The Wide Belt

So, I really love the wide belt look, but I'm not sure how I would
make it work with my frame. My waist length is average, but my waist
is positioned rather high. With a large chest, I thought the wide
belt was out, but I've seen Jennifer Hudson pull it off before and
look nice. One site advised a thin belt for hourglasses, but I find
that it just looks weird, maybe because it's out of proportion with
the rest of me. I feel like I could carry off the wide belt, but I'm
looking for tips on how to make it work with an outfit.
Thanks, Siepres


Like any other look, the Wide Belt takes trying on. I looked over Jennifer Hudson's pictures

Jennifer

and I was able to analyze some of the components of her successful look. She usually shows off a great deal of cleavage, and she uses the belt to create a slimmer torso effect. The belt (and I looked at dozens of photos) is usually black, or a darker color than the fabric above and below. Her bosom, torso and hips are in line with each other (not much differential there) and the belt separates the three elements visually. Notice, in the Dream Girls pic, how much more solid her look is, with the substantial bra fabric melting into the torso into the waist.

In many pictures that failed (I'll spare you) the bosom started out narrow at the neck (with a high neckline) and then separated into two halves which protruded on either side. Even the wide belt couldn't rescue that look. She looks better with a wider line above the bosom, and the angle of protrusion maintained forward, not sideways.

So, you may be able to incorporate some of the elements of this look. It requires a high bosom (which everyone should have, using the proper bra.) Note that the furthest point of the bosom is pulled up to midway on the upper arm, never down at the elbow. Some exposure of the bosom may be key; covering with a wide expanse of unbroken cloth, particularly in a solid, or a wild print, and particularly if the cloth is narrowest at the top (as in a a neckline that ties at the back of the neck) will be unflattering. If you don't want cleavage, you may be able to create this "break up" with another thin layer of shirt or sweater, like a vee neck cardi (in a darker, or contrasting color, with the belt over that. The belt must be darker than the other fabrics, and the lower half of the body should be in proportion to the upper.

The look is very sexy. Good luck!