What belt should I wear with a maxi dress? 👗

Are you wondering which 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 of bohemian style, I see the belt as an essential accessory for any wardrobe. It allows you to personalise an outfit and add flair in no time at all!

Today, I’m offering you a comprehensive guide to help you find the perfect belt for any long dress, no matter your tastes or body shape.

Wearing a belt with a long dress is a fantastic idea, as it emphasises your waist and enhances your figure, while also allowing you to personalise your outfit. When selecting your belt, I recommend matching it with your shoes or an accessory, such as a handbag. It's also important to consider the material of your belt: natural untreated leather, for example, will be perfect with a bohemian dress. If you have a few curves, you can absolutely wear this accessory, as it will be ideal for balancing your silhouette and giving you a stylish look!

Would you like to know more? Continue reading to discover:

  • Which belt to wear with a bohemian-style long dress,
  • How to choose the right belt shade that matches your dress and personal taste,
  • More information on vegan leather and fabric belts that are unique and ethical,
  • Which belt to wear with a long dress if you have curvy shapes,
  • And plenty of tips and outfit ideas in photos to help you find your style!

Why Wear a Belt with a Maxi 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 style to your outfit.

long dress belt

To Enhance Your Silhouette

If you wear a long dress, placing 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 clothing should adhere to the following proportions:

  • ⅓ at the top
  • ⅔ at the bottom

➡️ The opposite is also possible!

The belt helps to emphasise these proportions, creating a sense of balance.

To customise 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 style, perhaps with a lovely buckle or an interesting material effect: it will add character to your wardrobe!

👉 If you love belts, you can buy several different ones that you can wear with various outfits. It's a great way to dress differently each day without cluttering up your wardrobe!

A natural leather belt for a bohemian look

Bohemian dresses are known for their fluidity, comfort, and lightness. Their patterns are often delicate and natural. Tailoring such a dress is an excellent idea as it will subtly suggest your silhouette.

Natural leather belt women's bohemian dress

You can choose a thin or thick belt, depending on your preferences and body shape. As for the material, I recommend natural, unprocessed leather, which will pair beautifully with the colours and fabrics of bohemian dresses.

Furthermore, 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 in search of long bohemian-style dresses? Discover our collection now at our online store dedicated to this style! You'll find some of the dresses featured in the illustrations of this article, as well as many more trendy designs.

A coloured belt, to be chosen carefully

There are two main trends for belts: you can either choose a model that matches the colour of your dress so that it blends in, or go for a different colour to make it stand out. I'll provide you with more details in the following lines!

Monochrome, for a stylish and chic look

If your belt mainly serves to structure your outfit by accentuating your waist, you can choose a model in the same shade as your dress, or a similar colour. This will give the impression that your belt is part of your dress.

black long dress belt for women

This option is more suitable if:

  • you prefer discretion,
  • you wear a black or dark dress and wish to maintain an all-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

Do you want to wear a stylish and trendy outfit that highlights your passion for fashion? If so, why not choose a belt that contrasts with the colour of your maxi dress?

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

colourful women's belt

To choose a shade that contrasts well and gives you a stylish look, 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? It might interest you to 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 entirely 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 in a different shade, a fabric belt is an ideal option, especially in summer. Here are some details about it to help you decide if it's suitable for you!

fabric belt summer dress women

What are the benefits of this type of belt?

Very practical, the fabric belt stands out because:

  • It is very easy to wash,
  • You can easily make it yourself,
  • It suits all body shapes,
  • It doesn’t constrict and is comfortable...

Furthermore, it’s perfect for making beautiful bows 🎀, which will enhance your waistline.

How to sew a fabric belt?

You don’t need to be a skilled seamstress to create this type of belt. It’s actually a great exercise for beginners. Here’s a short video tutorial that explains how to get started:

Discover the Japanese-inspired obi belt!

Are you familiar with the traditional Japanese belts known as “Obi”? This term refers to the length of fabric used to fasten a kimono, as well as lighter belts made from the same material, which are worn for less formal occasions.

Japanese obi fabric belt

You can purchase these accessories from artisan creators, such as on Etsy. Obis are characterised by their comfort, their stability (they don’t slip), and their wide variety of patterns, allowing you to personalise 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.

female belt for dress

When selecting your dress and belt, make sure to check that they complement each other 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 is entirely possible, and it's actually a tip that will help you enhance your figure and highlight your curves. However, I recommend that you avoid very thin belts, especially if your curves are around your waist. A thick belt will create a lovely effect and balance your silhouette.

plus-size women's dress belt

You now 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 numerous guides to answer all the questions you may have!

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