How to Belt a Dress for a Flattering Shape Over 50
If there’s one accessory I think every woman should have in her wardrobe, it’s a good belt. I know, belts might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you’re trying to pull together a flattering outfit—but hear me out. Adding a belt to a dress can completely change the way it fits, frames your figure, and makes you feel. Today, I’m showing you how to belt a dress and tips to make the process easier.
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?
good looks
😊 You wear blue so well!
😊Thanks for some great suggestions!
; ) Thanks for the ideas
😊thank you so much for these belt tips!!
😊 I haven’t worn a belt in years but they look lovely on you. Thanks for the info for all shapes and sizes!
🙂 I am just not happy with myself wearing a belt.
🙂 I like dresses in the summer! Like the blue color
🙂 I like a little color on my nails
Found it! Belts are a good accessory to have.
😊. Nice belts
🙂
This is fantastic advice. Thank you so much for including tips for us curvy, petite and tummied gurls!!!!
🙂 found it. I’m not a belt wearer but they great on you.
🙂 Really liked the white dress withbthe black belt and the blue dress with the white belt. The contrast really shows off your waistline and looks great!
Found it 🙂 If I wore belts, I would choose the straw one, very nice.
😊Found it. Not many belts are my friends but I’m working on it.
🙂 The fedora hat looks adorable on you
😀 I’m a dress girl for sure. I bought a set of stretchy belts from Amazon l last year that you recommended. I use them all the time!
😊 the fedora is so cute! Love that whole outfit and you look great in it.
☺️ I really like the multi colored pants. Since I am only 5 foot I tend. to stay away from midi length dresses but they all look great on you.
🙂 Found it! Such a wonderful array of belts that you have selected for us!!
I’ve lost a few pounds and my dresses and jeans don’t seem to fit. But I don’t want to invest in a whole new closet as I’m still loosing weight. Belts are becoming my new friends. 🙂
😍
That denim dress with belt & boots is totally working!! Love it!
😄. Since loosing 40 lbs I am embracing belts more!!
😊. I have that same set of stretch belts; they go with EVERYTHING! Best purchase for sure.
🙂 found it
I love all the belts you showed today and you look really lovely with the dresses. I get natural nail color from time to time and every time I do I wish I did a bright color. haha that being said I love your new nail color.
😉 Love the added versatility that belts bring dresses!
🙂 Belts on dresses always seem to ride up.
:} Thanks for the info!
😊 I dont usually wear belts. Very helpful post, may rethink wearing them! Love the white tiered dress!
😊 timely post. I haven’t worn a belt in years because I haven’t been tucking my shirt in. I have been wearing a lot of tunics because of my size. with my recent weight loss, I am thinking about belts again. I still have some weight in my stomach but am also short so I was in a dilemma. this info has been very helpful 👍
Love it. 😊
😀. Thanks for the belt tips, Tania. Very helpful!
😊 I love the blue tiered dress!
🙂
Thank you . This was so helpful!
😊 I have always loved belts. I just am too lazy to wear them. I agree with the advice you gave.
🙂 I like the first one but I don’t look good in hats. When I’m shopping with my sister she makes me try on different ones so she can laugh at me!
😁great blog today, need to dig out my belts stashed away!
🙂
I never know how to style a belt, do this post is teally helpful
☺️ I used to love a good belt when my waist was smaller. I have the three pack from Amazon.
🙂 Great post! Thanks for all the belt selections.
😊Love the variety of belts!
😊These are some really good tips! Thanks!
🙂cute belts. Usually wear neutral nails unless special occasion. Pedi is a different story. Love color.
This was great info. I have a hard time making belts look right on me so this will help. Btw- the black and white outfit with the hat is adorable on you. 🙂
😊. Like all the choices
FOUND IT
Found it! 🙂 You look cute and sassy in that denim dress!
😊Good tips!
🙂 I’m going to try the woven belt set.
😀 cute looks. Finding belts can be a challenge. Good options
Traci
Good information on belts. Who knew there were so many different ways to wear them? Found it:)
🙂I am curvy so good to know that a stretch belt is my best choice. Thank you!
Stretch belts are wonderful!
😊 I love the woven belts for summer!
🙂 I don’t wear belts because of my flabby middle. I like the neutral polish. That is what I usually go with.
🙂 found it. I’m not crazy about belts because I have more of an apple shaped body and I find it draws attention to my waist. But it does look great on other ladies.
I have the above stretchy belts & love them! Great blog… found it. 🙂
🙂thanks for the helpful info
🙂 Sandy Sorrells
Love all the posts today!!
😃 belts…hmm. I’m not sure on my apple shape. I may go slow on this. Never say never, though.
😊 Thanks for sharing this information.
🙂 have been looking for new belts, good suggestions!
🙂
Found it 🙂 The woven straw belt seems to be a versatile accessory.
😊 love the Jean dress! It would be fun to wear to a concert.
😀 These are some good choices for belts.
🙂 Found it
😊
Good article and it gave me something to think about with the clothes I already have in my closet.
found it
🙂 Great options. Thanks!
I like your nail color. I do both color and neutral polish. I think it’s nice to change it up once in a while.
😊 I have several different types of belts. I really struggle to style them. Thanks for the ideas!
😊. I like the belts and the way you styled them. Belts can really change the way an outfit looks!
🙂 you look fabulous in every outfit! 🩷
😊 just got a woven stretch belt. It helps make the outfit complete!
I like the idea of belting a blazer, and matching the belt to the bag. Thank you.
🙂
🙂 I am not much of a belt person. I am petite and they sometimes cut me in half.
🙂belt tips are good
😊
Great post today. I purchased the trio of stretchy belts last week and love them.
🙂 The white dress with black trim was just lovely and you looked so great in the denim.
Belts aren’t usually part of my outfit, but I like the ones you have shown. 🙂
; )
FOUND IT🙂! I never wear belts because I am petite and I feel a belt makes me look even shorter.
🙂 I do like the way about can elevate an outfit. I have the raffia stretchy belts from Amazon, but I think they are a little too tight and need to order a larger size than what I normally wear.
😀 perfect timing ! I have been trying to figure out how to style my maxi dresses that seem so full. I am 5’1 and busty so they make me look pregnant. I will try a belt which has never been an accessory I use.
🙂 I haven’t worn belts in years so this post gave me some style tips to think about.
😉I’ve found great belts at Chico’s.
☺️The white dress is beautiful!
🙂 Love a belted dress! So flattering!
I made a last minute belt decision for my Easter dress. There was too much fabric volume for my shorter frame. I added a stretch belt and it made the dress look so much better.
🙂 you wear a belt well.
🙂 found it! I always used a shade of rose on my nails until about 6 months ago, and went red. It’s interesting the reactions I get to red nails. I am not a neutral nail girl. Love the belt options you listed. Have a blessed week!
😊
Like the 3-pack belt deals from Amazon.
: )
Cute belt ideas
found it!
love that blue tiered dress! The belt really makes a difference!
🙃 didn’t find it
😊I have belts in the basic colors plus silver. I’m considering adding a raffia this year. I find the belts from Talbots are made well and stand the test of time.
Thus was a super helpful article. I’ve never known how to wear a belt or which kind to wear!
🙂 Nice belts and great tips for wearing them!