Loose, flowy dresses are all the rave this summer. But, what if your dress is a bit too billowy?

The question…To belt, or not to belt?

I’ll use myself as a model to illustrate this point. I loved the color of this dress when I bought it, but it sat in my closet for almost a year before I figured out WHY I never wore it. Take a look:

I finally figured out this dress needed something…

BINGO…A BELT!

This belt works for me, because it defines my waist. And, as an accessory, It also adds a bit of interest to the outfit. Which belt do you like best?

Here are some other illustrations of non-belting vs. belting:

Now, a belt may not be for everyone. Here’s another example from H&M. This red dress came with a tie-belt. You can decide which looks better.

Here are two linen A-line dresses. You decide–to belt or not:

What can a belt do for you (and your outfit):

• Define your waist
• Create an empire waist (a fitted bodice that drapes under the bustline, rather than at the natural waistline)
• Add color, texture, or interest
• Help petite girls tame a billowy dress that can overwhelm a tiny frame (see below)

Deciding when to add (or delete) an accessory all comes down to personal preference. It’s about how you feel when you look in the mirror.

Tell us how you feel about belting vs. non-belting. (Come on, I showed you my photos–now I’d like your input, please.)