Some of the best wardrobe staples are ones you might pass up because they seem boring and drab. I encourage you to look at clothing pieces with an open eye in order to see their full potential. 
This dress is from The Limited and is a classic belted long sleeve shirt dress. Upon first glance its simplicity might not excite you. The belt alone with its cheap grommets and material buckle are enough to turn you off. However, it is the simplicity that can make this dress a versatile wardrobe staple.
Many of my clients confess they typically wear clothing in their closet only one way. They feel challenged to visualize any other way to wear something than what they already know. For instance, this dress could be your funeral dress. It sits in your closet collecting dust because in your mind you have to wear it as is, to a funeral. Let’s breathe some life into your wardrobe!
One simple trick to add pizzazz is to wear an interesting belt. Just because this dress came with an ugly belt doesn’t mean you have to wear it. Choose a belt that adds visual interest and adds an element of your personality to the outfit.
Check out the same dress below with the red or gray snakeskin belt. This dress is now much more chic and interesting! All you did was change your belt. It changes the way you perceive this outfit. This girl now has presence and something interesting to say.
The next time you’re searching for the perfect outfit, whether in your closet or in a store, think about how you can make simple changes in order to put together a look that turns heads.
If you feel like you are in a fashion rut and can’t figure out how to wear things in new and different ways, join me for a FREE telecall, “Get Out of Your Fashion Rut.” Sign up today!
Simply switching belts completely changes the personality of this dress! I especially love the contrast of the black and red–the belt pops! Thank you for the tip Lee. I am going to to reevaluate some of the dresses currently being ignored in the back of my closet. Perhaps all they need is a belt makeover.
Great Article Lee! Belts are completely undervalued in fashion–they can be used to cinch a waist, create an hourglass figure, quickly tailor a baggy fit, or–as in this case–endow an otherwise ordinary garment with pizazz. By getting rid of the cheap belt that came with the dress and adding nicer belts with color and texture, you have instantly made this affordable dress appear more expensive and luxurious. As always, thanks for the wonderful tips!
Thanks for the great tip, Lee. My favorite black dress for Fall/Winter, since it is colder in the Northeast, is a black turtleneck sweater dress. As you have shown, it can be dressed it up with a black patent leather belt and dressier shoes, or one can wear a wide leather belt with equestrian boots and go more casual. I love what you’ve done here and the examples you have shown. Great job!