How to Belt an Oversize Blouse

1.

Assess your body shape in a full-length mirror. You’ll want to determine whether you have a short waist or a long waist, and whether you have any spots you’re looking to hide.

2.

Slide the oversize blouse over your torso and button or snap it up as necessary. Again, check yourself out in the mirror. Although you already know the blouse is oversize, you’ll want to analyze how it fits your body. Does it hang loosely in the front? Are the sleeves too long? Does it flatter your overall body shape?

3.

Decide what you’d like to wear with your oversize blouse. Although you might not initially realize it -- whatever you choose to wear with your blouse makes a huge difference in how you should wear your belt. Ideas include skinny jeans, short shorts or a fabulous pair of leggings.

4.

Select two or three belts. Ideally, choose at least one skinny belt and one wide belt – you’ll want to compare both looks to find your best style. When it comes to color, let your personal preferences guide your decision. Some women like to keep it classy with a matching belt, while other women like to make it sassy with a contrasting belt.

5.

Try the belts on over your blouse. Try the skinny belt high on your natural waist first – it should fit quite tight with little slack. Your natural waist is the narrowest part of your middle. Once you assess that look, slide the skinny belt down to your lower waist – it should fit quite loose here. Then, try the wide belt and see how you like that look. The wide belt should always be worn high on the waist with a tight fit.

6.

Determine which belted style you most prefer. Use your body shape and personal style preferences to help you decide.

7.

Apply your favorite belt and slide it to your “sweet spot” – that area of your body where it highlights your best features and hides your lumps and bumps.

8.

Pull your blouse from underneath the belt, giving it a taut and clean appearance on top. Although you might be tempted to blouse your shirt by fluffing it out above your belt, try to resist the urge. Many women cannot get away with this look – and a fashion-forward outfit quickly turns into a fashion disaster. You’ll want to keep your entire torso streamlined and sleek.