I am re-newly infatuated with belts. Wide, skinny, double, or stretch, a belt is a fashionable accessory to finish a look or to add personality to an otherwise ordinary ensemble.

I often find that women are either unsure of how to wear a belt or timid to draw attention to her waistline. Upgrading your wardrobe with this  accoutrement is easier than you might think; here are some quick styling tips to help you get going:

If you’re short-waisted, try a narrow belt. Wear it ever-so-slightly under your natural waistline to subtly create the image of a longer torso.

If you’re long-waisted, opt for a wider belt. Do the opposite as your short-waisted sister, wear it slightly above your natural waistline and it will appear as if your legs grew longer (never thought a belt could have that effect did ya?).

If you are picky, picky and comfort is EVERYthing, choose belts with elastic as they stretch when you sit and shrink back up when you stand. Oh, and elastic belts can a have a nice “Spanx” effect when worn strategically.

Wear the same belt color as your top or dress if your waist is not so defined. On the other hand, if you’re blessed with a tiny middle, wear a pop of color or an animal print.

Basic training:

• Layer a belt over a cardigan or
• Wrap a double belted one around a loose-fit blouse or
• Tie an obi style around a fitted dress or
• Tailor a double breasted jacket with wide belt over the center

The great news is that belts come in all shapes, widths, and price ranges, so your wallet won’t suffer if you want to experiment. The trick is  to just get out there and have some fun with it.

Here are a few styles that catch my eye.