Ask Belle: Belt It and Forget It

Dear Belle,

Thanks to Banana Republic, I have almost a dozen cotton wrap dresses.  I love wearing them, but I get really bored with just a navy dress and nude shoes all the time.  Suggestions?  I guess I could belt it, but I afraid it will look weird.

Sincerely, Snooze

While the wrap dress is a wardrobe staple, it is easy to get bored with it.  Luckily, the wrap dress is a versatile as it is practical.  And yes, you can add a belt if you choose the right kind.

Too often, women think that you can’t belt a wrap dress because it already has a belt/tie.  But as long as you choose a wide enough belt to cover the ties on your dress and won’t fit too tightly, you can create a pulled together look with minimal effort. 

Today, I’ll be using green accessories, because I love green and navy together, but you can try canary yellow, grey, red or pink.  The choices are virtually endless. 

Simulated Emerald Studs (GemAffair, $12)

Paul Smith Wrap Dress (Zappos, $172)

I prefer a flirty full skirt wrap for Summer.  There’s something about the way that it swishes when you walk that just makes it extra fun.

Elastic Bead Belt (Lou Lou, $25)

I really love the wood buckle on this belt, and it’s a great way to pull the green and navy together.  If you want to have a look at the rest of what Lou Lou has to offer, they just opened up a new store on F Street NW.

Steve Madden Florale Flat (Zappos, $69)

I think this is the third time that I have posted these shoes on the blog in either the green or the nude shade.  I should just break down and by them already because clearly, something is drawing me to them.