How All the Fashion Girls Wear Their Belts

Let's start with the basics: pants have belt loops for a reason, so it's high time you start using them. Jeans, tailored trousers, the works. Even if you're wearing skin-tight skinnies, don't leave those loops hanging! Slip your favorite belt around your waist, from the most colorful and bold to understated black leather styles.

Whether you opt for a blazer and matching skirt, shorts, or more traditional trousers, consider turning that borrowed-from-the-boys look a little less boxy with an added belt on top. Especially this summer, a PVC style seems like a particularly apt option, but we will forever love a classic leather or exotic as well.

As much as I dislike the term "pop of color," it has never seemed more apt than when it comes to belt styling. Whether you're looking to amp up an otherwise drab color palette, or you want to make a colorful look even bolder, consider the simple addition of a contrasting belt for that — yes — pop of color that isn't over the top.

Ever wonder what to do if you're wearing a pair of pants that require a belt out of practicality, but you also want to drape that opulent and chic chain style for an ultimate glammoment? Double it up. Who says you can't wear two? We certainly support the more-is-more look!

Whether bold and bright or neutral and classic, a simple pencil skirt and t-shirt combo is the perfect semi-blank canvas for a statement belt. Go big or go home with this accessory, be it a head-turning buckle, interesting color, or other eye-catching detail.

If you're in love with that floral prairie dress but looking for a way to make it look a little more edgy and cool-girl approved, add a belt. Yes, it's that simple. Seek a style that's larger and stronger in vibe than your ethereal midi, making for a look that's all that you want and more.

Whether or not your coat alreadycomes with a matching belt, a belt is a great way to add a little something extra to your outerwear while also accentuating that silhouette you're hiding underneath all those seasonal layers. In fact, even if you're wearing a trench that doescontain a matching belt, consider swapping it out for another contrasting option for fun.

With the return of the 1980s belt-bag trend, it's the optimal time to invest in an accessory that does double duty. Loop it through your high-waisted denim, cinch in the waistline of a midi dress, or layer it on top of a longer coat: there's no limit to the potential of belt-bag styling this season.

Silk dresses are one of our ultimate year-round wardrobe essentials. They flow, they move, they blow in the breeze; effortlessly gliding along our every curve without pulling in too tightly anywhere. Make it look all that more elegant, however, with the addition of a thin waist belt, nipping in at the smallest point of your silhouette and letting that favorite one-and-done do what it does best.

If you're looking for a way to glam up your look without piling on the necklaces or stacking up the bracelets, look no further than an embellished belt. While you can always add a little something sparkly to a printed look, we also love the statement with an all-black look.

Tibi PVC 1-Inch Belt ($75).

Circus by Sam Edelman 35MM Signature Reversible Belt ($32)

Madewell Leather Crisscross Skinny Belt ($45).

Saint Laurent Vintage Classic Satin Belt ($135).

Loeffler Randall Blythe Leopard-Print Calf Hair Belt ($150).

Gap Circle Buckle Belt ($25).

Gucci Leather Belt with Double G Buckle ($350).

Isabel Marant Lecce Leather Belt ($160).

J.Crew Leather Belt With Tortoise Buckle ($70).

Chanel Vintage Tassel Belt ($505).

& Other Stories Croco Leather Belt ($49).