In our dream world, we'd shrug on any ol' dress, pants, or jacket and it would fit us like a glove, flattering our specific shape while requiring zero alterations. But, alas, real life doesn't work that way, and all those trips to the tailor? They can get pretty pricey, not to mention annoying. So instead we search for ways to figure it out on our own, trying out hacks [1] that'll make every piece seem custom, from cuffing [2] to rolling and our all-time favorite, belting.

Yep, belting has solved many a fashion dilemma, from paper-bagging pants to highlighting curves in loose shifts, and everyone from Princess Mary [3] to Olivia Palermo [4]'s a fan. Scroll through to see all the ways you can use an itty-bitty belt to revamp your look, then stock up on a few great options to keep in your closet.