible for you to have style while staying true to your values and 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 a great option, especially during the summer. Here’s some information about it to help you decide if it's right for you!
What are the benefits of this type of belt?
Super convenient, the fabric belt stands out because:
- It's very easy to wash,
- You can make it yourself without any hassle,
- It fits all body shapes,
- It doesn't feel tight and is comfortable...
Additionally, it's perfect for making pretty bows 🎀 that will accentuate your waist beautifully.
How to Sew a Fabric Belt?
You don’t need to be a master seamstress to make these types of belts. It’s actually a great exercise for beginners. Here’s a short video tutorial to guide you through the process:
Discover the Japanese-inspired obi belt!
Do you know about the traditional Japanese belts called "Obi"? This term refers to the piece of fabric used to secure a kimono, but it also includes lighter belts made from the same material that are worn for more informal occasions.
You can get these accessories from local artisans, such as on the Etsy website. Obis are known for their comfort, stability (they don't slip), and a wide variety of patterns, allowing you to personalise your outfits!
Should you wear a belt with a dress that’s already tailored at the waist?
My answer to this question is quite simple: anything is possible! A dress with a fitted waist will already highlight your figure; however, a belt can be a lovely detail that adds sophistication to your outfit.
When picking out your dress and belt, make sure they go well together. Also, check if your belt is wide enough to fully cover the elastic or seam that cinches your dress.
Can I wear a belt with a dress if I have a curvy figure?
It's definitely possible, and it’s actually a tip that will help you enhance your figure and showcase your curves. However, I recommend that you steer clear of very thin belts, especially if your curves are around your belly area. A wider belt will create a lovely effect and balance out your silhouette.
You now know everything there is to know about pairing 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!