If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to accessorize your clothing, a belt can be the answer. A well chosen belt can take a simple outfit and turn it into fantastic. Choosing the right belt can also subtly alter the contours of your figure, making your waist and hips look larger or smaller. Here’s how to choose the right belt to flatter your figure.

1. If You’re Short Waisted
It can be a blessing to be short waisted since you’re probably blessed with long legs. Short waists look best with thin, narrow belts since they’re less likely to overwhelm the midsection. It also helps to wear belts as low as possible to add length to the torso. A narrow belt slung low on the hips can be flattering and gives the illusion of a longer torso. Avoid big bulky belts which can overwhelm your mid-section.

2. If You’re Long Waisted
A long torso provides lots of length for a belt in a wider width. To add the illusion of longer legs, wear your belt as high on the waistline as possible, preferably with higher waisted pants. Try to match the color of your belt to your pants to give a long, unbroken line from waist to hips. Belting a dress or a tunic slightly higher than your natural waistline can add the illusion of length to your legs and call attention away form a long torso. Save the narrow belts and hip belts for those with shorter waistlines.

3. If You’re Petite
Large, bulky belts can overwhelm a petite figure. Stick with belts that are three inches or less in width to enhance your shape without looking too bulky. To give the illusion of greater height, wear a single color from neck to toe with a coordinating belt and shoes. Avoid wearing brightly colored belts or belts that contrast with your outfit.

4. If You’re Heavy
Choose a belt that’s similar in color to your outfit. Avoid wide belts in contrasting colors which can make your waistline look larger. Keep the buckle understated to avoid calling attention to a wide waistline. The key to de-emphasizing a heavier build is to keep it simple when it comes to choosing the right belt.

In general, you can’t go wrong with a simple, leather belt in a width of around three inches, preferably in a dark color. Dark, matte belts with simple buckles are naturally slimming and tend to be the most versatile. It can be difficult to wear a wide or brightly colored belt unless you’re tall with a slim waistline.

Always try on a belt before buying it to make sure it fits comfortably. Generally, your belt should be around two inches larger than your natural waist measurement. When you purchase a belt, take it home and try it with variety of outfits. Be sure it fits through the belt loops of most of your pants. If not, return it to the store. A well chosen belt should give you lots of versatility.

Life’s definitely more fun in bold colors, and what better time to wear some bold colors than in the warm summer months? Torrid have recently added a number of fun and fashionable pants, tops, and also accessories, all in very bold colors. Check out this selection below to get an idea of the fun items Torrid have made available to us this season.

1. Tripp Green Skinny-Leg Twill Pant Regular

2. Tripp Neon Yellow Button Tab Pleated Skirt

3. Tripp PurpleTwill Skinny-Leg Cropped Pant

4. Tripp Holly Purple Flared Twill Pant Regular

5. Black White and Neon Chevron Faux Leather Hinge Wallet

6. Tripp Neon Yellow and Hot Pink Tiger Print Hoodie

7. Raspberry Open-Knit Beret

Plus, it’s also good to note that Torrid have added over 400 items to their clearance section! So if you’re looking for a bargain look not further, head on to Torrid’s clearance section today.

Get on board with the latest fashion styles at Catherines! From romantic laces to tailored workwear, Catherines have the latest scoop on what’s in style for this Season! To help your find what you’re looking for, we are featuring Catherines top 10 products below.

1. Crinkle lace jacket dress – Ladylike lace puts a vintage take on jacket dressing.

2. Squareneck print top – Squareneck top in ink splash print with metallic accents. Soft shirring for fullness, short sleeves.

3. Chiffon trapeze top – Black and ivory contrast highlight this chiffon trapeze top with dramatic pleats and a jewel encrusted neckline.

4. Floral embroidered denim jacket – For weekend or weekday wear, denim blazer style jacket with floral embroidery accent in front and boldly decorating the back. Notch collar, princess seams. Metal button front, long sleeves.

5. Seamed denim skirt – Flattering lightweight denim skirt has slimming contrast seams in front and back. Button zip fly closure. Side pockets.

6. Long length gathered neck dress – Take style to new lengths. Long length, smooth draping stretch knit dress with gathered jewel neckline.

7. Sateen tunic – Triangular cutouts detail the square neckline of this silky woven sateen tunic

8. Menswear look glen plaid jacket – Let business attire work for you. Menswear inspired glen plaid jacket embraces your femininity with shapely princess seams.

9. Glen plaid skirt – Menswear inspired glen plaid print patterns this slim skirt with flattering wide yoked waist and belt loop detail.

10. Spliced tie front swimdress – Shapely empire waist swimdress combines a swirl print tie front bodice accented with gold shimmer and a solid skirted bottom.