Best Corset Belts for Fall
Corset belts are an easy and inexpensive way to update your wardrobe for fall. This accessory can bring a lot of drama and style to older pieces in your closet, and it works on any body type. A corset belt can emphasize the curves of a voluptuous woman, or give a feminine silhouette to a more androgynous figure. And, since they come in so many styles, it's easy to find one in keeping with some of the hottest trends off the fall/winter 2011 runway.
Black Leather
Black leather is a very sexy and powerful look that was everywhere in fall's fashion shows, in looks varying from urban warrior, to kinky boudoir, to a continuation of last fall's punk inspired trends. Access your dark side with an extra wide lace up or buckle shiny corset belt. For a look that’s more rocker than dominatrix, choose a belt decorated with studs, grommets and hardware, and featuring heavy metal hardware.
Asian Influence
Many designers turned to the Far East for inspiration this season, so consider the corset belt's Asian cousin: the obi on a Japanese kimono. Many looks channeled the obi with wide belts in shiny, kimono like fabric, often attached around the middle with a silken tassel or painted with beautiful Eastern floral motifs. In addition to Asian textures and prints, a bold Chinese inspired color palette of bright red and gold will add spice to your wardrobe.
Western Wear
Western wear ruled the runway as evidenced by the plethora of plaids and flannels, as well as styles and silhouettes reminiscent of "Little House on the Prairie." Get the cowgirl look with a soft brown leather or suede belt with brass hardware, or choose a woven texture. Also consider belts featuring any kind of ethnic detailing, like embroidery, appliqué, or hand-tooled leather.
Shiny Texture
All kinds of gleaming and glittery textures were in evidence during fashion week. Sequins and paillettes covered dresses, skirts and tops. To avoid looking like a walking talking disco ball, limit your sparkle to your midsection, for a subtler but still eye-catching look. Shiny glamour was also represented in satin and metallic textiles, so a sophisticated shimmery belt could be a great way to up the wattage of your wardrobe.
Fashion for fall tended towards the conservative, with sleeves below the elbow and skirts well below the knee. Belts will be a great way to break up the shapes of a longer dress, or cinch the waist of this season's flowing mid-calf or floor length skirts. Corset belts will also look great under or even over the jacket of fall's many pant suits. Don't be afraid to take a risk. Fall is all about mixing and matching patterns and unexpected color combos. So, while a corset belt is a great way to add pizzazz to an otherwise drab outfit, see what you can get away with by using the accessory to pile on prints, clash colors, or add extra glitz to an already scintillating ensemble.
