Often the forgotten accessory, belts can really be a fun way to play with your look and really help you get more mileage out of existing pieces.

Take this look for example. Here I am able to get another look out of my maxi dress and make the whole ensemble completely fall appropriate because I’ve paired it with an animal print sweater. But what really adds the final touch of polish and pulls the whole thing together is this simple black belt.

Did you know each body type has a perfect, most flattering spot for a belt?

If you’re more of an hourglass figure, or if you’re looking to add curves by faking an hourglass – wear your belts at your natural waistline.

If it’s your hips or butt that you’re trying to conceal – wear your belts like an empire waist, which you can do with a cardigan like I have pictured or over a button down shirt.

If you are wider on top than on bottom – wear your belts around your hips so as to draw the eye downward.

If you’re more of a diamond shape with your waist being the widest part – wear your belt just above your waist where your body starts to curve in. That will draw the eye in and make you appear slimmer overall.

Fall is the perfect time to start playing with belts, because now is when we do a lot of layering and a lot of layers can get messy real quick. But a belt pulls it all together. The best news of all is you can inexpensively play with them by going to Forever21 and grabbing one for $6 or so (Target has a great selection as well).

The belt I’m wearing in the picture actually came off a dress I bought at Ross. Maybe you have one in your closet already!