Sandy wrote, “I am interested in seeing a post about belts. Where do you buy them? Do you always buy leather? How do you determine the best fit and size? How do you store them? Thank you!” Other readers have asked for tips and tricks for styling scarves, so this post is for you.
I use the belt hanger here to store my belts. While many are genuine leather, I also have faux or vegan leather belts. I’ve collected them over the past few decades. I’ve purchased high-quality belts here, here, here, here, and here. While most of my belts are women’s sizes, small and medium, I also purchase men’s belts. In that case, I buy size 32.
A narrow belt is best if the space between your hipbones and bra band is short (short-waisted). When the belt is the same tone or color as your top, it elongates your upper half. The opposite is also true. If your belt matches the color or tone of your pants, the waist appears higher.
Two-inch wide belts are most versatile with denim and other casual fabrics. More narrow belts are best with dress pants. Wide belts worn low on the hip are best with tunics or casual dresses.
A belt hook should ideally go into the second hole, and you should be able to insert two fingers between the belt and your pants. If you are wearing a belt to hold up your pants, you are wearing the wrong size pants.
I’ve been a fan of scarves, hats, and belts for most of my adult life, so I have collected more than a few. I store scarves neatly folded on the pant hangers here.
Styling a Scarf
Wearing a scarf is as simple as draping it around your neck or knotting it for a chic look. Fold it into a triangle and tie it at the neck for a necklace-like feel, or layer it over sweaters, dresses, or coats for added warmth and style.
Silk Scarves
Silk scarves are a small luxury that evokes vintage glamour. Tie one at the neck for a timeless accessory in classic prints that draw instant attention. It also looks elegant to loop a small silk scarf around the handle of your bag.
Cashmere Scarves
When the weather cools, a cashmere scarf is the epitome of coziness. This soft elegance is the ultimate winter accessory.
Wool Scarves
Wool scarves are lightweight and warm in saturated colors and whimsical patterns.
Cotton Scarves
Versatile and stylish, cotton scarves can add a fresh flourish to light summer or springtime outfits.
Fur Scarves
For a touch of luxury, fur scarves add instant texture and a vintage feel while keeping you warm.
Shop for a variety of scarves here, here, here, here, and here. Beautiful, high-quality, smaller silk scarves are here.
Thanks for all the lovely comments and emails lately. It’s always great to hear from you. I’m taking a little spring break but will be back soon.
*Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no extra cost.
These are my favorite looks! Just beautiful and so becoming. That deep purpley red sweater and scarf are an absolutely gorgeous color.
Good time of year for scarves
You always make my day start nice Susan, and have for many years. You are the first click I make with my morning coffee, just in case you have made a post. It never fails to be a pleasant read! Thank you and enjoy a spring getaway or rest.
Thank you, Kathy. I’m honored that you’ve followed me for such a long time.
I just read what Kathy said above and I do the same thing. I really learn a lot and get many ideas from you. This is another helpful post. I really don’t wear many belts but I might change that.
I appreciate your loyalty, Paula. Thank you for the comment.
Love your hair longer. You look younger all the time!
Thank you, Linnea.
Beautiful post!
I got it finally – you remind me of the actress Barbara Rush only you are prettier.
How do you stabilize your scarves to keep them from shifting?
If the scarf shifts, I move it back where it belongs. I tend to embrace the effortlessness of wearing scarves nonchalantly.
I hope you will be enjoying a spring break getaway, Susan. You certainly deserve it.
Thank you, Cindy. I agree!
I love your style and am inspired by your posts. I have been a long time belt lover. As a curvy girl, I look best when I play up my waist with a belt. Scarves are also a favorite and appreciate your styling tips.
Good to see Mr Mickey getting out and about.
So many beautiful looks! I have been wearing belts more frequently. A belt improves my proportions. I have no idea why scarves go in and out of style. A scarf adds so much to an outfit and are practical too.
Enjoy your vacation! I hope you’ll share when you return. I enjoy seeing different parts of the country and of course your wardrobe. You make my day!
What an excellent belt hanger , thanks for the tip. Enjoy your Spring break.
Pamela UK
Have a well deserved spring break, Susan. You are a constant inspiration. I continue to receive compliments on my styling at 81 years old. I give you all the credit. I, too, love to wear scarves and belts to elevate my outfit. Along with all your followers, I look forward to seeing photos from your spring break…be it a staycation or a vacation away from home.
Thank you, Leandra.
Hello Susan, I am also a big fan of scarves, here in Argentina autumn is beginning so we are feeling cooler and I am willing to enjoy scarves again after a long and hot summer. I think they always complete an outfit, even if it is casual and simple. Thanks for your inspiration! Have a nice spring break!
Thank you, Mercedes.
I love you in shorter hair
Thank you! Exactly what I was hoping for!
I have to agree with Linda. While you always look stylish and your current hairstyle is very flattering, I did think the shots from 2022 showed a more youthful, modern look.
I am a bit different as I don’t own a single belt. I never use them at all. But am into all other accessories, eg handbags, jewellery, scarves. I love your longer hair too and love all the looks you have posted here. 🙂
You are gorgeous as always and your blog assists me greatly! Thank you so much for taking your time to invest in it and others, Susan.
Is Mr. Mickey responsible for the expert photography? The photographer is obviously experienced and skilled — and talented! Hope you both enjoy a good break!
Thank you, Maryanne. I took most of the pictures using a tripod and the timer on my camera. The older photos were snapped by Mr. Mickey.
I have a hair question. I remember that you used to wear your hair curly. Do you blow dry or straighten it now? I have the same hair type as you and love your new style.
My hair is straighter in dry winter air, so I smooth it by using a blow-dryer and vented brush. I often let it air dry to a curlier version in the humidity of summer.
I always enjoy reading your posts. I have to disagree slightly about wearing a belt to keep pants up. I’m 5’8” and weigh 170. I’m short waisted with long legs. It is very difficult for me to find the right fit without having a “muffin top” since I carry my weight in my middle. I tend to size up so the waist lies flat and not dig in and wear an elasticized belt to keep everything in place. I will be curious to see how this works when I look for a few pairs bermuda shorts soon.
In some of your photos you have the scarves meeting either on or near the shoulder. How do you keep them in place? A pin?
I place the scarf knot or the fold where I want it, but I don’t expect it to stay there. It will move with me throughout the day, so I just put it back where it belongs. Unless I bend down, it usually stays in place.
Thanks, enjoy your spring break!!!
Susan,
What a GREAT idea to store your scarves on pant hangers! Not only will it keep them from wrinkling, but you can hang multiples and see them all at a glance.
Wonderful tip.
Sharon White
Qstylethebook.com
I love the scarf in the first picture, black and white. It is probably one you have had for a while but if you remember where you purchased this one, I’d like to know and see if I can find one similar.
I also really like your hair long but I like it even better in the short style you posted here. I guess it just shows you can look good no matter how you style it but to me you look so much youngr with the shorter version.
Thank you for the advice on belts as that was a winner for me. I did not know what width I should buy for myself and with your explanation, it makes more sense on what I buy and how to wear it with what clothes.
May you have a really relaxing but adventerous spring break so you can entertain all of us when you get back with pictures and descriptions of what all you experienced.
Clara from Iowa
Thanks, Clara. The black and white scarf is by All Saints and it is from about two years ago. I think I bought it at Nordstrom.
Hi .. thanks for the great post! As a short waisted gal, I especially appreciated the tip about matching your belt color to your top. Any other tips in future posts for a short waisted, long leg gal, would be most appreciated. Enjoy your Spring break!
Susan,I love your short hair as it is in the picture with the four looks.
Great post and I have a question. You said if you wear a belt to hold up your pants your pants are a wrong size. So I have straight hips and barely definied waist. My body looked exactly like Gwyneth Paltrow’s just straight up and down but busty. Few years ago menopause have me a belly. Whatever fits in the hips is way too tight in the waist. So I buy pants that are too big in the bottom but fit in the waist. Even before I had belly I had to wear belts to hold up my pants because they would slide off my straight hips! It’s a pain! Any advice?
A well-dressed man who owned a fine men’s clothing store once told me that; I’ve always remembered it. Have you ever gotten your pants tailored to fit you? I used to shop in the boy’s department because women’s jeans always had all that extra fabric for the hips I’ve never had. I’ve learned that slim-fit flare-leg jeans are my best option.
I love your looks in this post!!!
I enjoy your posts with style suggestions for occasions outside the home. What are you styling ideas for what to wear when you are entertaining in your home?
It depends on the event and the weather. In the summer, I might wear a floaty dress or linen pants with a simple blouse and statement earrings. I might wear a cashmere sweater and wool pants with lovely pumps or loafers in the winter. The most important thing is to be comfortable, so it’s easy to focus on your guests and enjoy the evening.
Dear Susan, different outfits always combined with your essential accessories, and above all always well worn. Spring is coming and clothes will definitely change. I really love the black high heels on the last photo. Do they still have a place in your closet?
I donated those black heels a few years ago. They seem dated now, so I would choose a different style.
Read your post that you are taking a Spring break. Hope you’re enjoying your time off and that Mr. Mickey and your family are okay. Look forward to reading your future posts.
Everyone is well for now. Thank you for your kindness.