The belt is a must-have

Tafadzwa Zimoyo : Fashion Talks 263

We hope you had a fabulous fashion Easter holiday. Maybe you indulged in a bunny look, just for fun of course not as a fashion statement.Fashion is the most powerful art there is. It is movement, design, and architecture all in one. With fashion you can show the world who you are and who you like to be. Please allow me to congratulate fashion model Irvine Jabangwe for his latest development, being signed with top fashion houses and making it big on international scene. Well done boy and prove to the world that not only girls can make it when it comes to fashion. Men too play a part.

Moving on, this week let us look at accessories. How could we live fashion without accessories?

Shoes, bags, belts, hats and wallets play a key role in wardrobes.

But there are many other ways to accessorise an outfit by playing with jewellery and scarves.

This week we focus on the belt which is the accessory to wear this coming season for women.

We love a wide belt to give a wonderful finishing touch to every outfit.

It can be worn around cardigans and jackets, not frightened at all of taking pride of place.

Yes, winter is about to come but don’t rush into it. I have seen some women donning knee high leather boots, heavy scarf and overcoats already. If truth be told there are very few days in the year when you can justify that look in Zimbabwe and it does look silly when temperatures are in the twenties.

The belt is a necessity and all rounder. But let me say that you need to know your body type and how to wear a belt. Sometimes all it will do is highlight things like none existent waistlines and flat as pancake behinds.

A woven belt over a skirt for a casual look, a leather belt over a long chunky knit cardigan, a colourful belt for a decidedly spring look, the choice is yours.

You can still rock it to work, church and even partying.

“There is generally no better ally for a girl than a great belt, since the waist is invariably always good to highlight – nothing accomplishes this more effectively than a waist-cinching wrap. And in this age of the voluminous top, it’s the best means for tackling all that extra fabric, too, which generally drowns a lot of girls’ figures,” said Lauren Conrad.

Maybe some don’t know that just like jackets too there are types of belts that are a must have and there are more to belts than just colours and styles.

There is a definite distinction between three basic width categories: skinny belts, medium belts and wide belts.

Skinny belts are best worn cinched over really lightweight pieces – like a dress, cardigan, or a combination of the two. Thin fabrics are key here, so if you have a delicate item, like a long blouse worn with pants or a skirt, go for an equally svelte (slender) belt at your natural waist.

Medium-width belts are definitely the most versatile option of the three styles.

You can wear them traditionally looped through jeans or trousers or low-slung to rein in a loose dress or tunic.

Since you need it to fit at both the mid-waist and on the hips, we suggest buying a slightly bigger size that accommodates both.

The basic idea is that the lighter and more delicate the fabric of your outfit choice is the better it is to be paired with a skinny belt.

And in comparison, with thicker fabric, like in a sweater dress for example, opt for a medium or wide belt.

Belts are another great and inexpensive accessory worth investing in.

Almost all clothing stores sell them and in various styles, sizes, and colours.

But do be careful of quality.

Belts come on and off as often as you change your clothes so keep that in mind when you make your purchase.

Yours Truly usually opts for leather belts because they’re the most durable and sturdiest material out there.

If you must buy one that’s made of synthetic material, please make sure that it’s one that won’t snap or tear off after a couple of wears.

Unless you are going for some unique style from your own rule book, your belt colour should match your shoe.

Try it out and happy belting!