Just cinch it

Dedicated to the hardworking often overlooked items in our closets.

Belts are the unsung heroes of our wardrobe. They are practical, functional and decorative. They can elevate an outfit, they can complete an outfit or they can be entirely unseen. I rarely go without a belt, especially if I’m wearing jeans. Maybe it’s a hangover from the days of my underwear always hanging out of low rise jeans, whatever makes me do it I love a belt!

So I’ll just jump right in. Let’s start with the workhorses, regular old belts. They go through the belt loops no one may ever see it but you know it’s there, or perhaps they make an appearance with a half tucked sweater or a cropped shirt.

Black is a staple. This one from Dehanche (which is a great brand with soo many good option) is lovely with it’s silver buckle if that’s your metal of choice. There’s always gold too. I like to have one of each depending on what else is going on with my outfit.

This one from Nili Lotan is on the casual side, but it bold enough to be worn on the outside. I love it here with a denim on denim look tucked in to show itself off.

Or why not have mixed metals!! I love this belt and wear it all the time. It also works over a dress, a jacket a blouse. Wherever!

This is another great mixed metal option from Chloe.

Or a skinnier option.

Next up we have the brown belt, cause sometime you need black and sometimes you need brown.

I also love this from Nili Lotan it’s a great color that really works with anything. You could do an all black outfit, with a brown boot/shoe and then this.

This option from The Row feels more menswear inspired but still a classic. I love the mixed metals here and the darker shade of brown. It also comes in black .

Or this one, which I happen to own and wear weekly.

I think Khaite always has great basic AND statement belts. Here’s a roundup of my current faves.

This buckle is just dying to be seen, and the croc gives is a more lux vibe.

Always a fan of this studded style. It’s more versatile than you’d think, it can give jeans and a t-shirt a little punk edge but it’s also super sophisticated on it’s own especially in this buttery soft brown suede.

Love this on it’s own, the sculptural buckle can elevate any simple black dress.

My last pick from Khaite would be this!

In the summer a braided or rafia belt is always a nice option for a little texture.

Like this one from J. Crew. Would be great with a crisp white jean.

Or this one from Bottega Venetta.

Or this.

Snakeskin, Animal Prints, metallics, all of it - they are ALL neutrals! So if you want to pack a little punch or are wearing a color like red and you don’t have quite the belt to match try one of these.

J.Crew does it again.

Or this snakeskin option.

It’s both a metallic and a skin, and a great price.

Or this, again with the studs, don’t fear them!

Then again you never know when you’re going to need just the right belt. Like how last summer I put on a blue dress that desperately needed a waist, and from the depths of my closet I conjured a random blue belt - a Macy’s special - that I probably bought while shopping on a show. So here are some for those moments.

Okay white isn’t exactly daring, but you certainly don’t need this until you do.

Or this

Or red.

This green one is a nod to an Elsa Peretti Classic which is still available!

Or yellow.

Or this, which is technically brown/tan, but when you find the occasion do let me know.

And lastly a good waist belt. It can be a multi wrap, a wide one a metal one. Whatever it may be these are designed to be worn on the outside right around your waist.

Alaia never fails.

Or with this, simple yet bold piece.

This is a pretty neutral.

A chic structural style from Isabel Marant.

Or if you’re feeling a little sassy.

This would so lovely over a white dress, jumpsuit or wide leg pants and a blouse.

This one from Cos is super pretty too! Love how it is styled.

Truly I could go on. My apologies to all of the amazing, classic, outlandish, colorful, studded and fabric belts I have left out. It’s not personal. Listen belts may not be the sexiest topic but don’t forget about them when shopping. Like a good dress, buy it when you see it cause when you need it you won’t be able to find what you’re looking for. Don’t forget, belts are worn by almost all great superheros! What would they be without them?

Thanks again to all for getting down here to the end. As always I appreciate your time and support.

-Tini