All About Belts: How to tie, hole punch, and store belts

Per your requests, I’ve compiled my favorite belt tips and tricks into one video. It was nice and awkward lying down while filming the trench-tying tutorial, but hopefully the neck strain and burning abs were worth it : )

YouTube video
 

Products mentioned: Belt Hole Puncher (a must have!) and Belt Ring Hanger
You can also buy the hole puncher on eBay, or at Michaels or ACMoore. Be sure to look for coupons!
What I’m wearing: Details in this outfit post. Nude nail polish is Zoya Shay.

 

The half bow loop for trench coat belts and longer fabric belts:

coatbelting

Burberry sz 2 short trench (similar) from this postBanana Republic Mad Men Leopard Pumps

 

And the simple loop for shorter/thicker fabric belts or skinny leather belts:

coatbelting1

Burberry sz 2 felted wool coat (2011 version), Theory slacks sz 00 (similar), Perfect Patent Pumps

 

Fellow coat lovers, please see my Burberry coat archives including my very first outfit post : )

 

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When you purchase through the links on this blog, I may earn a commission. Thank you for your support!

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60 Comments

  1. anjali wrote:

    You are gorgeous…am also petite but like you I manage to style as per my wish

    Posted 11.3.11 Reply
  2. Anonymous wrote:

    Jean, you should do a blog on what to wear on rainy day. I am 5'1 and I do not know what type of rain boots to buy.

    Posted 11.3.11 Reply
  3. Suziee wrote:

    You are too cute, Jean! I loved how you flopped around your belt (2:57 mark)- you made my day! =]Thanks for your super insightful post!

    Posted 11.3.11 Reply
  4. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    Thank you everyone so much for watching, and for taking the time to leave a comment! I can't take credit for coming up with most of the ideas, just trying to pass them along because I've found them to be so helpful : )

    @Anonymous@La Professionnelle So many unexplored alternative uses for this hole puncher! ; )

    @Anonymous Decide on what style you want (single breasted, double breasted, khaki vs. black, etc). As for fit, make sure the shoulders fit you. Total length I prefer to hit above the knee. If the sleeves are long, you can have them shortened to fit. Fellow petites have had luck at Banana Republic petites, Ann Taylor also had a petite trench, and Old Navy has petite sized trench coats as well.

    @Itsher Hi Itsher, I usually just wear a suit, or skirt with blazer over opaque black tights (bought at H&M; or Target) and then flats to commute. If it's precipitating I'm in my black rainboots. Really nothing changes too much from summer except darker colors, thick coat layered over plus scarf, and the tights.

    @Sue C. LOL!

    @Melissa E. Thanks for sharing the news! I get so many recommendations to try the Limited. Fellow petite women have had luck there even without their 00 Short, so I'm sure this well be a welcome surprise for them. I'll look online to see if they exist on the website, and tweet to spread the word.

    @Anonymous Thanks for sharing with us! The lace cardi is cute.

    @Tara D Hmm…my shortest belts amongst my collection are from Banana Republic outlet (they have some XS) and also the stretchy elastic banded ones that I find at H&M.; If you don't want extra length hanging out, give those a shot, or take your leather belts to the cobbler to get them shortened.

    Posted 11.2.11 Reply
  5. just tututiny wrote:

    Love that belt hole making tool – hahaha. You look so silly holding it. My usual techinical is to use a hammer and nail – I know I know, it's just faster and easier for me than to run out and buy another tool that will take up space in the house 😉

    Posted 11.2.11 Reply
  6. rolala wrote:

    Thanks for the great tips! I tend not to wear the belts on my coats cause I usually don't know how to deal with them but I'm looking forward to trying your bow method now.

    Posted 11.2.11 Reply
  7. SewPetiteGal wrote:

    Thanks Jean! We all really appreciate the ab burning to give us first-person perspective on the belt tying – very helpful!

    Posted 11.2.11 Reply
  8. Candy Apple Fashion wrote:

    Thank you so much for this! I used your video this morning to tie my trench 🙂

    Posted 11.2.11 Reply
  9. Imogen wrote:

    Excellent post, I've wanted to know a lot of stuff about belts especially how to punch additional holes in them.

    Posted 11.2.11 Reply
  10. Tara D wrote:

    Jean, do you have retailer resources for belts that are meant to be worn at the waist? I'm okay with punching holes, but most of the belts are nowhere near the length I want, and that's especially awkward when the belt is a little bit wider than skinny. I tried on this dress at LOFT, loved it, but sadly left it because I thought it looked silly without a belt, but there were no belts at any of the stores that were small enough. http://www.loft.com/loft/product/LOFT-Apparel/LOFT-Dresses/Textural-Wool-Blouson-Dress/261143?colorExplode=false&skuId;=89923252&catid;=catl000054&productPageType;=saleProducts&defaultColor;=8880

    Posted 11.2.11 Reply
  11. Café Bellini wrote:

    Brilliant, thank you! I have a couple of Burberry trench coats so I'll be trying out the 'bow' method!

    Posted 11.2.11 Reply
  12. Anonymous wrote:

    Thanks jean for the knot tying video. I have always intrigued by the half knot on J Crew catalog and I finally got the tip. I immedately tried it on my trench and it looks fantastic. Thank you so much, you are always so informative!!!

    Posted 11.2.11 Reply
  13. Anonymous wrote:

    General alert – I have snagged some GREAT petite finds in the Target girls department lately.

    In particular they have some fabulous detailed cardis right now that are very well-proportioned and whose grown-up versions would be significantly more expensive.

    I picked up this today in a girl's large. Just adorable and really nice detailing…fit perfectly.

    http://www.target.com/p/Chero-BG-LS-Lace-Cardigan-Heather/-/A-13399123

    I may go back and do some more plundering.

    They also have some adorable coats for rock-bottom prices including some well proportioned if low end trenches.

    Posted 11.2.11 Reply
  14. Melissa E. wrote:

    Love your blog! Just came back from the mall & wanted you & other fellow petites to know that The Limited just started carrying dress trousers in Size 00 Short! They have got to be THE BEST fitting pants I have ever tried off the rack, which is pretty darn exciting for someone who hardly ever fits anything "as is", especially pants (I'm 5'3" & about 110). The price was a little steeper than what I'd typically pay ($74.90), but I had a 25% coupon & Limited has sales all the time & there was no way I was going to pass them up. When I asked the SA for any other pants in that size fully intending to buy them all lol, she informed me that they only came in that 1 color & style (Black, "Drew" fit). She said they're doing a kind of test run first to see how well they sell before deciding whether to offer 00 in other colors & styles.

    So I figure we petites are always saying how we wish retailers would cater more to people our size- so here's our chance to show them that we are out there & more than willing to buy well made, attractive clothing that fits! I know it sounds like I work for the company but I promise I don't lol! I would just be really sad if I went back 6 months from now & they say that they stopped carrying that size b/c there wasn't a big enough market for it. So hopefully the pants work for some of the other ladies out there 🙂

    Posted 11.1.11 Reply
  15. Sarah wrote:

    Thanks for the tutorial! The belt-tying tip was super helpful, and I love that it's simple to do and looks so chic.

    Posted 11.1.11 Reply
  16. Anonymous wrote:

    Thanks for this great video! I have several skinny belts that do not fit properly and the belt hole punch appears to be a must have. I am adding it to my list of things to get ASAP. Thanks again!

    Posted 11.1.11 Reply
  17. Meg wrote:

    So simple and so chic – thank you!

    Posted 11.1.11 Reply
  18. Sue C. wrote:

    Off to Michael's to purchase a belt hole puncher in my nicely tied trench coat. Thanks for the great informative video.

    Posted 11.1.11 Reply
  19. Itsher wrote:

    Hi Jean,

    Can you do a blog entry / video about wearing business clothes during the winter season? I'm having a difficult time dressing for the colder weather 🙁

    Thank You!

    Posted 11.1.11 Reply
  20. My Dressy Ways wrote:

    Jean, you always have the most useful tips! Thanks for all you do!

    Posted 11.1.11 Reply
  21. Anonymous wrote:

    Do you have any tips on how to find the perfect trench coat for a petite woman who is 5'1? Thanks!

    Posted 11.1.11 Reply
  22. Gini wrote:

    AWESOME video! Thank you!

    Posted 11.1.11 Reply
  23. Anonymous wrote:

    Jean, great video! I bought the belt punch after you showed it in a past post. I love it and have used it several times. Just recently to help my son with a Halloween costume that needed a belt around his head. Ha Ha Also, a tip I learned somewhere for that extra belt material, is to put those teeny tiny hair rubber bands around the belt and simply slip the extra through it. They come in packs of about 100 and come in clear, black and brown. I find they work really well. Patti

    Posted 11.1.11 Reply
  24. Anonymous wrote:

    Jean, your videos are always so helpful. Thanks for taking the time…

    Posted 11.1.11 Reply
  25. withloveshmon wrote:

    awesomeee! very helpful 🙂

    withloveshmon.wordpress.com

    Posted 11.1.11 Reply
  26. dietingfashions wrote:

    Thank you for this video. It is very helpful. I have always seen those belt hangers and I probably have one somewhere. But I never knew what they are for. Also I need to run out and get belt hole puncher.

    Posted 11.1.11 Reply
  27. lin wrote:

    great video and thanks for the tips. i'm gonna try the trench coat tying method once i receive my coat. lol. you have some nice burberry coat collection there…..i'm still on the lookout for mine. 😉

    Posted 11.1.11 Reply
  28. PetiteLittleGirl wrote:

    I am so in love with your felted wool coat. Thanks for the review, Jean. Your tips are always helpful and informative.

    Posted 11.1.11 Reply
  29. happyroach wrote:

    i'v been DYING to figure out how to do the trench coat tie! thank you so much for demonstrating it (especially at the lying down angle! genius ;p)

    Posted 11.1.11 Reply
  30. La Professionnelle wrote:

    My belt hole punch is one of my favorite "tools" because I secretly punch holes into my boyfriend's belts without him noticing and then wear them with hipsters 😉

    Posted 11.1.11 Reply
  31. Megan wrote:

    I've ALWAYS wondered what to do with my too-long belts on my coats! This is a life saver for this winter season! Thank you, Jean!!! 🙂 🙂

    Posted 11.1.11 Reply
  32. Anonymous wrote:

    Thanks for the video! I really appreciate your blog. I was just dealing with belt issues this morning, so the timing is perfect. 🙂

    Posted 11.1.11 Reply
  33. Edwina wrote:

    Your tips are amazing! Love your coats as well!

    Posted 11.1.11 Reply
  34. The Little Dust Princess wrote:

    I love how you tied the Burberry coat. I'll have to see if my Zara one is long enough to do so as well!! It definitely saves all that looping time!

    For more belt (and other fashion) tips, I highly recommend Chriselle Lim. I LOVE this video and have been using the techniques she taught nonstop (specifically the fish & infinity loops). The fish loop is super adorable and the infinity loop is really cool if your belt is long enough. Have fun ;D

    Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-ILTAhnLws

    Posted 11.1.11 Reply
  35. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    @I am Khatu How'd you guess? : )

    @AlexandraHi Alexandra! In the 7 links of reviews/posts, I have kept: #2 black raincoat, #3 black wool coat, #4 blue/gray jacket, #7 khaki trench, and then I have one super warm toggle coat that I don't think has gotten any blog love yet!

    Posted 11.1.11 Reply
  36. glo ♥ wrote:

    I'm so glad you posted this video, I've always had so much problems with my belts haha. Love you

    Posted 11.1.11 Reply
  37. Alexandra wrote:

    Hi, Jean. Just a personal curiosity: how many (and which) of the Burberry coats that you blogged about do you still have today?

    Posted 10.31.11 Reply
  38. kileen wrote:

    thanks for the tutorial, Jean!! i always wondered how to properly tie a trench coat and this tutorial was perfect! and the top-down view was definitely the most useful!

    Posted 10.31.11 Reply
  39. mai wrote:

    Great tutorial! I'm going to have to try that with my trench coat!

    Posted 10.31.11 Reply
  40. Michelle wrote:

    Lol!!! I love your intro pic and was laughing so much at your "unsightly length" portion of the clip! Too cute!!

    Your felted wool coat is gorgeous!!

    Thanks for the tips! 🙂

    Posted 10.31.11 Reply
  41. CL wrote:

    Thank you so much for the tips! I never knew how to dealt with the floppy belt =p I would just keep circling the belt around..

    Posted 10.31.11 Reply
  42. Sarah Stright wrote:

    I love this and I love your blog! You have such great style and ideas.
    xo,
    Sarah
    http://comingunstitched.blogspot.com

    Posted 10.31.11 Reply
  43. Elaine A (TOBeautyReviews) wrote:

    Great video Jean! Love how you are always so informative!

    Posted 10.31.11 Reply
  44. tiffyama wrote:

    Thanks for the tips! I recently got a trench coat from goodwill a few weeks ago. Will try out the belt tying method!

    Posted 10.31.11 Reply
  45. Cee wrote:

    It's crazy talk, but learning how to tie the cute half-knot may be the final convincing I need to get that Burberry trench, hahaha. Jean! Look what you've done. I kid 🙂 Thank you for always being so helpful with your tips!

    Posted 10.31.11 Reply
  46. Mary Ann wrote:

    Thanks for the vid! This gives me an idea of what to do with a new dress that has a trench-like tie w/ buckle on it!

    Posted 10.31.11 Reply
  47. Lesley wrote:

    THANK YOU, JEAN!! going to test the knot on the trench NOW (instead of cleaning house..haha).

    Posted 10.31.11 Reply
  48. R.L. wrote:

    Your vids have such personality and are so useful! Many thanks for going to the trouble to film that laying down, lol. I'm direction challenged and didn't get it until seeing it from that angle. I've actually always stayed away from belted coats bec I find the simple knots cumbersome but cinching in the waist makes a world of a difference. If JCrew ever restocks on their townhouse trench in camel 00P, I'm going to have to buy now!

    Posted 10.31.11 Reply
  49. Julie Khuu wrote:

    Love to see how to's on closet organization! Especially for us petite and tiny gals, that belt hole puncher is a wardrobe staple! You're always so on top of the best ways to save babe…Props!

    xo-Julie
    Peace. Love. LOL!

    http://www.HauteKhuuture.com

    Posted 10.31.11 Reply
  50. I am Khatu wrote:

    is this what you were doing yesterday? 🙂

    Posted 10.31.11 Reply

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