A statement belt can truly take an outfit from boring to exciting and I’ve found one that is cute, good quality, and only $35.
Top (size up) | Belt | Pants (size down) | Shoes (similar) | Bag | Sunglasses
Belts are finally starting to come back into favor after being mostly ignored for quite a few years. This makes sense with the shift from skinny and fitted bottoms to more loose and wide leg pants and jeans.
Rachel and I have both started adding more belts to our collection and they really can make such a huge impact. In reality, most belts are quite an investment piece, but on occasion we come across an affordable accessory that is really good.
Statement Belt
Last year I was looking for a few new belts. I believe that a little animal print can go a long way, but it’s also a great way to add pizzazz to simple and classic outfits. When I found this Halogen statement belt at Nordstrom, I wasn’t sure what to expect for $35, but it’s been a total surprise.
I had been wanting to visit this fabulous mural for over a year now. In La Jolla, California, by Roy McMakin, Favorite Color, 2010, is a popular destination with local Instagram folks. For this photo shoot, I purposely put together a simple outfit. But without a belt, it fell a bit flat.
Here you can see the difference with and without a statement belt. Because this is such a dramatic transformation, I knew we needed the visual illustration (thank you Photoshop)!
Top (size up) | Belt | Pants (size down) | Shoes (similar) | Bag | Sunglasses
With the belt, my waist is defined and the outfit feels complete whereas without the belt, it feels unfinished and without any interest.
This is most noticeable because the top is tucked in and the same color as the pants.
In this case I chose a statement belt because everything else I am wearing is very neutral and I wanted a belt that would provide a punch to pull it all together and still not overwhelm the colorful mural. Honestly, I’m kind of in love with this outfit now and plan to wear it a lot.
A Killer Bodysuit
I have never been successful with bodysuits before. I’ve tried! But I have a long torso and I always ended up feeling like I was getting an atomic wedgie.
Top (size up) | Belt | Pants (size down) | Shoes (similar) | Bag | Sunglasses
These Yummie bodysuits are so perfect I ordered them in both black and white. I just noticed they also have a few other styles including a henley and a mock neck.
I sized up to M/L and it is the perfect fit with a double set of snap closures so you can make it looser or tighter. It has a thicker and more luxurious feel than your standard t-shirt, made of TENCEL/Outlast viscose/polyamide/elastane. I just know it holds everything in smoothly without feeling squeezed.
What I love about wearing a bodysuit is that there’s no worry of your top coming untucked. It’s also just a nicer smooth look, especially paired with loose bottoms. These work amazingly well with the new Levi’s I wrote about last week!
The Perfect Black Trousers
I recently wrote about these perfect black pants. Rachel also recently ordered them when she needed to replace her old Vince pair. I’m happy to report that she loves hers as much as I do. These really are the perfect black pants and I’ve already worn mine at least ten times.
Top (size up) | Belt | Pants (size down) | Shoes (similar) | Bag | Sunglasses
I did have to size down to 2, and Rachel sized down to 0, so they run a little big. Neither of us had ours hemmed, though I definitely have to wear mine with heels. I love that we are back to wearing floor length pants again. I love crop pants, but there’s something so elegant about floor length pants that just makes me feel special.
These are on huge sale at Frame.com but sizes are selling out fast!
A Neutral Bag and Shoes
These have both been in my closet for a long time and they are just perfect and classic. I loved pairing this combination with this statement belt because they don’t compete for attention. Yet they all work seamlessly together.
Top (size up) | Belt | Pants (size down) | Shoes (similar) | Bag | Sunglasses
I’ve worn these Vince Camuto suede heels dozens of times and they are so ridiculously comfortable that I can wear them for hours at a time without a single issue. Unfortunately the suede has been sold out for some time, though I do love the gold.
My favorite alternative would be the L’Agence Gisele in nude suede. They are TTS and probably the most comfortable heel I’ve ever worn.
My Celine bag was a surprise Christmas present last year from my very sweet husband. Yep, he’s a keeper! I have mentioned in the past that I’m not much of a designer-bag girl, but this is the type of bag that’s the exception. It’s so impeccably styled without large logos and it also has a crossbody strap that I wear a ton. It’s kind of perfect, honestly. Even the color he chose is my favorite!
I know these bags are an investment, but they also hold their value pretty well. I’ve heard really great reviews about buying lightly used from Fashionphile and I’m including a few links.
One Perfect Camel Coat
Here is where I say we’ve found two absolutely perfect camel coats. Rachel has blogged about her Anine Bing Dylan a ton (it’s amazing) and I have fallen equally in love with this one by Theory. You honestly can’t go wrong with either. It’s a win-win in this department!
Top (size up) | Belt | Pants (size down) | Coat (similar) | Shoes (similar) | Bag | Sunglasses
This one is sized TTS (I am wearing small) and it’s lightweight enough to be the perfect coat for San Diego winters. I love how it adds a feeling of sophistication that can be worn to any event. One of my favorite investments this year that I will have for many years to come!
Unfortunately it looks like it’s currently sold out in camel, but available in a beautiful grey.
What about you guys? Are you wearing belts? If not, we say give them a shot!
