Belting up in metal

Gold as an accessory in any form – be it earrings, nose-pins, bangles or toe-rings, has always been girls’ favourite. Even if the original gold is unaffordable, anything artificial that has a sheen like the precious metal also works. One such intriguing artificial accessory that has made lasses run after it is the ‘Golden metal belt’.

Like most of the fashion trends that start internationally, this metal waist belt caught everyone’s fancy when designer Elie Saab showcased in Fall Winter 2012. And in India, with designer Nikhil Thampi’s summer resort 2013 collection. Bollywood divas like Parineeti Chopra, Chitrangda Singh, Huma Qureshi, Kareena Kapoor, Esha Gupta and others are already flaunting those belts by teaming them up with long gowns or sheath dresses.

According to designers, belts which had a more functional and utilitarian role of a band to keep ill-fitting jeans, trousers or skirts in place have transformed into an accessory accentuating feminine curves, showing off slender waistlines and oozing style simultaneously.

“Belts crafted out of gold and silver have a superior, neat finish and make a statement,” says Bhavya Chawla, fashion stylist, Voonik.com. “It looks great on short dresses and long gowns as well as over jumpsuits. They can also be worn over tops and pencil-skirts paired together for a chic look or over flared long skirts. For a bold look, combine it with darker or brighter colours by providing contrast whereas for a classier look, combine with slightly lighter shades,” says Bhavya.

The stylist says, people with body shapes like round and triangular frames can go for these belts, but they must follow a few guidelines. “One is that they should wear the belt slightly loose. This will not draw negative attention to the body variation – such as a bigger tummy or broader hipline. Secondly, they can wear it on a dress and a blazer over it. This will definitely conceal the body flaws and make them look more proportionate,” says Bhavya.

“People with rectangular bodies will benefit by wearing this metal as it will give an illusion of a curvy waistline to the onlookers. Those with inverted triangular bodies should wear it with dresses that have bottom flare, which will make them more proportionate and closer to hourglass body shapes,” says the designer.
Get those belts and wear a different look.