HEY, HOW DO I WEAR… Extreme cinching? Here’s how
If you like it then you’d better put a belt round it
1 WHY IT WORKS
If “Belt that waist!” sounds like the advice of a makeover-show host your nanna loves, fear not, because there’s nothing prim and proper about the new belted waist. On the A/W 17 runways, designers were wrapping belts over or around everything they could get their manicured hands on – puffa coats, suits, vests and, most notably of all, lots of layers. Layering has been huge for a few seasons now, but all that bulk can add up. Unless you’re judicious with the belt you throw around it…
2 BELTED LAYERS
Blogger Caroline Daur’s look (see right) is a masterclass in megalayering – the more the merrier. But without the belt, the anorak would hang loosely over the skirt, swamping her petite frame. Try slim belts (3in wide or less), as they give maximum waist-whittling without overpowering the outfit. Go for classic black or brown. Men’s belts are a good option – a size up will help accommodate extra layers.
3 BEST BELTS
If you’re using a belt to carve a waistline out from underneath some very chunky layers, you’ll want something quite flexible. Vintage belts are great (leather can stretch about 10% over a couple of years), but if second-hand leaves you queasy, head to your local shoe repair man who can sell you Kiwi Select Universal Shoe Stretch. It will loosen the collagen in the leather and make it more supple.
4 TOP KNOT
You need a reckless, ever-so-slightly insouciant knot. Thread it through the buckle, but not the built-in belt loop, so it’s free to move about. Then pass the tip over the top and pull down through the bottom. Or, like Caroline, simply thread it through the buckle and let it all hang out.
5 FAUX PAS
What to avoid? Wide, stretchy, elasticated belts that hark back to tragic clubbing outfits are unforgivingly tight and dated. Stiff, faux-leather belts labelled ‘synthetic’ are a no-go, too – they’re unlikely to have the supple flex that full-grain leather does. Elaborate Western belts, studded with fake coral, turquoise and diamantés, or anything worn by Jessica Simpson circa 2003, get a big thumbs-down from us, as well.