Elastic Belts

Whitney Houston singing 1987’s “I Want to Dance With Somebody.” She rocks a great outfit with a flouncy petticoat and wide elastic belt, then another with a wide stretch belt over her jean jacket:

Feeling all bouncy now? I sure am. Let’s go shopping!

Every eighties girl’s gotta have a go-to roller skating outfit. You want to wow your crush during couples skate, am I right? Pair your pinstripe jeans with a white satin blouse (blacklight, baby!) and add a super-feminine (rainbow AND butterfly) belt like this one:

Photo credit: fancy4glass

Elastic belts were ideal for flaunting trendy words or phrases. I had a tan and brown one that had “jeans” woven into it. How cool are these retro belts, both from DoNotDestroy? Totally awesome with an Izod and your pleated khakis:

Michael Jackson “Thriller” belt		E.T. belt

Here’s a hot option with triad of 1980’s bells and whistles: a hot pink/black color combo, a zipper, and 4” wide contour (pictured below at left). Pop this baby over a black tube dress, slide on a wrist full of jelly bracelets, and you’ll be fighting David Lee Roth off in no time.

Purple and teal were a rockin’ color combo in the eighties. This suede belt (pictured below at right) provides some cool geometric interest with that reliably snug elastic fit. Super cute for fall with a black turtleneck, doncha think?

Photo credit: luluvoodoo		Photo credit: BowTieVintage

This peacock belt (pictured below at left) is sooooo bitchin’, I can hardly stand it. It’s a good thing my credit card is in the other room as I type this, although I may just make a dash for it before you snatch it up. How sweet would this be with a plunging neck tank dress, cowboy boots, and feathers roach-clipped into your hair?

Here’s an elegant sand dollar belt (pictured below at right) that cries out for a gauze tunic, flowy crinkle skirt, and enormous gold hoops. Oooh, beachy-pretty:

Photo credit: savingwithstyle		Please credit: I Love Vintagebagz

Sleek red vinyl on an eyecatching striped elastic belt (pictured below at left), O yes! I’d slide this over a simple white scoop T and a pair of dark denim capris. Crisp and fresh.

This black and gold beaded belt (pictured below at right) fastens in the back and has a flattering deep V-yoke in front. Rock this little gem with a black leather bustier and some black velvet stretch jeans. Meow!

Photo credit: HulaGirl1922		Please credit: styleforlife

Last but not least, a gold belt to whip out the flash when you get your next backstage pass to Winger. The model looks great in a fitted black top and pants, but to me this belt spells J-U-M-P-S-U-I-T:

Photo credit: Bethlesvintage

Elastic belts were an easy way to look modern and sculpt an hourglass figure, and, like so many great styles from the 1980’s they’re back in fashion today. Purchase a few new or vintage ones (if you haven’t already) and flaunt your curves, ladies. Rock on!