Style

Belt up! (or How to create a waist)

Welcome back to the Velvet Runway and this post about How to Create a waist, including my top ten tips to create the illusion of an hourglass figure.

I bought this dress at the end of the Summer sales and, of course, didn’t bother to try it on! I mean, it would obviously fit – right? Well, it did fit, but that didn’t stop me looking like a sack of potatoes!

How to create a waist

What I had completely forgotten to take into account was the fact that this style does not flatter my body shape at all! So, no problem, I thought, I’ll just take it back – but had completely forgotten that the return period for sales items is shorter. So, determined to make the best of a bad situation, I decided to ‘belt up’ and add one of my favourite belts!

Read on for a photo of me looking like a sack of potatoes (not something I’m keen to share but I had to make the point) and some ideas for how to create/ fake a waist.

Belt up! (or How to create a waist)

So, hopefully, you can see a difference between the two photos! On the left, although I really like the background, I look like a sack of potatoes and on the right, hopefully, marginally better and there is an illusion of a waist.

Anyway, I decided that this was good enough to go, so there are a lot more pictures of me in Bruges (suitably belted up), and at the end there are my top ten ideas/ tips for how to create a waist.

Belt up
How to create a waist
Create a waist
Belt-up
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Wear a belt
Ten tips to create a waist
Belt
How to create a waist
Belt
How to create a waist
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How to fake a waist
Wear a Belt
How to create a waist
How to create a waist
Belt

Ten tips to create the illusion of an hourglass figure

A belt is the obvious solution to create the illusion of a waist, as it emphasises your hour-glass curves! Some stylists insist that wearing a wide belt can actually draw attention to the area you are trying to minimise, and while I agree with the theory, I find that wide belts work for me in practice and are my simple solution to the ‘fake a waist’ problem!

But there are a number of other tricks you can try, and here are my top ten tips to create the illusion of an hourglass figure :

1    Wear high-waisted trousers, jeans or pencil skirts. A waistband that sits above the hips will not only accentuate your waist, but also make your legs look longer, and if you really want to elongate your appearance, wear heels to give the impression of legs for days!

2   Wear a wrap dress. This style is super flattering on most body shapes as the cross-over front creates the illusion of a beautifully defined waist. The wrap dress was first created by Diane von Furstenberg in 1973, who famously claimed, “I never had a waist and certainly don’t have one now.”  One featuring a fun pattern will also take attention away from the areas you’re looking to conceal, but be wary of a too bold pattern as it will be easily identifiable as having been worn before! Also, be careful to pick a good quality fabric (and make sure that it is the right size) as anything thin and flimsy will reveal unwanted lumps and bumps! 

3    Wear a fitted jacket that nips in at the waist. A structured jacket will draw attention to your narrowest point and elongate your silhouette, as well as making your outfit stand out! One of my favourite looks is a structured blazer with jeans.

4   Wear a peplum top – as this top is designed to flare out from the waist, it will make your middle (ie. waist) appear smaller. Similarly, an A-line skirt and a ‘fit and flare’ dress will have the same effect.

5    Look out for tops and dresses that have twists and ruches on the waistline ( but not on the stomach area!). Ruching creates an illusion of a more curvy figure whilst also hiding lumps and bumps under the draping of the material. 

6    Clever color panelling – look for dresses with darker side panels which will give the impression of a beautifully slim waist.  Some dresses have a darker band down the sides, sometimes just at the waist area and this is perfect for creating an optical illusion for  a smaller waistline as the contrasting darker colours down the side of the dress will give the illusion of a slim, hourglass figure.

7   Use stripes wisely – wearing vertical stripes around your mid-section can create the illusion of a slimmer waist, although horizontal stripes should be avoided in this area. You can also wear draping scarves and shawls to create the same illusion.

8 Try off-the shoulder tops. This trend could be your new best friend for creating the illusion of a slimmer waist. As it draws a horizontal line across your chest and arms it gives the impression that this area is significantly wider and therefore makes your waist look smaller by comparison and when worn with a flared or A-line skirt, it creates a perfectly balanced hourglass shape.

9  Wear a lower neckline, especially a deep V neckline, which will make your upper body appear longer and draw attention towards your face.

10 If all else fails, then use jewellery to draw attention elsewhere! For example, wear a statement necklace or earrings to draw attention to your upper body.

I hope you enjoyed this feature about How to Create a waist, and have a look here for more of our style features.

If you enjoyed this feature, I would really appreciate it if you would share it. You can do this by saving any of the images to your Pinterest board or clicking on one of the icons below the post to share to Twitter, Facebook or Linked’In, and you can also share it by email to just one person (or more) by clicking on the email icon below.

I will be back soon with more style, lifestyle and travel inspiration and don’t forget to subscribe to the blog below to make sure you never miss a post,

 

With love,

148 Comments

  1. You look so good in this outfit….best outfits for you….nice collection…

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you

  2. Awuor Mading deng says:

    You look really good in this dress, i love adding belts to my clothes. Thanks for the tips.

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you for reading! xoxo

  3. Kristine says:

    I love the idea behind this post. It is definitely a great way to add some extra shape to your bod!

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Kristine 🙂

  4. You look great! Love the belt.
    Obsessed Fashion Blog

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Eugenia xo

  5. How clever and fabulous is that!
    A belt, can indeed work wonders, I use them often, too.
    Great post and gorgeous shoes and floral dress!
    xx, Elle
    http://www.theellediaries.com/blog/

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Elle! xx

  6. Sheela Goh says:

    My waistline and I have a love/hate relationship, mostly hate, I confess, and I don’t own a single belt. It just feels so restrictive, you know, although I’d be the last one to deny the positive impact of creating a waistline 🙂 I think for now, though, I’ll stick with admiring how lovely other women look with their belted numbers, like you, Julia.

    On the blog today, I’m tackling something literally “borrowed from the boys”, i.e., an item of clothing I took from my husband’s wardrobe. Come on over and see how I (and four other women of all ages) styled pieces we, ahem, borrowed from the men in our lives.

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Sheela! Will definitely check this post out 🙂

  7. Such a lovely, feminine look! 🙂
    xx

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Marta! 🙂

  8. looking gorgeous all pics are great
    http://thestyleride.com/

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Mahi xx

  9. Priscilla says:

    Lovely dress and great tips!

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Priscilla xx

  10. Floortje says:

    You look gorgeous in this dress dear!

    Xx,

    || FLOORTJELOVES ||

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Floortje xx

  11. Sweet Poppy says:

    You are so pretty <3

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Aw, thank you so much x

  12. Louann Kristy says:

    eep thank you for the tips on how to ‘belt up’. 🙂 I tend to always buy belts and then seldom use them. I think cause I never have anything to pair them with.

    Guess it’s time to go shopping. 😀

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thanks Louann! I have a cupboard full of belts, but always wear the same ones! 🙂

  13. Lovely post, these pictures are so beautiful, I really do like using a belt to create a waist 🙂

    Rosy

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Rosy 🙂

  14. I am all for waist belts! Great post!

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Dora xx

  15. i use this technique too julia and its very flattering! those are great tips to use as well and i so love this ditsy print dress on u!
    http://www.thestyletune.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Chichi xx

  16. Zorica says:

    Pretty surroundings for pictures
    Lovely outfits
    xx
    https://theonethattravels.wordpress.com/

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Zorica xx

  17. Belting up is one of my favourites, it’s such an easy and fun way to style an outfit. Have a lovely weekend 🙂

    tipscapsule.blogspot.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Trishna! I agree it’s such an easy way to add detail 🙂

  18. Carina says:

    Nice post!

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you!

  19. I totally use this trick as well! I wear a belt around my waist to cinch my waist to give the illusion of a more feminine silhouette. You’re looking lovely here in the dress.

    xoxo
    http://www.atsunamatsui.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Atsuna xx

  20. Belts are so great for creating shape!! I also love peplum! 🙂

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Joti! 🙂

  21. This outfit is so cute! The belt looks like it goes with the dress so well! xx

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Erica xx

  22. Darlene says:

    This is such a great advice Julia and the difference of wearing the belt and not are so big! Great job on choosing the ensembles of your outfit. I super love the touch of blue

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Darlene xoxo

  23. Melisa says:

    gorgeous dress!

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Melisa x

  24. I adore this outfit on you Julia! you look so beautiful. The belt add so much to the dress and the whole outfit I find it perfect.

    Xx, Gina

    http://www.artsyrunway.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Gina xx

  25. Your dress is so pretty and it looks great belted! These are great tricks on creating the illusion of a waist!

    Jill
    Doused In Pink

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Jill xoxo

  26. SABRINA TAN says:

    Great way to style the belt!! love it!!

    xo SABRINA

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Sabrina xo

  27. i love belts, this is such a great look, hope you have a lovely day xx

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Jasna xx

  28. Love a good belted look like this, lady!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Ashley xoxo

  29. Great article. Thanks!

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you!

  30. Thanks for sharing! I found these tips helpful because there has definitely been times where I loved a certain dress but it was too drapy and long and made me look like I didn’t have a waist.

    http://WWW.MARIANNYC.COM

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Mariann! I’m glad you found the tips helpful!

  31. These are some great tips as I am not someone who has a naturally tiny waist. I love high waisted anything 🙂 xx

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you! Me too! 🙂

  32. A waist belt can really do much for the waistline visually, creating a flattering effect! You look so beautiful in your outfits with your belt, which is beautiful by the way! Thanks so much for sharing and I hope you have the best week ahead, beauty!

    XO,

    Jalisa
    http://www.thestylecontour.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Jalisa xo

  33. Lashout says:

    You are lucky that you have such a great weather. You look great how you accessorised the dress.

    xoxo

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much xoxo

  34. Loving all these tips to create that coveted waist. I love belting everything- dresses, jackets, ponchos – you name it I’ll belt it lol. Loving how you belted your floral dress! So chic!

    xoxo Rina
    http://www.andshedressed.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Rina! I love belting too! xoxo

  35. Such a cute look. Love the pops of blue.
    xoxo, Rachel

    http://www.rachelvogttrends.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Rachel xoxo

  36. Isabel Robertson says:

    Stunning photos! I love how you styled this look!

    Bella x

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Bella x

  37. joel moore says:

    Loving this dress with those heels 🙂

    xx

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Joel 🙂

  38. These are awesome tips, need to try the colour panelling tip.

    xo
    http://www.carinavardie.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Carina xo

  39. Thank you, nice read.

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you x

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Eleine xx

  40. Love how you accentuated your waist with a belt! Great dress too!
    Happy Monday, love!
    xoxo, Vanessa
    http://www.WhatWouldVWear.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Vanessa xoxo

  41. Thanks for the tips pretty! You look fab! I love your outfit.

    http://www.tessyonyia.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Tessy 🙂

  42. I think this dress looks amazing on you! Good idea with the belt. It’s such a pretty print.

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much xx

  43. Love the idea!!
    xx
    Mónica Sors
    MES VOYAGES À PARIS

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Monica xx

  44. Lovely post! xx

    moorizZLA

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you xx

  45. I love the way you styled your floral dress and this high waist belt. You look so lovely and chic and, please, not a sack of potatoes… 🙂

    xoxo
    http://www.bellezzefelici.blogspot.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Elena xx

  46. Angelie Pangilinan says:

    Love this style tip! And I love your shoes too! 🙂

    Angelie

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Angelie 🙂

  47. How absolutely pretty! Love the dress! =)

    – Cielo
    Mermaid in Heels

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Cielo 🙂

  48. This belt is so pretty with this dress and I love the blues you’ve added with the scalloped edge jacket, shoes, etc. Beautiful view in those photos, too!

    Carrie
    curlycraftymom.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Carrie! Bruges is such a pretty place xx

  49. The belt totally made a difference. That dress is stunning by the way and so are your pictures. You look radiant.

    http://fashionablyidu.com/

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much xx

  50. molly says:

    Such great tips! Love it 🙂

    Xx
    Molly

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Molly xx

  51. I love cinching loose shirts and dresses with belts to accentuate my small waist! Love how you styled your belt and you look fab babe xo, sharon

    http://www.stylelullaby.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Sharon!

  52. Oh very cute style
    Lovely coordinate.

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you 🙂

  53. Camila says:

    I am loving this outfit Julia, you look so gorgeous. I also like to wear a belt to accentuate the waist. I am so obsessed with those blue heels!

    Camila,
    My Vogue Style

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Camila!

  54. i love this post! i hope you’re having an amazing day 🙂

    mfashionfreak♥blog

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Milhaela 🙂

  55. Mathilde says:

    Lovely outfit, I love the belt, it makes the dress even better.

    xoxo from Paris

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Mathilde! I couldn’t be without a belt xx

  56. Violette says:

    I love how you belted this dress! Love the floral print!

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Violette xx

  57. I love wearing belts so much! They’re so great for definition, lower necklines also work wonders! xx

    eleanorclaudie.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much for reading. I agree lower necklines are a great idea too! xx

  58. Very nice tips my dear! You look gorgeous in this dress and for sure looks better with a belt 🙂

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Alice 🙂

  59. Such a classy outfit. Loving the pops of blue and those shoes are gorgeous!

    Ann-Marie | http://facetocurls.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Ann-Marie xoxo

  60. I love how you first of all look stunning in this dress despite it being a fail purchase from the start, but that just goes to show that with some creativity (and skills) you can change things to the better. I also love the “before” pic as we all know how beautiful you are, but that dress totally wasn’t you UNTIL you belted up and now you can wear it with pride! 🙂
    Great job sweetie!
    xoxo
    Thomas

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thanks so much Thomas! xoxo

  61. Great tips! I love adding a belt to a dress to add definition to my waist. My waist is the smallest part of me, so it’s something I want to highlight! You did a great job of that by accessorizing with a fun belt! I love that dress with the blue sweater 🙂

    Stephanie // SheSawStyle.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Stephanie xx

  62. Wow! You look beautiful <3 lovely dress 🙂
    http://anna-and-klaudia.blogspot.com/

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much 🙂

  63. Sophie says:

    It’s great you didn’t take it back. It’s lovely with the belt on. Nice tips too.

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Sophie! In the end, I was glad I didn’t take it back too xx

  64. Love the belting trick! It makes everything look so much chicer. Have a lovely weekend! <3

    Andreea,
    http://couturezilla.com/

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Andreea xoxo

  65. You’re looking so pretty in this floral print dear.

    xoxo
    http://atsunamatsui.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Atsuna xx

  66. Dear Julia, I love your blog and this post 🙂 You look absolutely gorgeous in this dress and how you paired it is perfect, thank you for sharing these loving pictures!
    xoxo, Hadasah
    http://www.styletolove.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Hadasah xx

  67. So pretty look!
    Have a nice evening!
    Photographer Gil Zetbase
    http://www.gilzetbase.com/

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Gil xo

  68. I think you are right on when it comes to adding a belt for a more flattering fit. Love these photos and this gorgeous dress you are wearing!

    http://www.kathrineeldridge.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Kathrine! I would be lost without my belt collection 🙂

  69. kenza says:

    Great advices ! And I like how flowery the dress is. 🙂

    I often have the same problem : buying thing without trying them.

    Kenza

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Kenza! It always seems a good idea at the time 🙂

  70. Looking good as always.

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much xx

  71. Siffat Haider says:

    You look so fab with a waist-cincing belt!
    xo
    Siffat
    http://icingandglitter.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Siffat xoxo

  72. The pictures are wonderful, beautiful outfit! I love to wear wrap dresses!

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Darina xx

  73. Such a great post, with many advise and tip how to create a waist. I’m really glad to see you more better with the waist ;)) …no more potato sacks, lol!
    Xx Eva ?

    http://www.themermaidfashion.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Eva xx

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