One of the easiest style upgrades is also one of the most overlooked—belts.
Belts can be super confusing.
I get asked all the time.
“When should I wear a belt?”
“How do I style one with different outfits?”
And I get it—belts can feel tricky.
But once you understand how to style them, you’ll see they’re small… but mighty in the style department. 😉 They’re one of the simplest ways to instantly elevate your everyday outfits.
I’m willing to bet that if you’ve ever looked in the mirror and felt like your outfit was almost there—but missing something… it was probably a belt.
Below, I’m sharing easy, wearable examples of how a belt can take basic pieces you already own and make them look more polished, intentional, and flattering.
Let’s dive into how to style belts!
If you’re struggling with what to wear… you should go back to the basics. Be sure to take advantage of our expertly curated wardrobe basics checklists. Sign up for the FREE lists right here!
the easiest style upgrade ever
#1 | From Simple Basics to Stylish Outfit in Seconds!
Let’s start off with a simple outfit that many of us already have in our closet: a polished black top (doesn’t need to be a turtleneck) and dark wash jeans.
This combo is timeless and always chic—but adding a sleek black belt is what takes it from basic to styled.
In this look, I’m wearing an AG ribbed turtleneck half-tucked into the jeans.
Hot style tip: By leaving the top out on both sides, you can color-block your way to a smaller-looking waist! It’s one of those easy tricks that makes a big impact.
The belt breaks up the black-on-black just enough to define the waist, highlight your shape, and make the whole outfit feel intentional… not like an afterthought. The combo of wide-leg jeans and a waist-cinching belt gives that gorgeous, feminine hourglass shape so many of us want to create.
It also creates the illusion of longer legs. I’m 5’4″, but this outfit makes me look closer to 5’8″.
Talk about styling magic.✨
Not into turtlenecks? You can get the same effect with a slim-fitting sweater, a polished blouse, or even a structured button-down. Just make sure to tuck (or half-tuck!) so your belt gets a moment to shine.
BTW, this belt by Isabel Marant, is the perfect size to add impact, but also still wearable everyday. I love the subtle texture and sleek gold buckle. Here is another almost identical option for less.
#2 | Break Up the Printed Dress.
Bold prints—like the animal print dress I’m wearing above by Ronny Kobo—are fun and fashionable, but a head-to-toe print can sometimes feel like too much. That’s where a belt becomes your best styling friend.
Here, I added a simple, thin black belt around my waist. It pulls double duty: defining the waist and breaking up the print.
Add Drama and Definition to a Full-Skirt Dress
This beautiful black dress above is easily one of my most versatile LBD’s (I have worn it during every season! You can check out other ways I’ve styled it here.) It already has such a feminine feel thanks to the full cotton skirt—but the belt takes it to the next level. It exaggerates the waist and creates such a flattering shape, adding structure and drama without taking away from the dress itself.
DO try waist belts with your black dresses. They can really add that style and femininity you’re looking for.
Pro Tip: If you want a belt to wear at your natural waist with skirts and dresses and at your hips with jeans and pants, buy your regular pant size and add a smaller hole with this handy tool. One belt, two ways!
#3 | Elevate Your Jumpsuit
Nothing transforms your black dress or jumpsuit faster than a belt! They are the perfect blank canvas for a belt.
In this look above, I went with a wide, bold Dior “Saddle” belt that adds structure, shape, and makes the entire outfit feel elevated. I linked the Dior and some of my other favorite standout belts below.
Sometimes, all it takes is one accessory to turn a “just okay” outfit into a total wow moment.
#4 | Turn a Basic Coat Into a Head-Turner —Just Add a Belt
This last way to wear a belt is a game changer. Most coats come with a matching belt which is great, but swapping it out for a statement belt instantly elevates the entire look. Think of it as styling beyond the outfit… it’s styling your outerwear. I simply removed the tie that came with this brown longline wrap coat, and swapped it out for a different style.
A heavier buckle, like this western-inspired option that I’m wearing above, adds personality and structure—while also defining the waist, which is always hard in the winter with all the extra layers. It’s chic, a bit unexpected, and incredibly flattering.
This trick alone will make every coat you own feel brand new and personalized to you and your own style. And for anyone who’s wondering, “But wait, Erin—what do I do with the belt when I get somewhere and take off my coat??”. Just roll it up—belt buckle on the inside of the roll, and put it in your bag. Or if you’re hanging the coat on a hook, hang your belt first on the same hook.
For tips on dressing warm without the bulk, make sure to check out this game-changing post next!
#5 – Belt Your Sweatpants? Yes, For Real!
This last outfit starts with my favorite viral sweatpant jeans—a secret style hack all on their own. These “jeans” are actually made from a cotton terry blend (yes, like sweatpants!), but they look and fit like modern, wide-leg denim.
I love them so much because not only are they insanely comfy, they also have functional pockets and belt loops! So, of course, I added a chic belt to elevate the look.
This is an outfit I’d wear everywhere—from running errands to hosting a casual holiday dinner at home.
It’s the perfect example of the power of a belt.
Without it, the outfit feels… kinda boring.
But with it? It’s effortless, polished, and totally intentional—without giving up comfort.
why belts are so flattering
A belt does more than just look good—it strategically shapes the body and completes your outfit.
☑ Defines the waist (even if you don’t feel like you have one)
☑ Balances proportions when wearing wider or more voluminous pieces
☑ Creates a slimming effect by creating a waist even if you don’t have one
☑ Finishes the outfit so you look polished and styled
Think of it as a built-in styling tool. You put it on, and instantly? You look more put-together. It is that easy!
start with one great belt
You don’t need a closet full of belts—just one or two high-quality, neutral options will give you endless styling mileage. Think versatile shades like black, brown, or tan. I recommend having one darker tone and one lighter tone to keep you covered year-round, plus a couple of belts in different widths for styling variety.
Here’s my challenge to you:
This week, try adding a simple belt—to jeans, trousers, a sweater dress, or even over your winter coat.
Once you see how much more polished and pulled-together your outfits look, you’ll start reaching for belts more and more.
And you won’t be wondering how to wear them anymore…
You’ll just wear them.
