Three words can change your life and style: BELT IT UP! If there’s one thing that separates the fashion forward from aspiring curators it’s their ability to transform utilitarian objects into stylish accessories. If you’ve only been using your belt to hold up your jeans then take a lesson today in getting ‘waisted.’ These five designers are not only known for their impeccable aesthetics and drool-worthy clothes but also for their dexterity with a belt. Whether it’s to cinch a boxy top or simply to add ornamental value our savants of the week will be your guide in a bind!

Muse

With her distinctly Parisian aesthetic serving as the driving force of Muse’s design ethos, Faryal Aftab is rarely seen without a cinched waist. And while a belt almost always compliments the brand’s structured pieces, it is Aftab’s ability to add the same gold metal belt to a wedding outfit as a cocktail dress and make it look impossibly polished that wins the designer (and brand) top marks. Whether it’s uplifting an oversized grey tweed coat with a ribbon belt or adding OTT glamour to a heavily sequined outfit, Muse shows a myriad of ways to get waisted.

Elan

Epitomized by ethereal bridals and modern luxury pret, Elan’s fashion legacy in Pakistan is undeniable. Elan’s exalted status comes from its trend setting  innovation and faultless styling, which often features belted ensembles coming down the couture and luxury pret runways. While belting your sari or wedding wear dupatta is nothing new, it’s Khadijah Shah’s bejeweled twist on it that we love.

Misha Lakhani

Lakhani has managed to carve a unique niche for herself in a short span of time. While most designer dilly-dally for years when it comes to opening an outlet, particularly not in the city of their origin, Lakhani boldly ventured towards commercial representation in Karachi and Lahore. Her dreamy creations are often supported by belts, giving structure to her loose-flowing silhouettes. This season it is impossible to avoid Lakhani’s organza wraps with skinny silk belts that permeated every wedding and red carpet.

Sara Shahid

Known for eponymous label’s minimalistic aesthetic, Sara Shahid is never one to over accessories. In fact her outfits rely on clean, simple cuts that are well executed and retain an understated charm. But if there’s one accessory that’s always welcome at Sublime, it’s the not so humble belt. Shahid made waves with her black leather obi belt that elevated a basic white tunic and flared pants into a best dressed ensemble during fashion week, leaving all of us scrambling to copy her style. Take a page out of Shahid’s book and invest in a couple of ornamental pieces to ramp up staples.

Sana Safinaz

Undeniable doyennes of fashion, Sana Hashwani and Safinaz Muneer have always been forerunners when it comes to trends. Their luxurious creations whether found in their high street store or ordered from their bespoke collections, often rely on a belt to cinch the entire look together. Their store also stocks some fun pret-wear options that look as good on an SS tunic as a shift dress.