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Questions on how to wear a belt high on waist over shirt
I'm an hourglass shape and plus size, and tailored clothes that come in a little above the waist look best on me. However, it's really, really hard to find tops like this in my size that don't look like a maternity top.
I love the look right now of wearing a belt above the natural waist line over a shirt. Can someone give me some pointers on how to do this? When can it be worn over a shirt alone with no layering (or can it)? When should you do a skinny belt and when should you do a thick belt?
I like a lot of these tops at the Limited's plus size store, but with no shape to them, they will make me look frumpy and even bigger. Which of these tops could I wear with a belt over it? I would like a few tops to wear with simple solid skirts, capris (denim, khaki, black), and jeans. Also, I don't do sleeveless or really short cap sleeves, so that rules a few of these shirts out. I have a few short sleeve cartigans that I can use to layer and I'd love some pointers on how to style some of these tops with a belt. I'm also looking for versatile pieces that can be worn for both work and casual (work with a pencil skirt and casual with capris and such).
ETA: I could also do short sleeve sweaters
Re: Questions on how to wear a belt high on waist over shirt
Here are some of the tops that I like (although I like most of them and am open minded)
I think the top might be too loose and unstructured on this one above, making me look bigger.
I think the ones that have the looser sleeves and ruffles down the side will not work with a belt.
I think the 3rd one (orange) and the purple one could be best with a belt. You don't want anything TOO loose or it will look weird with fabric sort of bunching where you cinch. I think its easier to make it look good when you use a top that already has at least a little shape. You want it to fit well in your arms and chest for sure.
MY BMs in their dresses
Bio: Updated 1/02/10
Married Bio and Blog: Updated 7/25/2011
I don't like anything flowy or frilly belted. I don't like belted peasant bouses, for example:
And skinny belts do nothing for me:
When it comes to belts, my advice is GO WIDE. I get so much more use out of a wider belt. I also think it is more slimming. And lastly, a larger, heavier person should always wear larger, heavier accessories, because of proportions. You should wear a wider belt and carry a larger bag. A woman of size should not carry tiny bags and adorn herself with tiny jewelry. Thin, delicate accessories will be lost on her larger frame, or make her look childish.
Now, having said all that, out of the ones on the Eloquii website, I would choose this blouse: http://www.eloquii.com/3/4-Sleeve-Cutaway-Neckline-Shirt/24523463,default,pd.html?start=2&cgid=eloquii_shop-the-collection_tops-shirts
OR, just shop at better stores (department stores) and wear better sportswear (like JNY or DKNY).
Now, take a look at this woman:
IMO she's doing it right. Nothing wispy or frilly going on, and she's got on a nice wide belt. She also chose a kickin' animal print. She's looking good. And here, on a thin woman:
Still looks good. But in her case, the cinched material is adding a lot of bulkiness around her waist, which I always try to avoid.
Don'ts:
DON'T wear a casual, studded leather belt with a satin cocktail dress.
Don't wear a belt over something bulky. No-no for plus women, IMO.
Now, here is a plus size hourglass shape, wearing a wide belt:
A couple of things bother me here: first, the belt may be TOO wide. It looks like it would be very uncomfortable if she were sitting. Or just breathing, really. I think this outfit would look much better if: a) she had chosen a STRAIGHT skirt, and b) she had worn a tailored blouse OVER this, and put the belt on top of that. KWIM?
Anyway, that's my two cents. Have fun chica.
Thanks!! This is all so helpful. I think I'll keep looking around, although there are a couple belts that I might get from the Eloquii site. What do you think?
Imagine what would happen to these belts every time you sit down or bend at the waist. They will roll. The belt on top, that bow tie thing will pinch together like scissors. It will pop out and flop away from your waist, and NOT lay flat like it is here. You'd have to tie it differently, at least; and you might find yourself retying it again and again during the day. And the belt on the bottom will roll too; those squared off edges on the front might be curling and poking out after an hour. I think the edges should be tapered and rounded, and the belt should be narrower in the middle because of how the buckles are in the center. It also looks like those tiny straps holding the buckles might rip loose if they were put under pressure, like if you have the belt on tight, then cough or sneeze.
They look great on the mannequin, because mannequins don't move.
I agree with all of NB's awesome advice! I really like both of the belts you posted, but agree with the concerns. It may be useful to try them on though to see for sure, since they are super cute. I think they are a good width. I think the 2nd one would especially work if the non-buckle section is elastic. I have a couple of belts just like that one where the buckle has a leather section like this one, but the rest of the belt is in a matching elastic color. That helps with the bunching and moving issues that NB mentioned, and IMO, they tend to be more comfortable and less restrictive. Soo something like this:
MY BMs in their dresses
Bio: Updated 1/02/10
Married Bio and Blog: Updated 7/25/2011