Belts -- They're a cinch ...

... even when you're feeling a budget pinch. Want to update your wardrobe? Buy a belt.

By SARA GLASSMAN, Special to the Star Tribune

Last update: May 2, 2008 - 3:49 PM

'A belt is a great accessory, because it's a way to take things you already have in your wardrobe and make them look new," said Gregg Andrews, a fashion director at Nordstrom. "It adds polish and shape."

When you wear fuller silhouettes such as skirts and wide-leg pants, a belt controls volume and defines your waist. Here are some of the rules for freshening up your wardrobe by belting up.

DO: Accentuate curves -- or create them -- by wearing a belt over a dress, cardigan, or jacket. Go for extremes with skinny or corset belts. In general, the more volume, the wider the belt it can handle.

GenX dress ($78) from Picky Girl, 1326 Grand Av., St. Paul, 651-698-4107, www.pickygirlmn.com. Green belt by Rough Roses ($68) and yellow belt by Pelle Melle ($58) from Karma, 841 Grand Av., St. Paul, 651-291-1997, www.karmashops.com. Gray belt ($4.90) from H&M and orange Charter Club belt ($30) from Macy's.

DO: Toughen up a super-feminine floral dress with a leather belt. The mix of the two is very modern. However, Nordstrom's Andrews warns, women who are short-waisted should avoid a wide or corset-style belt. Taller women can wear them more successfully.

Celia Birtwell for Express ($128), available at the Mall of America and Rosedale. Belt ($29.50), from Express.

DO: Use a bright belt for a splash of color.

"If you're in a conservative job and you want to wear something more fun, it's one place you can add more color," said Jada Breuer, owner of Karma. To make a truly bold statement, you can layer colors -- the brighter the better.

213 dress ($136), from Picky Girl. Cardigan ($50), hot pink belt ($24) by Simply Vera, from Kohl's.

DO: Use a belt with a voluminous dress to adapt it for this season's slinkier silhouettes.

Simply Vera dress ($88), from Kohl's. Silver belt ($58), from Nordstrom, 1000 Northwest Court, Bloomington, 952-883-2121, www.nordstrom.com. Horn necklace by World of Good ($30), from Birch Clothing, 2309 W. 50th St., Mpls., 612-436-0776, www.birchclothing.com.

NO-NOS

DON'T: Belts laden with grommets and nailheads look so last season, according to Andrews. Instead, get your flair from a decorative or oversized buckle.

DON'T: Belt an oversized menswear shirt. "Avoid a very 1980s retro look," Andrews said. Way too "Risky Business."

DON'T: Match your belt to your shoes, according to Breuer. Mixing your accessories looks much fresher. Sara Glassman is a Minneapolis-based fashion writer. See her blog at startribune.com/stylepoints