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NATALIE

I am a believer in owning your personal style, saying what you mean, asking for what you want, living authentically and the power of simplicity — in fashion, and in life.

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10 Rules for Effortless, Everyday Style

In this series, I share some simple tips for leveling up your daily looks.

It’s no secret that I am 100% on board with the belt bag trend! Whether you’re a mom or not, these bags can be both practical and flattering—they hold your essentials and let you be hands-free, and they also help draw attention to the waist and create a really nice shape. I love them for spring and summer, as they go really well with dresses, skirts and jumpsuits, but as you can see in this post they also work with regular old jeans, too. In this post I’m specifically styling one from Madewell, which is a 2-in-1 because the bag and belt can be separated! I got the size XS, and normally wear a 25/26 in Madewell denim.

In all of these looks I’m wearing the Jaime Hoops in Metallic Gold Wood, which will be available tomorrow (May 16th) at 9am PDT.

Belt bag / Jumpsuit (c/o) / Similar sandals

Madewell sent me this jumpsuit last month to try out, and admittedly I was really on the fence about it. While I am still considering hemming it a bit at the bottom, I decided I liked it with the belt bag as a breezy spring and summer option that’s an alternative to a dress. It runs really big (I’m wearing the XXS), so definitely size down unless you have an especially large chest.

Belt bags and overalls are a perfect match—unless you urgently need to use the restroom, of course! But in all seriousness, just like the belt bag/jumpsuit combo I love the way the bag helps emphasize the waist. It works really well with this skinny type of overall I have. This top is so adorable under overalls, but also works well with skinny jeans, mini skirts or shorts. I have my usual size in it, but I did end up getting the petite length. See more spring overalls styling ideas here.

I love how elevated yet casual this look is! I really like wide leg pants for spring and summer, because layers with wide leg pants can be tricky. Since this top is billowy, I knotted it to keep the focus at the waistline, and then the belt bag really brings the eye in there, too. These pants run fairly true to size, but if you’re on the fence about sizing you could size down. I’m wearing the 2 short and I’m 5’4″. You can see more wide leg pants styling ideas here and here. As far as the mules go, I love them so much I have them in 3 different colors (gold, light brown woven and these ones). They fit me TTS, but if you’re unsure you could go up 1/2 size.

The leopard obsession is REAL!! I am sad to say that this exact skirt is sold out, but I did find some similar options for you. Consider this proof that you can wear a leopard skirt casually in the springtime—it works! And if you need more inspiration, here are 7 ways to wear a leopard midi skirt for spring. I stuck with flats to keep things casual, and knotted the top at the waist to create room for the belt bag and keep the attention there (do you see a pattern here?!). The sandals fit TTS and I’ve had them for years—they’re so good!

This last look is a favorite of mine—it feels like the perfect mix of sophisticated and casual. Both the cami and jeans are from Abercrombie and are part of my spring capsule wardrobe. The top is TTS, and I ended up sort of sizing down in the jeans. I’m a 26/27 in denim and tried on both sizes and the 26 just fit better, especially since I knew they’d stretch out a bit with wear (they’re 100% cotton, and I have the short length FYI). The sweater blazer is an item I know you’ve all seen over and over and over again here on the blog, but it just really works all year round here in California. I sized down to the XS. The mules are TTS and so fun and airy for spring and summer as a sandal alternative—plus the price point is great!

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5 Ways to Wear a Belt Bag

Read the Comments +

  1. Keili says:

    I have Craftory’s new leather belt bag (named Model Pack) that fits perfectly crossbody also! I think you would love it.

  2. Alysa says:

    My favourite part is how it’s modernizing the fanny pack 😂
    I babywear and need a place to put things like keys and my phone on walks, and my belt bag is perfect for that!! I love it ♥️

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Hi, I'm Natalie

I am a believer in owning your personal style, saying what you mean, asking for what you want, living authentically and the power of simplicity — in fashion, and in life.

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