Saturday 12 February 2011

High Street Pick of the Week - The 2011 Style File

To belt or not to belt that is the question. Actually the feminine belt became a substitute for the corset. The corset created the shape of an outfit before the belt. Of course we all know Gok needs to lay off belting but it is a key style piece when it comes to dressing up an outfit. In short a belt or a ribbon or a scarf added to an outfit is aiming to create a focal point on the body.

Where to place a belt? The 3 points on the body are the empire line, the waist and the hips. In days of yore or costume drama terms the empire line is below the bust, top of ribs, think Jane Austen. Then the waist is the idealistic hour glass figure think Marilyn Monroe, or 50s pin up. Then the dropped waist or hips is the low slung belt option so beloved of the boho look that dominated in the early noughties but more importantly in current fashion terms the dropped waist look of the 1920s.

When it comes to recreating a 1930s or 1970s vibe then you have to think the chain belt. And you can wear it high, middle or low.

I've found this number at Reiss which ticks a lot of boxes in terms of creative and sumptuous detail for wide let trousers, a maxi skirt or jumpsuit. Part Ali, part Wallis it will be a wardrobe wonder!

Reiss 1971 Ellison chain detail belt £59
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17 comments:

  1. Sister Wolf12 February 2011 at 08:57

    YAY! I HAVE a chain belt! Thank god. Now I feel empowered to rock it.

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  2. Make Do Style12 February 2011 at 09:17

    Sister Wolf - Go go go!!

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  3. Reddest Roar12 February 2011 at 09:42

    Very nice. I love belts but always worry that you need a very defined waist. Gok does need to lay off the belting, though - and those bloody scarves round people's necks!!

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  4. teawithonesugarplease12 February 2011 at 10:21

    Oh yes the perfect thing to bring things up to date PS Champagne offer is on until 14 Feb so you can still stock up!

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  5. Christina @ Fashion's Most Wanted12 February 2011 at 11:29

    Dear Kate, oh I like that! I missed out on buying this great belt a few years ago it was like a 3D thing made of silver links with a bow on and I think it was by Sportmax. I would have kept it for years. I ditherered about it being £70 and they sold out.

    I'm so glad 70's catsuits are coming back, I have plenty.

    Have a great weekend xx

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  6. Cybill12 February 2011 at 12:05

    Don't knock the Gok!!
    I haven't worn a belt since 1984, I'm not sure I have plans to in the future.

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  7. Vix12 February 2011 at 12:51

    I've got lots of those chain belts, hoorah! xxx

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  8. CameronPoe240912 February 2011 at 12:57

    Thanks for the styling tips, I've bought a couple of belts over the past few months but needed a few ideas on how to wear them. PS you are right Gok does need to lay off the belts and refresh his styling outfits! xx

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  9. Fashionistable12 February 2011 at 16:08

    Sadly I dont do belts very well. They just never look right on me. Xxxx

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  10. Pearl Westwood12 February 2011 at 17:48

    Gok should be forced to wear a wide patent belt and a neck scarf for all eternity as pure punishment for making women look like airhostesses!!

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  11. Is This Real Life?12 February 2011 at 18:37

    Ah i love a chain belt, this one is very pretty! Great post!

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  12. annemarie12 February 2011 at 19:02

    who is Gok?

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  13. Alison Cross12 February 2011 at 21:57

    I don't like wearing belts (other than to keep my jeans up). Somehow, doesn't matter where I put it, it always serves to disappear under my bosom. I have a high waist and droopy boobs - rubbish combo for belts, lemme tell you!

    This is a very lovely belt though....

    Ali x

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  14. Alex12 February 2011 at 22:52

    I think I need some sort of belting masterclass. I'm so scared of them - I always think they look wrong on me.

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  15. Hannah13 February 2011 at 00:00

    Loveeee the belt x

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  16. Cybill13 February 2011 at 00:21

    annemarie - Gok is Gok Wan a fashion consultant/stylist you has a show called "how to look good naked" in which he helps build self-esteem and good clothing choices (or not so good according to the comments here).

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  17. Style At Every Age13 February 2011 at 09:18

    Sadly I can only wear a belt under the bust if I also wear a cardi or gilet, I miss belts so much since the middle aged spread arrived! As for Gok, bloody hell he is getting on my tits, the bloody outfits this week were vile, the chains on the shoes and the things he was sticking on shoulders, would cost a bloody fortune all in all!

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Thank you for commenting, much appreciated. Sorry about no longer offering anonymous comments but spamming had become a very annoying issue. xxx

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