Customized belt buckles are not just for hip-hop rappers and cowboys – they’re for fashionable ladies, too. It’s a great way to personalize a belt and add pop to your outfit. You can opt for custom belt buckles that bear your favorite insignia, your monogram or tagline. With the right belt and belt color, you can multiply the number of “outfits” you can make, even with a limited wardrobe.
Belts are still considered an important fashion accessory. They not only define the waistline, but also add color and texture to an outfit. Belts were traditionally worn on the waist – to highlight the feminine figure (or to pull any flab in). Belts can turn a “blah” outfit into something nice, but cool belt buckles can transform your nice outfit into a fierce and fabulous one.
Nowadays, belts are worn not just on the waist, but also slung low (worn at the hip) or just below the bust line (empire waisted). Belts worn just below the waistline create a more forgiving silhouette, especially to those who have a lot of belly to hide. Meanwhile, belts worn at the hips (also called low-slung belts) emphasize that area and works well for shift dresses, low-rise jeans and tunics. What’s important is for you to determine the best spot for your belt. Feel free to experiment with different positions and different types of belts.
When choosing a belt (and belt buckle), you should also be aware of balancing the contrast between your outfit and your belt. High contrast belts will pop out and naturally direct the eye to the waistline. Low contrast belts work well for thicker or medium thick waistlines, as it produces a lean line that flatters the thick figure or waistlines that have little definition.
Here are some great style options:
Belt buckles on a wide belt. A wide belt is slimming, and is usually made from stretchable material for added comfort, especially if it’s something you plan to wear throughout the better part of the day. Other styles include the Japanese obi or mannish cummerbunds. You can also opt for a wide leather belt with a large belt buckle. Wide belts work well with a shirt tucked into a skirt. The advantage when you make your own belt buckle is that you have the freedom to fashion it however which way you like. You can have a flower or heart-shaped belt buckle, or whatever shape takes your fancy.
Thin belts with skinny belt buckles. You can wound a longish thin belt a number of times around your hips for a cutting-edge look. You can also wear a thin belt with girly dresses for a daintier look. It also works well when worn slung low on the hips with a shapeless or shift dress to up the appeal factor. The thin belt adds an element of color without overpowering your entire outfit. However, thin belts work best for slim silhouettes. Those with fuller figures should avoid thin belts and go for medium width belts or wide belts. Of course, when wearing a thin belt, your custom-made belt buckle should also be as dainty.
“Amped up belt buckles”. You can increase the style quotient of your belt by adding more decorative elements such as rhinestones, ornamental pearls, faux gemstones or crystals. You can also opt to keep the natural finish or other available finishes, including bright or antique metallic finishes such as gold, silver, bronze or copper. Amped up belt buckles can add just the right amount of sparkle to your getup.
Layering. You can wear a textured cardigan or jacket over your top and cinch it with a belt. This adds more textures to your look without you appearing extra bulky, especially on your waistline. This works even with thick, knit cardigans or jackets.