A lot of controversy is caused by the women's harness - an ultra-fashionable item that is gaining more and more popularity. What is this? Another whim of designers or an item that every self-respecting fashionista should have in her wardrobe? The girls are also worried about the dilemma: who will suit this decoration, and who should refrain from such experiments. And, of course, many are perplexed: what to wear with a new product to be stylish and not vulgar? All these questions can be answered by reading our article.
In this article:
- What is a sword belt?
- The history of appearance in the women's wardrobe
- Popular models
- Who should wear jewelry and who shouldn't?
- Recommendations for new fashion items
- Combination with different clothes
- Gallery of fashionable images
Women's harness is...
In many ways, the decoration resembles suspenders. Some even confuse the two accessories. While these are completely different things in a woman’s wardrobe. Suspenders are always only two elastic bands of the same length, crossing at the back; They are attached directly to trousers or a skirt. A sword belt, as a rule, consists of several leather belts of different lengths tied around the body; In most cases, the basis of a fashionable novelty is a belt at the waist.
Suspender
Harness
Is a women's sword belt a fashion accessory or an important part of the image?
The word "sword belt" is of French origin and literally translated means the phrase "to carry a sword." It was for carrying weapons that the sling made of leather belts was intended, which was worn by warriors of various armies of the Mer. Initially, sheaths for bladed weapons were hung from it; later, holsters for firearms began to be attached. Also, sometimes bags for maps and documents were attached to the belts.
Women's leather belts were usually custom-made for ladies who were hunters, or women customized men's versions to suit themselves. When global military conflicts raged, the sword belt was actively used by them for its intended purpose.
Do not confuse a sword belt with suspenders, which are based on a simple elastic band with clothespins. Our “heroine” is tougher and more refined, because she was originally created for the harsh needs of men.
In the modern world the situation has changed somewhat. So, a sword belt, a female model, what is it used for now?
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A thing with a history
The leather sling migrated into the women's wardrobe from the army. In the original version, it is intended for carrying weapons. Prable Gurung is an American designer, thanks to whom the accessory first appeared on the catwalk in 2012. A year later, several other designers presented their variations on the theme of military ammunition. Among them is Alexander McQueen, who became the best British fashion designer of the year four times.
From the BDSM wardrobe to the fashion catwalk
The sword belt became an accessory for a modern wardrobe in 2010-2012. Some associate this trend with the popularity of military style, others with the emergence of aggressive sexuality in fashion and the emergence of BDSM aesthetics from the framework of kink into everyday wardrobe. During these years, Rihana, Lady Gaga, and Beyoncé actively used belts, corsets, nets, and belts in their stage images. In addition, the film “50 Shades of Gray” was released, which turned BDSM almost into the mainstream.
Flirting with BDSM aesthetics in the 2010s was not unique. Fashion has a long relationship with references to this sexy trend. Kinks have been visualized by celebrities like Madonna, and have also been interpreted by high fashion legends Jean-Paul Gaultier and Tom Ford.
From the catwalks, sword belts migrated to the women's wardrobe and for some time were practically a must-have accessory. As the 2010s hit the midpoint, the trend began to fade, only to return in a new guise.
At the beginning of 2021, sword belts were declared one of the most popular men's accessories. Several actors decided to diversify their classic looks for the red carpet. "Black Panther" star Michael B. Jordan attended Sunday night's SAG Awards in a classic dark suit, over which was worn a bright sword belt with white, pink and purple patterns. It didn't look exactly like a classic sword belt. The accessory has been called differently - “bib”, “harness” - but it is an obvious variation on the porte-épée theme.
Jordan's co-star Chadwick Boseman attended the ESPY Awards wearing a crisp white sword belt over a cream pantsuit. Timothée Chalamet wore a sparkling black sword belt over a black shirt at the Golden Globes. They were probably all inspired by the Louis Vuitton spring-summer 2021 show, where models came out in bright, laconic “bibs.” This year also began with bright images with sword belts or their elements. The top of Carrie Washington's dress resembled a very expensive harness.
But the most striking appearance with a sword belt in 2020 so far remains the appearance of rapper Lil Nas X at the Grammy Awards. He was dressed in a hot pink Versace suit: a cowboy hat, a cropped jacket, skinny trousers that turned into boots, a mesh top, topped with a matching harness adorned with gold horseshoes.
A more restrained look with a sword belt was chosen by Charles Anderson from the Social House group. He wore a custom-made silver Louis Vuitton bib with orange patches.
Read on topic:From a tool of oppression to a stylish detail: the complex history of the corset
A sword belt is an item for every day and for going out
As a rule, sword belts are made from leather. Such models are suitable for a daily look. The most popular women's jewelry is white, beige and black. They also differ in style: strict models with a minimum of decor and openwork variations. In addition to leather, pearls are used to make the sling. Such jewelry belts will be a chic decoration for an evening dress.
About who the decoration will suit
The line between grace and vulgarity when wearing a sword belt is very thin. You need to remember this when deciding to try on a new look. Due to the fact that the fashionable novelty emphasizes women's curves, making them more attractive, it is better to wear it for slender girls. Ladies with curvy figures should not wear it, so as not to be considered vulgar. Since the sling draws special attention to the upper part of the body, it is best for those with a small bust to decide to experiment.
How to wear a sword belt correctly?
It's very easy to make your appearance look ridiculous. But dressing up stylishly and harmoniously is an art. Wearing such a self-sufficient accessory correctly is not difficult; you just need to adhere to some nuances when combining wardrobe items with accessories:
- The fewer additional accessories you wear at the same time as the belt, the more impressive this combination will look. We are talking about bracelets, watches, large earrings, necklaces, etc. Ideally, it is better not to wear anything on your neck, and choose small earrings or even studs.
- Simple clothing without decorations in the form of rhinestones, stones, beads, etc. is welcome.
- It is important to combine a sword belt with plain things. Print and various ornaments will not be appropriate. But clothes with small polka dots or dim checks, “Turkish cucumbers”, etc. are not excluded.
- If you have a thin figure and above average height, then you should choose thin straps (up to 1 cm in width). Ladies with plump bodies should choose wider belts (2-3 cm, more is possible).
Women who are insecure should not wear the accessory. A women's harness will definitely attract attention to all parts of the body that it will be worn on. If you have personal complexes or lack confidence in the beauty of your own body, then the harness will not bring the expected effect.
Taming the sword belt
A fashion item is not easy to combine with clothes. What to wear with a sling and how to do it correctly - these are two questions that concern women’s minds. You can demonstrate impeccable taste if you follow a few recommendations:
- The black leather option is perhaps the most impressive. However, you need to be especially careful with it. If you want to create a more feminine look, then it is better to take a closer look at white or beige colors.
- The sword belt attracts attention. To avoid too much of it, it is better to refrain from combining jewelry with over-the-knee boots, platform shoes, a miniskirt, a neckline, a slit, tight clothes, or transparent outfits. Unless, of course, creating such an image is your goal.
- To create a more harmonious image, you should choose a harness that does not contrast with the color of your shoes and bag.
- Clothes made of plain fabrics without decoration are the ideal backdrop for this accessory.
- A sword belt is a self-sufficient thing. You should not combine other jewelry with it, so as not to overload the already bright image.
- Since the item originally belonged to a man's wardrobe, it is best to balance its belligerence with the help of feminine clothing. Due to this contrast, it will be possible to emphasize girlish fragility.
How to choose
Selection criteria: individual body type, as well as the type of clothing with which the accessory will be worn.
Trying is recommended. The decoration should fit snugly but comfortably, without squeezing.
The most common color is black, it looks impressive and fits with any clothes, formal or festive, as well as for wearing on a naked body. However, you can choose other shades, for example, white or beige will give the image a soft femininity.
The most common material is genuine leather; it lasts a long time and does not lose its properties or shape. The substitute quickly wears out and loses its attractiveness; you can buy it for the first time to take a closer look and try out the accessory. The fabrics are easy to care for; quick-drying 100% polyester is most often used.
For every day, it is better to choose simple, discreet options with a minimum of decor. For the evening, the most complex weaving or jewelry belts with stones are suitable. And models made from elastic bands will not let you down during a romantic evening.
Prices range from 400 rubles for goods from Aliexpress to 11,000 rubles for products from famous fashion houses.
What to wear with?
The sword belt will definitely suit the following styles:
- Gothic;
- Military;
- Steampunk;
- Minimalism;
- Hippie (light shades of the accessory).
In other styles, its use should be approached with caution. Here are some options.
Option number 1. Contrasting.
A dark leather harness will look perfect with a light-colored dress. In turn, a light leather sling will be a great addition to a dark-colored dress.
Option number 2. Tone on tone.
If the girl’s appearance does not allow the use of such a sharp combination of colors as contrast, then you can conduct an experiment by choosing jewelry to match the outfit.
Option number 3. Bright.
Colored leather models look fresh on plain, discreet clothes. Such sets are well suited for very young girls.
Option number 4. We revive the coat.
A sword belt looks stylish in combination with a straight-cut coat of a discreet color. The item gives the image originality and completes it.
Option number 5. Sports.
Wearing a sword belt with a dress is ideal, but not the only way. The harness also goes well with a sports-style T-shirt and jeans.
Option No. 6. Special case.
The holiday is a great opportunity to wear a pearl sling over an evening dress. The owner of such splendor will be the center of attention.
What to wear with a women's belt. What things to combine with, photo
Did you ever have a desire to add some “spice” to your image, a playful sexuality ? If yes, then don't worry. This is absolutely normal, we women are creatures by nature that are not only fragile and sophisticated, but also playful. But know that in order to look sexy it is not at all necessary to expose parts of the body that men desire. There are other tricky things too. One of them is a sword belt.
In general, initially it was a special belt for carrying weapons. This is something you might have seen among the military. Having borrowed this thing from them, women began to wear it with different items of clothing. Intertwined leather belts, adjacent to the body, awaken imagination and evoke various “interesting” associations. Thanks to this, the image becomes tempting and playful. But it is important to understand that you cannot wear a sword belt with everything (as is practiced by many ladies); if combined incorrectly, you will look vulgar and tasteless. Therefore, we will note for you some options for what you can wear with such a current accessory as a sword belt.
The harness can be worn over a simple white top or white shirt . You should complete the look with black trousers (tapered, cropped, classic, flared), possibly leather, or a black skirt (pencil, a-line). A jacket or a masculine-looking jacket will give the image more sexuality. As for shoes, it is better to opt for black rough sandals or loafers.
The harness looks very interesting with simple gray T-shirt dresses. They can be midi or maxi length. With and without cuts. Complete this look with white sneakers, black slip-ons or sneakers. A careless hairstyle (slightly disheveled ponytail or bun, careless curls) will put the final necessary point in the whole image. If you choose a more feminine gray dress, then it’s better to pair it with sophisticated black sandals.
A black sword belt looks good with a white dress : fitted or a shirt dress. You can choose shoes with or without heels. White or black.
Another stylish solution is a black or dark brown sword belt over a blue shirt tucked into light trousers. The photo below shows an option with heeled shoes, but they can also be replaced with moccasins.
A black leather harness can be worn with an elongated translucent gray or black top. Or over an elongated vest, you don’t have to create just simple looks with it. But refrain from wearing belts over turtlenecks, dresses and T-shirts in bright colors, or silk blouses!
THE END
Fashion models 2021/2022
We offer you a selection of the most interesting, in our opinion, accessory models.
A woman's sword belt is a powerful weapon. In skillful hands, she is able to emphasize femininity, giving the image sophistication, sophistication and even mystery. We hope that the article was useful to you and now you know what a sword belt is and why it is needed. And, perhaps, you have already mustered up the courage to wear this extravagant accessory... Then go ahead! After all, the sword belt is for the brave!
Original wearing options
Designers waste no time and every year offer the most unexpected combinations with clothes, dressing models from the most prestigious catwalks.
Today you can wear a harness even with casual clothes - T-shirts, casual jeans and plaid shirts. She will add a subtle component of masculinity to the image, hinting at the strengths of the hostess.
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The “casual” style provides a wide field for using a spectacular accessory. Harnesses go perfectly with narrow stylish jackets, light open blouses and jumpers. Short leather gloves can complement the look, but other accessories must be used correctly to avoid dissonance. To do this, on many fashion websites there are sections “women’s sword belts photo” or “women’s sword belts photo”, where you can clearly see really successful and impressive combinations of sword belts with various styles of clothing and even with underwear.
Despite the variety of uses of harnesses for the most wonderful outfits for events of various sizes, you should know in what cases you should not wear a harness.
