Just because it is winter doesn't mean you have to feel frumpy in your clothes. Stay warm while keeping your shape by cinching your shirt or cardigan with a belt. Wearing a belt over an outfit or a dress is an easy way to polish off your look.
Just look at this top without a belt, 
and the many ways you can finish this look with a belt:
Some ideas on choosing a belt for you:
1. Try it on in the store as you intend to wear it. Everyone has a different shape and so it is important to try it on in the store. Furthermore, you may wear a skinny belt over a shirt and cardigan, but you'd probably wear a thick belt over something like a black dress. Think about how you'll wear it and try it on right there in the store.
2. Find the right belt position for your shape. Here is a guide from YouLookFab.com: Sometimes your sweet spot will be a little higher than your natural waistline and sometimes a little lower. When you’re regular bust size and carrying a little extra around the midriff, positioning a belt just above the waistline is usually the sweet spot. When you’re short-waisted and well endowed, positioning a belt lower than the waistline in front and at waist level in the back is often the solution. If you’re long wasited, wearing a belt high on the natural waist is usually most effective.
This is so true. I'm short and of average weight, and I've always been afraid of belts over maxi dresses or tops because I thought they would draw attention to my waist or make me look shorter. But with a little bit of practice, I found my "sweet spot" and a way to make it work for me.
4. Use a belt for texture. If you're afraid of wearing a belt, try layering a cardigan or open sweater over it. It will not draw so much attention to your waist, but rather add texture and dimension to your outfit.
5. Look for elastic. Belts can be uncomfortable for some people, so try one that is adjustable or has elastic.
6. Avoid knits and stick with woven fabrics under your belt. Structured woven fabrics like button-down shirts will help you avoid that unsightly "spill-over" that you might get with a knit.
7. Experiment with fabrics, textures, and sizes. Think outside the box-sometimes a pretty silk scarf works great as a belt. As a matter of fact, the first lady fashioned a JCrew scarf into a belt and wore it over her coat at the recent inauguration. Check your closet and see what you can do with your belts and scarves. Or, pop in to Honeysuckle and try on some of ours!
Photographs from Honeysuckle Quality Consignment
Advice from youlookfab.com and lovelyish.com
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