Summer is approaching and nothing’s better than COLORS!

More is more this season – choose vibrant colors for a truly standout look!

Whether you’re going out with your husband, or on a “first time” date, or getting together with your girl friends- you want to look and feel your best.  The “what do I wear?” question will pass through your head more often than not.

We found great date-night outfit inspiration from these stunning women. From a romantic shimmer dress, to a classic black jumpsuit, to flirty ruffled versions to off-the-shoulders tops, there’s one look that will work no matter what your personal style is.

Every February and September following the runway shows in New York and in Europe my design team and I sit down to review major trends that will be taking place for the year ahead.  Not because we’re a trendy belt line but because we need to know what “canvas” or clothing we’ll be designing belts to pair with. Will women be wearing more boxy silhouettes, tailored apparel, pantsuits, etc.

White may be a neutral color you can wear with practically everything in your wardrobe – but its actually a tricker color than we think.  And its surprisingly hard to wear right especially once you start considering your body shape and type. 

You can turn your ordinary outfits into extraordinary ensembles simply by pulling in accessories that make a big statement.  Belts are one of those magical accessories that have the power to transform a basic jean + shirt look AND to create a desired silhoutte (think, accentuate your waist and give you curves).   A little inspiration of exactly how to do this – can go a long ways, I get it.  So, I selected four fashionistas and bloggers to share with you how they are using belts to turn a good outfit into a GREAT outfit.

Let’s get started – and feel free to pin any of the photos for instant inspo next time you’re picking out your outfit!  🙂

Fashion week(s) season is a very exciting time for me.  I take a few hours off from my regular crazy work schedule and I’m glued to my computer screen.  This is the time to get my creative juices flowing.

Fashion Week

I’m inspired by all the color, the artistic presentation of the shows and all the gorgeous fabrics and designs.  I’m looking at all the detail in every show- from hair and makeup to what shoes the models are wearing.

I closely study all the apparel that I could see my customers wearing.  If these pieces make it to stores, what belts can I design to take these pieces from pretty to stunning?

We’re always turning to the fabulous queen of street style, Olivia Palermo, for our latest fashion inspiration on chic, elegant and pulled together looks. She is our “it” girl for making runway to street style come together and most importantly understands the power of the waist-cinching wonder like no one else. From figure flattering to fixing styling woes to giving her outfit personality and charm – Olivia uses belts as the finishing touch to her fall outfits.

Since we’re heading to colder months, this could be the perfect time to start experimenting with this often overlooked accessory. Take a look how the style star wears her belts.

Street style has become just as major as the runway shows themselves – and many of us are following fashion mavens and bloggers to see what they’re wearing and how they’re wearing it.  I showed you my favorite fall 2016 trends and how they were worn on the runway – and now let’s dive deep into street style fashion …and see how your fall outfit can be taken up a notch.

Burgundy has been a hot color for fall since 2012 when the shade oxblood broke out as the seasons signature color.  And it looks like it will continue strong for fall 2016.  It’s an easy color to wear and even a touch of the color gives your outfit richness and sophistication. I love the idea to mix different shades of burgundy together, pair it with an unexpected powder blue or wear it from head to toe in a monochromatic look.  By adding a belt, these looks have become more cohesive, flattering and polished.

This muted fall orange, that pantone calls Pumpkin Spice is  a rich tone for fall.   I loved to see how its being incorporated with black, white and print in the images above… but…that little belt is tying together the entire look.

Leopard print has become a staple for fall and you’ll want to keep it classy and sassy. There are many great tips out there for wearing leopard and I think one of the key things is to wear the print and not let it wear you.  You can mix leopard print with other neutrals, or prints and then unify a seamless look with a solid belt.  Choosing the right belt will depend on the color of print, your outfit and your body type.  However, the one belt and color you can always count on for every body and outfit – is the classic ADA Wrap belt in black or tan.

How do you give your seasons-old coat a fresh new look?  Add an ADA belt.  Every year I get a call or email from a customer excited to tell me that she personalized her coat and added shape to her puffer jacket with one of our belts.  And its true, ditching the generic belt your coat comes with and adding your own leather belt to it – will get you excited!  It’ll give your coat a pop of luxe and stand you out from the crowd.

I couldn’t be more excited for the pant suit trend!!  I think they are sharp, chic, sophisticated and I love them.  BUT even the best tailored suits can look boxy and too masculine.  Adding a belt high on the waist can define your figure and make you look slimmer, pulled together and more feminine.  Here are my favorite pant suit belts options.

A beautiful flowy dress worn under a coat, sweater or shirt – can look very frumpy.  And if that’s not the look you’re going for – a quick easy fix is a waist-cinching belt.  Many women know how to wear belts with pants or over a coat but not quite sure how to wear them with a dress.  Choosing the right belt for your body is important and I have a great video, “A belt for every body” showing you how to wear a belt for your body type.  Good news is – the ADA Wrap Belt is a belt for every body.