Reader Question - Belts for Apples

Love your site. You always wear such awesome belts! I am plus size with an apple body shape. Any advice on how to rock a belt? What should you look for and where should you look? Should I be braving the men section? Are there good online sites? Thanks for all you do! - Heather

Heather, thanks so much for the love. I have to say I am a bit of a beltoholic, and enjoy the emphasis belts give my pear-shape. Since we are different body shapes let me first expand upon what an apple shape is. An Apple has a rounded midsection (stomach area) with slim arms and legs.

When you Google style advice for Apple Shapes almost every site discourages you from wearing belts since it can draw attention to your midsection and doesn't play up your assets. As one of my friends says it can look "like a pillow tied in the middle". However, I believe that Apples can still wear belts and in fact, it can be a great way to "create" a waist. Apples just have to keep a few dos & don'ts in mind.

- Don't wear skinny belts. You are going to want to go with one that is at least 1.5".
- Do wear belts just below your waist. Your body is slightly slimmer here and it can provide your body good balance.
- Do "sandwich" a belt between layers - layer it over a top but under an open cardigan or swing jacket (see example).- Don't belt knits and tight fitting tops.
- Do belt loose tunics and other tops that have structure to them (i.e. button downs).
- Don't wear belts that are too tight. If a belt is partially elastic make sure it is big enough to not have to overly stretch.

As for where to buy belts, I don't think you need to shop the men's department - they can tend to look a little manly afterall. :-) There are plenty of great Plus Size retailers that have belts. Below are a few from One Stop Plus, Torrid and Lane Bryant.

(body shape images from Slimming Your Way)

Here are some belts to try:

Apple Belts by dddgirl79 featuring Avalaya rings

(Hover over the item for shopping and price details)