Q

I like the cinched-waist look of belts, but I feel like my natural waist is too weird — it’s a good two inches lower in the front than the back, so belts sit weird and look crooked. What to do? Do I just let it sit across my stomach instead of on my actual waist?

Does that make sense? I guess in short, my question is, how do you wear a belt when your waist is hidden by your tummy?

A

Great question. I’m so glad someone asked this question. I’ve been talking about belts for the past week in various forums with various friends.

The basics of belt wearing are these. Go with leather or plastic and avoid elastic bands. The elastic bands tend to ride and twist up in the back. Look for a belt that has some detail of interest. Maybe it’s the color or maybe it’s the buckle that looks neat.

Once you’ve found the right belt you can start experimenting.

First, consider the look. Do you want to slouch your belt or cinch a waist?

Belts are multi-purpose. I usually wear belts for cinching like our reader wants to do, but you’re not limited to that. In fact, trying another way to wear your belt might first get you comfortable with wearing a belt. Then you can build on that.

So, if you’re ready to try cinching read on.

Next, consider the type of belt. Is the belt skinny or wide or somewhere in between?

Skinny belts are good for almost nothing on a plus gal except for show. I like them, though. A skinny belt can add a splash of color or polish an otherwise drab look. Oh, say you’re wearing a black t-shirt with jeans and a pair of flats? Slap on a skinny belt and your look is instantly more polished.

A wide belt, while more secure feeling, can be uncomfortable on your stomach with the giant belt buckle that jams into your belly button. They can pack a big style punch since they make a bolder statement. So, I tend to not wear the extra-wide belts unless comfort isn’t all that necessary.

My favorite belt is the medium width belt in brown. Brown belts are so hot right now. People are wearing them with everything from shirt dresses to baby doll tops. The medium width belt cinches well.

Now, how do I cinch?

Grab your medium width belt. Where you place it is up to you. I usually place mine right on my belly button. Place the belt on your top-most layer. If you’re wearing separates try leaving your shirt un-tucked and wearing the belt on top of it. Pull the belt tight enough so that it stays above your hips, but not so tight you get a weird mini-corset affect.

You can always layer on an open jacket or cardigan as you get used to the belt. I speak from experience when I say that I never wore a belt as an adult until I practiced a few times and I took along a cardigan to layer on just in case I did the whole belt-wearing thing wrong.

I hope these tips help you find your cinched waist look. Give yourself belt options first and just know that not every outfit requires a belt.