After a bit of a style dry spell on the belt front, the humble accessory is back with a bang. So, step forward with a pirate-inspired ‘swashbuckling’ belt – think, Captain Jack Sparrow – Pirates of the Caribbean.

But before you buckle up, let’s explore the ups and downs of wearing belts.

A great belt can make or break an outfit. It can add a stylish touch to any outfit, so be sure to invest in at least one for your accessories collection. Accentuate your shape and create a feminine silhouette with a waist-pinching belt, or add an extra splash of colour to your jeans with a skinny belt in bright, pop colours. From classic plaited to chunky with metal letter detailing, you’ll be sure to make a style statement.

Some belts are made to be seen like this season’s offerings with cut-outs, metallic finishes, studded or stretch to cinch-in that lovely waist. At first glance a belt can look quite casual but added to a posh frock or smart trousers - celeb style, lifts them from a regular accessory to a mega-glamorous update.

Alexander Wang showed us how to wear a grommeted belt in the pre-Autumn 2016 collection – around the waist of a classic trench, re-purposed it on a tailored grey jacket and used the grommet design for crisscrossing straps on an evening gown. The secret to not looking like you’re having a mid-life crisis when wearing one is keep the rest of your ensemble classic and pared-back.

So what are the styling rules?

The size of your belt needs to match your scale (based on the size of your bones), if you’re petite you need to wear narrower belts or the belt will wear you, if you’re average scale (around a size 4 – 6 in a shoe) you need a belt of about 1.5 inches wide, if your shoe size is 7 and above you can really go for it and wear a 2.5 inch wide belt. Keep the buckle size in keeping with your scale too.

So all this is great if you have a waist to show off, but what if you don’t? My expert advice is don’t bring attention to a part of your body that maybe your biggest challenge. Keep away from belts and invest in another gorgeous accessory that will draw the eye to your best assets, like a great pair of shoes if you have superb legs or a fabulous necklace if you have a great bust.

Belts are one of the best and cost effective ways to update your look this season, so if you have a great waist – you’re in! Otherwise just use one to hitch up your trusty old denims.

Written by Shan Williams, Personal Stylist.

For further inspiration, see our https://uk.pinterest.com/colourmebeautuk/buckle-up/