In the world of clothing glitz and glamour, if you were to describe a belt, you might say that a belt is an item that is generally worn around the waist and is used to hold pants up. This definition is correct. But, to take the practicality out of the definition and to spruce the belt up to its true fashion potential, one would say that a belt is a decorative sash, or waistband, or cord type item that is used and worn as a clothing ornament.
A belt that is truly versatile and always attractive is the chain belt. Rarely is a chain belt worn merely as a practical device to keep one’s pants or skirt up. Chain belts are usually worn to add sparkle, style and glamour to an outfit.
Chain belts are made as a series of connected links, which are typically made of metal. A chain may consist of two or more links.
Chain belts should be thought of as jewelry for the waist and/or hips! Whether worn tightly around the waist or flowing around the hips, chain belts exude glamour and allure with any outfit.
My favorite way to wear a chain belt is to let the belt drape loosely around my hips, with plenty of chain left to dangle when the belt has been locked (or buckled) together on one hip. This creates a cascading, pleasing look made of chain links!
Chain belts, with their elegant flow and their pleasant appeal, do much more than merely hold your pants up. Chain belts are extremely feminine and radiate a fashionable vibration, emitting a draping, glamorous look!
Chain belts come in many variations. The belt can consist of one small, classy, thin line of chain, or many strands of chain can come together to form a thick, extremely wide belt. Chain belts can add pomp and pizzazz to an outfit in a way that cloth or leather belts cannot match. Exceptional chain belts, in my opinion, are chain belts that are decorated with ornamental rhinestones. Masculine chains and feminine stones. Ying and yang. Leather and lace. Tough and tender. Hard and soft. Okay, you get the point!
Many chain belts don’t have belt buckles, fastening by merely an opening in one chain link that hooks into another chain link (much like fastening a necklace or a bracelet). However, belt buckles do exists on some chain belts. The buckle is the clasp for fastening the two ends of the belt, where one of the ends is fitted or coupled to the other end.
Belt Buckle Fun Fact: Belt buckles became more popular as fashion accessories in the early 20th century, as the tops of pants and trousers moved more toward the waist. Western style belt buckles were largely popularized by cowboy movies in the United States and are often awarded to winners in rodeo events as prizes and trophies. Some belt buckles are so elaborate and stylish that they are known as the front tuck, as people tuck in their shirts simply as an attempt to show off the belt buckle! Fashion lovers, all of us.
Chain Belt Fun Fact: Chain belts, whether worn around the waist or dangled over the hips, give your waist and/or hips a trimmed down look. Waist belts tend to pull in the waist, which makes the waist appear smaller.
Chain Belt Tip: If you are going for an illusion of making your waist or your hips look thinner, don’t clasp the belt too tightly, as this causes extra skin to drape over the belt. You would be ahead to wear a larger sized belt and to fasten the belt to where no excess skin folds over the belt.
Chain belts, whether gold or silver or colored, add a far classier look to your outfit than an elastic, material or leather belt will.
Chain belts are charming, graceful and beautiful!
Chain Fun Fact: According to the Complete Guide to Chains (yes, this does exist!) the metal link chain was invented in 225 BC. Chains can symbolize interconnectivity or independence. Are you looking for an accessory item, in addition to your jewelry, that can pump up the volume of your outfit? Then perhaps a sizzling, styling chain belt is the answer.
Your garment doesn’t have to contain belt loops to wear a chain belt well!
Shine like the true star that you are and be noticed both near and far in a riveting, jeweled, splendid chain belt.
Razzle, dazzle, cling and clang in a chic chain belt that flows and hangs!
Nancy Mangano is an American beauty/fashion/style influencer, fashion journalist, screenwriter and author of the Natalie North murder mystery book series. Visit Nancy on her global online fashion/style/beauty magazine Strutting in Style! at https://nancymariemangano.com, her Facebook page Nancy Mangano at https://www.facebook.com/nancymmangano/ Twitter @https://twitter.com/nancymangano and her author website http://www.nancymangano.com
