Belts are both a stylish and polished, professional accessory with Judo and Obi belts being 2 of the very biggest trends for spring of 2015.

I know what you’re thinking… “I can’t wear belts!” The truth is…wait for it…everyone can wear belts! It’s really just a matter of wearing the right belt for your body type in the right way. (Just so you know, you can toss those belts you have hanging in the back of your closet that you wore in belt loops back in the eighties and nineties—that’s not what we’re talking about.)

Read on to learn how you can wear the Judo belt, Obi belt and other fabulous belts to flatter your figure and polish your image.

-First, take your belts out of the loops! The most flattering way to wear a belt of any type is on the outside of your top/sweater, etc.

-A Judo belt (um, essentially a sash) can make your waist look tiny. Tie it at your natural waist and blouse your top out a bit, giving the illusion of a barely there midriff. This is also a great way to add curves if your waist is undefined.

-An Obi belt is a great way to add a lot of interest to a basic dress or outfit. It’s perfect on top of a black sheath dress.

-Belts add tremendous polish to skirts! They’re unexpected yet really add to the look. In general, go for shorter necklaces when you’re wearing belts to avoid accessory clashing.

-Like most every other wardrobe item, black belts will always make your waist look smaller.

-If you carry most of your weight in your middle, belts can be surprisingly flattering. Choose a belt with an interesting buckle and simply wear a jacket over it. The eye is drawn to the middle of your body, and voila, super slimming.

-Short waisted? A low slung belt will create the illusion of a longer torso, balancing you out.

-Long waisted? Wear your belt a little higher than your waist to make your legs look a mile long.

-Belting a jacket is a great way for curvy girls to enhance their figures and breathe new life into a basic. Obi belts look great on jackets. Opt for somewhat thinner versions for a professional look.

-Belts with gorgeous buckles and stones, like the Anthony Alexander adjustable belt pictured (and available at Irresistibles) can stand in for a piece of jewelry…great news if you’re sensitive to wearing necklaces.

-Maintaining a monochromatic color scheme with your outfit and obi and judo belts will also create a sleek silhouette.

These are just a few ways to wear belts to add polish and flatter your figure. I encourage you to give the new belt trend a try. If you’re brand new to belts, experiment with lower priced belts until you’re ready to commit. If you’ve been dying to find great belts, now is the time to stock up!