Belt up!

My stash of thrifted belts

A vintage Escada lion's head belt bought at a boot sale for 10p

A shapeless vintage cardi transformed by the addition of a belt

A belt adds a bit of dash, shaping you and adding to your mood. A good, hardy belt used for practicality is grounding. Over-sized clothing can be made to fit and a belt can go over everything: coat, cardi, shirt, dress or jeans, whether hanging from your hips or nestled, comfortably at the waist. A belt adds shape to larger bosomed girls making a smock top look less tent -like. Big buckled elastic waist-cinching belts act like comfy corsets and don't dig in if you've pigged out during the day.

Even a thrift shop novice should have no trouble finding a belt. Every charity shop has a rack or basket crammed full of belts, often at giveaway prices. Check for damage and discard if there are any DIY holes. Leather belts are generally a better buy. Dull, cracked leather can be treated with leather food. If an elasticated belt is tatty but it has a cool buckle buy it and replace the elastic from a length bought from a haberdashery store.

Belts every girl should look out for:

• A brown leather belt with a brass buckle to give a hippy vibe to anything.
• A black leather studded or riveted belt to wear over a ditsy print floaty dress for a rock chick edge.
• A skinny leather belt tied at the waist to instant transform last year's coat into this season's Chloe-inspired number.
• A cinch-in elasticated belt with a groovy buckle to make a mundane sweater dress more appealing and individual.