How to Wear Wide Belts

Wide-Belt Styling Tip: When wearing a slouchier trouser — like this white tailored pair — make the stark palette pop with a colorful accent. We chose a muted navy hue to emphasize the crispness of the silhouette, but more importantly, the wider size of the belt will draw extra attention to the length of both your torso and your legs. When shopping for a wide belt-trouser combo, remember to stick to a more minimalist styling approach. The long-versus-wide juxtaposition will speak for itself.

Get the Look:
Zara Trousers With Sash Belt ($80) + Theory Wide Clean Belt in Navy ($160)

Wide-Belt Styling Tip: Riffing on two of Summer's most beloved trends — the Western-inspired outlook and a ladylike appeal — we think this is an unexpected match made in heaven. Use your colorblocking prowess to choose your preferred colorways, and then add a strong shape (in this case, a funkier floral appliqué wide belt) with a more relaxed one (hello, soft pleats!). The finished result? A cool mix of cinched shape and flowy layers.

Get the Look:
Tibi Relaxed Jersey Pleated Skirt ($225) + Miu Miu Floral Appliqué Leather Waist Belt ($595)

Wide-Belt Styling Tip: We love the already-cinched feel of a peplum shape, so why not add double the waist emphasis if you've got one to flaunt? Yes, this can be a tricky silhouette to pull off, but with the aid of a more feminine wide belt and a fitted bottom (try a pencil skirt or superskinny jeans), you can highlight your midsection with an extra dose of fit and flare.

Get the Look:
Julie Haus Novak Peplum Top ($270) + Matthew Williamson Metal Waist Belt ($825)

Wide-Belt Styling Tip: Forget the skinny belt featured with this ultrapretty Summer frock; instead pair a quirky wide belt as the playful shape-cinching accessory. Since the dress is bold but totally sleek, too, we partnered the look with a perforated leather belt (a play on this season's cutout obsession) to inject an edgier feel. The key takeaway here is to mix and match styling sensibility — femininity plus tough-girl cool, girlier lengths plus chunkier accents.

Get the Look:
Asos Mini Tulip Dress With Flute Sleeves ($61) + Barneys New York Co-op Wide Perforated Hip Belt ($145)

Wide-Belt Styling Tip: By adding a wide belt to an already high-waisted silhouette, you get more definition in the middle. The belt serves to lengthen what might have been "cut off" by the higher waistband. To make sure you don't play it too safe with this belt-and-shorts match-up, opt for an exotic printed style or a double dose of details.

Get the Look:
J.Crew Scalloped Cotton and Silk-Blend Shorts ($120) + Mango Animal-Print Belt ($65)

Wide-Belt Styling Tip: The only real "danger" with wearing a maxi dress is retaining your shape; it's easy to get lost in the drape-y fabric. Simple solution? Add a corset-style belt. Not only is this style of belt sexy, but it also offers up quick curve definition. Look to Balmain and Alexander McQueen's Spring 2012 runways for extra inspiration, but the main thing to remember is that a more structured cinch — higher up on the waist — gives the illusion of longer legs and a slimmer torso.

Get the Look:
Topshop Blackcurrant Ditsy Midi Dress ($96) + Forever 21 Double Buckle Elastic Belt ($7)