Which belt to wear with a long dress? 👗

Are you wondering what type of belt to choose to complement a long dress? Would you like some tips on how to match your belt with your outfit?

I will help you.

As a fashion enthusiast, and especially a fan of bohemian style, I believe that a belt is an essential accessory for any wardrobe. It instantly personalises an outfit and adds flair in no time at all!

Today, I’m bringing you a comprehensive guide to help you find the perfect belt for any long dress, regardless of your taste or body shape.

Wearing a belt with a long dress is a fantastic idea, as it highlights 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 consider the material of your belt: a natural, un-dyed leather belt, for example, would be perfect with a bohemian dress. If you have a few curves, you can definitely rock this accessory, as it will be great for balancing your silhouette and giving you a stylish look!

Want to find out more? Keep reading to discover:

• Which belt to wear with a long bohemian-style dress,
• How to choose the right belt colour to match your dress and personal style,
• More information about vegan leather and fabric belts, unique and ethical options,
• Which belt to wear with a long dress if you have a curvy figure,
• And plenty of tips and outfit ideas with photos, to help you find your style!

Why wear a belt with a long dress?

Traditionally, belts are mainly used to hold up trousers so that they don’t slip down. However, they are also genuine fashion accessories that can be worn with a dress to add style to your outfit.

To Enhance Your Silhouette

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

This will also help to shape 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 those 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 design, with a beautiful buckle or an interesting texture: it will add character to your wardrobe!

👉 If you love belts, you can buy a few different ones to wear with various outfits. It’s a great way to dress differently every day, without overcrowding your wardrobe!

A natural leather belt for a bohemian look

Bohème dresses are known for their flow, comfort, and lightness. Their patterns are often delicate and natural. Tailoring such a dress is a brilliant idea, as it will subtly highlight your figure.

You can choose a thin or thick belt, depending on your preferences and body shape. For the material, I recommend natural, raw leather, which pairs perfectly with the colours and fabrics of bohemian dresses.

Additionally, 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 bohemian-style maxi dresses? Check out our collection on 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 other trendy styles.

Long Bohemian Dress

A carefully chosen coloured belt

There are two main trends for belts: choosing a belt in the same colour as your dress, so it doesn’t stand out too much, or picking a different colour to make it pop. I’ll share more details in the following paragraphs!

Monochromatic for a classy and chic style

If your belt primarily helps to define your outfit by accentuating your waist, you can choose a belt in the same colour as your dress or one that is similar in shade. This will create the illusion that your belt is part of your dress.

This option is more suitable if:

• you prefer subtlety,
• you wear 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 love for fashion? If so, you could definitely try picking 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 choose a coloured model. If you go for that option, I recommend matching it with another element of your outfit: bag, shoes, jacket, or even a hair accessory.

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 rights and ecology? Does your bohemian lifestyle reflect your beliefs and your desire to protect 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.

So it’s completely 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 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’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 practical, the fabric belt stands out because:

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

Additionally, it's perfect for making beautiful bows 🎀, which will highlight your waist beautifully.

How to Sew a Fabric Belt?

You don’t need to be an expert seamstress to make this type of belt. It’s actually a great project for beginners. Here’s a quick video tutorial that explains how to go about it:

Discover the Japanese-inspired obi belt!

Are you familiar with the traditional Japanese belts known as "Obi"? This term refers to the piece 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 source these accessories from artisan creators, such as on Etsy. Obis are known for their comfort, stability (they don’t slip), and a wide variety of patterns, which allow 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.

When selecting your dress and belt, make sure to check that they complement each other well, and ensure that your belt is wide enough to fully cover the elastic or seam that shapes your dress.

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

It is 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 tummy. A wide belt will create a lovely effect and balance your silhouette.

You now know everything there is to know about matching 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 your questions!