How to Belt a Dress for a Flattering Shape Over 50

The Best Dresses to Belt

Not every dress needs a belt, but some dresses practically beg for one. Here are a few styles I love to belt:

Shirt Dresses

These are made for belting. If yours came with a self-tie belt, don’t be afraid to swap it out for something sturdier or more interesting. A leather or woven belt can instantly elevate the look.

A-Line and Fit-and-Flare Dresses

Belting these emphasizes the smallest part of your waist and helps define your silhouette even more. I especially love this trick when the dress feels just a bit too “sweet”—a structured belt adds some edge.

Maxi Dresses

Flowy maxi dresses can sometimes feel like a lot of fabric, especially if you’re petite. Adding a belt helps create a focal point and gives the dress some shape.

Oversized or Tunic-Style Dresses

These are so comfy, but they can easily overwhelm your frame. A belt reins it all in and keeps you from looking like you’re wearing a nightgown.

The Right Belt for Your Body

Just like dresses, not all belts are created equal. Here’s how to pick the right one for your shape:

If You’re Petite

Avoid super wide belts—they can cut your body in half and make you look shorter. Instead, go for something slim or medium-width and belt at your natural waistline to elongate your frame.

If You’re Curvy

Stretch belts are your best friend. They hug your curves without digging in and create a smooth silhouette. Try belting slightly above your natural waist (right under the bust) for a flattering empire waist effect.

If You’re Tall

You can pull off a wide belt with ease. It’s a great way to define your waist and break up a long torso.

If You Carry Weight in the Middle

Try a belt in the same color as your dress to create a more streamlined look. Belting too tightly can emphasize the tummy area, so keep it snug but not cinched.

Where to Place Your Belt for the Most Flattering Look

Here’s the part that can make or break the whole look: belt placement. You’d be surprised how much of a difference it makes.

At the Natural Waist

This is the narrowest part of most bodies and where a belt tends to be most flattering. It draws the eye to your waist and helps create that hourglass illusion.

Empire Waist (Just Below the Bust)

If you’re trying to elongate your legs or draw attention away from your stomach, belting just under the bust can be incredibly flattering.

Low on the Hips

This is more of a boho look and works well with loose or tiered dresses. It’s not for everyone, but it can be a fun change from the usual.

My Favorite Ways to Style a Belted Dress

I’ve tried just about every belting trick in the book over the years, and these are a few of my go-to ways to wear a belt with a dress.

1. Belt Over a Blazer or Cardigan

This is one of my favorite ways to dress up a casual dress. Just throw on a cardigan or blazer and belt over the top. It instantly adds structure and makes the whole outfit feel more polished.

2. Add a Belt Bag

Yes, they’re back! Belt bags (the modern-day fanny pack) are not only practical, they also add interest to your waistline. Look for one in leather or a neutral tone so it feels elevated. You can find some of my favorites here.

3. Match It to Your Shoes or Bag

This is a simple way to make your outfit feel cohesive. If your belt matches your shoes or purse, it pulls everything together without being too “matchy-matchy.”

4. Use a Scarf as a Belt

If you’re not ready to commit to a traditional belt, try tying a scarf around your waist. It’s a softer look and adds a pop of color or pattern.

Mistakes to Avoid When Belting a Dress

We’ve all had belting mishaps—myself included. Here are a few things to watch out for:

• Belting too low and cutting off your leg line
• Using a bulky belt on a lightweight fabric (it can drag the whole dress down)
• Over-cinching, which can create bulges or highlight areas you’re trying to smooth out
• Belting too high if you have a long torso—it can make your proportions look off

If in doubt, take a look in the mirror from all angles and snap a quick photo. Sometimes that’s the best way to tell if the belt is helping or hurting the overall look.

Where to Shop for Great Belts

If your belt drawer could use a little love, here are a few great ones that will look great with dresses, skirts, pants, or shorts!

This woven leather belt adds just the right amount of texture to any dress. The braided design means you can fasten it anywhere, so it works for all kinds of waistlines—whether you’re belting high, low, or somewhere in between.

If you want to really define your waist, a corset-style belt is a great option!! It’s wide, dramatic, and perfect for adding shape to oversized dresses or making a simple outfit look a little more fashion-forward.

I love the look of this perforated belt! It would be especially cute with floral or eyelet dresses, but you could totally wear it with jeans or your favorite denim shorts, too!

This set is such a good value! These stretchy belts are comfortable, easy to wear, and give you options—black, tan, and a neutral tone so you can match just about anything in your closet. Perfect for belting shirt dresses or flowy styles when you want to add definition!

Just look at how cute this woven belt is! It would be sooo pretty styled with a dress for vacation. Just add a pair of wedges and a raffia handbag!

This belt brings a little bit of Western flair to your wardrobe. It would be gorgeous paired with a denim or boho style dress. You could even pair it with a cowboy boot!

These belts come in a pack of three, and each one features a sleek gold buckle that instantly pulls your look together. I love that you get all three for under $25—it’s such a great deal! The design is simple and classic, so they’ll stay in your wardrobe season after season.

Each time you share my posts on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM, YOUTUBE, AND FACEBOOK, it not only helps other ladies who might be style-challenged find my blog, but it also strengthens our community. Furthermore, I appreciate every one of you and consider you a friend.

Are You One Of The GURLS?

You’ll receive a daily email reminder from me, keeping you updated when a new blog post goes live. In addition, a “special” email might occasionally pop into your inbox, so definitely keep an eye out for those!

To GOD Goes The Glory!

Verse Of The Day

1 Corinthians 3:16 (NIV)
¹⁶ Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?