Shanya Gottshalk, Gleaner Writer
( L - R ) 1, 2, 3 - photos by Ian Allen/Staff Photographer
Waist belts are the must-have fashion accessory for this summer. Last season saw the thinner belts slung low on the hips of a pair of jeans. Since then, belts have steadily inched their way up the waist.
The season's belts are cinching the waist of the most feminine dresses, both full and body skimming, and dressy tops.
In the 1920s and '30s, waist belts were a fashion mainstay. They then disappeared and came back in the 1960s and then back again as one of the hottest trends for 2006.
Whether dressing up or dressing down an outfit, waist belts can be worn on any occasion from casual to high-end fashion events. Waist belts are the best way to complete a look.
Sporting the champion belts over dresses creates an instant hourglass effect. The belted dress shows off knock-out curves and transforms boyish figures into supermodel shapes.
The rest of the accessories must be kept to a minimum.
A long necklace and simple sandals, pumps or boots are most appropriate to be worn with waist belts.
1. At the recently-concluded Caribbean Fashionweek, this Keneea Linton design featured the cinched waist.
2. Combining the waist belt and this double-layered baby-doll dress makes a bold statement.
3. Waist belt accesorises a Bohemian style dress and brown buckled waist belt accesorises well with this blue and brown
outfit.
