Large belts are back
Oct 20, 2006
Belts are no longer just a way to keep the pants up. They have become a fashion statement that says a whole lot. Little wonder that fashionistas all over town are rushing for this sassy new fantasy about bigsize belts.
By Titus Serunjogi
Belts are no longer just a way to keep the pants up. They have become a fashion statement that says a whole lot. Little wonder that fashionistas all over town are rushing for this sassy new fantasy about bigsize belts. “A distinctive belt elongates the midsection and creates the illusion of an hourglass figure, even where there is none at all,†so says Brenda Sitati, a stylist with the Tiner International School of Beauty, Fashion and Design.
In the 1980s, big buckled belts worn on the outside of denim shirts were massively popular.
What’s more, big size belts can well accessorise feisty urban casual outfits. Maurice Kagimu of the MVK Couture House says, “Contemporary urban women like to put a little sparkle in whatever they have.â€
So, the bigsize belts that are flying off the shelves right now are those that are made out of raw leather or suede and carry lots of embellishments on them: brass pins, spikes, stylised floral motifs or just a band of animal skin, preferably the leopard. Use these to glam up baggy shorts, sequined long dresses, high-slit long skirts, A-lines, flirty skirts etc. Big size belts appear especially stylish when wrapped around a baggy top or leather jacket.
In fact, the belts have become especially popular in this era when the belly-baring tops (aka kundi show) are falling out of taste. These days, jeans are getting lower, tops are getting longer and belts are wrapped around the waist (on top of the shirt). Of course, the big size belts will not fit through the belt loops on any garment. Besides, the embellished surface of many of the newest big size belts adds a lot of glimmer to any casual outfit. Add some chunky bead necklace or earrings and you will be complete.
Want to join the big size belt group? Drop into Ex-Options Boutique. Here the belts cost between sh65,000 and sh120,000. You can also pick the belts from Sylvie’s Boutique, Garden City or outlets on Cham Towers. At Kanaaba Shopping Arcade on Nabugabo Road, ladies’ big size belts go for between sh9,000 and sh13,000. No bargaining here please. In Nakivubo park yard you may part with sh4,000 for a big size belt.
Speaking of men’s big size belts (cowboy belts). These often have heavy, rodeo-inspired metal buckles and sometimes they have funky motifs printed onto the leather. Many men choose them just because they are durable and versatile enough to be worn with any outfit. The conspicuous buckles are a masculine fashion statement too. There are lots of imitation of men’s leather belts on the market. But invest in the genuine Ralph Lauren or Tommy Hilfiger belts that you can wear for several years and they will never develop a crease. These cost between sh40,000 and sh80, 000 at Cham Towers.
To anyone wishing to buy a bigsize belt, Sitati recommends that the belt be of the same colour as the shoes. If not, then the buckle can be of the same finish as the cufflinks or the watch or any wrist jewelry. Men are encouraged to buy belts that have buckles that snap off so they can switch the buckle with their mood.
Whenever you are buying a leather belt, be sure. Fold the belt tightly between your fingers and hold for a minute before releasing. Genuine leather does not retain any wrinkles or creases on its surface.
Belts are no longer just a way to keep the pants up. They have become a fashion statement that says a whole lot. Little wonder that fashionistas all over town are rushing for this sassy new fantasy about bigsize belts. “A distinctive belt elongates the midsection and creates the illusion of an hourglass figure, even where there is none at all,†so says Brenda Sitati, a stylist with the Tiner International School of Beauty, Fashion and Design.
In the 1980s, big buckled belts worn on the outside of denim shirts were massively popular.
What’s more, big size belts can well accessorise feisty urban casual outfits. Maurice Kagimu of the MVK Couture House says, “Contemporary urban women like to put a little sparkle in whatever they have.â€
So, the bigsize belts that are flying off the shelves right now are those that are made out of raw leather or suede and carry lots of embellishments on them: brass pins, spikes, stylised floral motifs or just a band of animal skin, preferably the leopard. Use these to glam up baggy shorts, sequined long dresses, high-slit long skirts, A-lines, flirty skirts etc. Big size belts appear especially stylish when wrapped around a baggy top or leather jacket.
In fact, the belts have become especially popular in this era when the belly-baring tops (aka kundi show) are falling out of taste. These days, jeans are getting lower, tops are getting longer and belts are wrapped around the waist (on top of the shirt). Of course, the big size belts will not fit through the belt loops on any garment. Besides, the embellished surface of many of the newest big size belts adds a lot of glimmer to any casual outfit. Add some chunky bead necklace or earrings and you will be complete.
Want to join the big size belt group? Drop into Ex-Options Boutique. Here the belts cost between sh65,000 and sh120,000. You can also pick the belts from Sylvie’s Boutique, Garden City or outlets on Cham Towers. At Kanaaba Shopping Arcade on Nabugabo Road, ladies’ big size belts go for between sh9,000 and sh13,000. No bargaining here please. In Nakivubo park yard you may part with sh4,000 for a big size belt.
Speaking of men’s big size belts (cowboy belts). These often have heavy, rodeo-inspired metal buckles and sometimes they have funky motifs printed onto the leather. Many men choose them just because they are durable and versatile enough to be worn with any outfit. The conspicuous buckles are a masculine fashion statement too. There are lots of imitation of men’s leather belts on the market. But invest in the genuine Ralph Lauren or Tommy Hilfiger belts that you can wear for several years and they will never develop a crease. These cost between sh40,000 and sh80, 000 at Cham Towers.
To anyone wishing to buy a bigsize belt, Sitati recommends that the belt be of the same colour as the shoes. If not, then the buckle can be of the same finish as the cufflinks or the watch or any wrist jewelry. Men are encouraged to buy belts that have buckles that snap off so they can switch the buckle with their mood.
Whenever you are buying a leather belt, be sure. Fold the belt tightly between your fingers and hold for a minute before releasing. Genuine leather does not retain any wrinkles or creases on its surface.