From the stunning Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s to Hollywood sweetheart Kirsten Dunst, everyone seems to be in love with the luxurious and easy-to-wear belted dresses that till today are a haute favourite. And there seems to be a revival of sorts as many style gurus are giving these old classics a timeless twist by making them new-age and workable.
Sanjay Sahni, managing director of the label Ritu Wears, says that belted dresses are back in vogue, in fact they have been all-timers. “For women who are lean, broad belted dresses can be worn a bit high so that it gives them volume, and makes them look less thin, and women who are broader and healthier can wear it on their low-waist tucking in the extra bulk, so that their waist looks thinner and takes all the attention away from their waistline. Colourful belts in a single colour dress always give a great look. There is always a belt for every dress and every body type, may it be a free flowing chiffon dress, which can be teamed well with a mid-width belt with bows and butterflies, to a punk rock look with a thicker width and more embellishments,” he adds.
A classic with contemporary interpretation as the little accessory can give a whole new look to your attire and add a lot of zing to it. “Belted dresses not only give you a very stylish look, but also adds substance to your dress as well as functionality to the ensemble. Belted dresses are very much in fashion and surely give you the desired cosmopolitan look. Also, you can turn a simple dress or top into a trendy piece of envy by putting a belt to it,” says Rohan Bhargava, owner of Muah.
The beauty of this look is that it can accentuate your hourglass figure and give you complete freedom to move around in style. Now the focus is on the waist and all those diamond-flaunting divas, with toned bodies are lovin’ it. From interesting cinched waists by Dolce & Gabanna, fabulous Fendi, Azzedine Alaïa, Burberry Prorsum to a glittering tribute by Missoni, these little wonders are wooing fashionistas like nobody else.
This summer, a belted dress is one of the key styles, with options ranging from slim belts to wide cummerbunds, low slung to corseted high waist. “These belted dresses help justify strong themes like nautical stripes, military and safari, tough and tender,” adds Kunal Pant, head product and design of s.Oliver.