Put a belt on it-The Thrifty Six

For this theme, “put a belt on it,” I had to think for a moment and dive into the archives. Because I don’t have a second-hand belt. So I went through all the photos from years and years ago. And I was rewarded. Let’s take a look at what I made of it. And even better, what beautiful looks my friends are wearing!

Welcome to The Thrifty Six. We are a group of international fashion influencers who meet once a month in our little space on the internet to share our thrifty outfits. On the third Monday of every month, we will all share an outfit based on a theme that features pre loved wardrobe pieces. Shopping and reselling pre loved clothing is so much better for the environment and you can find some of the best fashions in thrift or charity shops. The Thrifty Six are here to inspire you to shop second hand.

Put a belt on it

This top is by Diane von Furstenberg and was bought on Vinted. Or maybe in Lewes, England. I don’t remember anymore. But I wore it so much, until it was completely worn out. But this skirt had a high waist, and those wrap straps get in the way. So… I used them as a belt! What a fabulous top it was.

And here are my beautiful friends

Sally of Within a World of My Own

I had to get creative for this challenge because I’m not a belt person and I don’t have any that fit me right now. So I used an old thin green woven leather belt (which I had kept because it was so pretty) to create a leather scarf ring. I tied the two ends of the long thrifted scarf together, then wrapped it twice around my neck like a faux infinity scarf. Then I wound the belt around the scarf and buckled it to make a scarf ring look.

I thought it turned out really well! It definitely added more interest and texture to my scarf (yes, now even my scarves wear “jewelry” ha!). I liked how the lime green color of the belt picked up that color in the scarf and related it to the aloe green pants I’m wearing. The scarf is the only thrifted piece in my outfit, but the clothes and shoes are such old favorites that the outfit’s total cost per wear was only $4.62, and $3.00 of that was the recently purchased scarf – I’d say that’s pretty thrifty!

Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge

Recently, macrame belts have been popping up all over the place and I am definitely here for it! I found this brown beaded macrame belt on a thrifting adventure not too long ago and it is proving to be quite handy. I belted a newly thrifted dress layered beneath a newly thrifted robe for a cool print mix in earthy tones and added two preloved wooden necklaces and a pair of flea market leopard print earrings.

But I didn’t just belt my dress, I also belted my hat with an old brown braided belt. I love using belts as hat bands to add a unique detail and better coordinate my hats with my outfits. Was going to also attach a belt to a handbag as a purse strap but I got lazy and skipped the third belt. I figured two belts would satisfy our thrifty theme! But keep in mind that belts aren’t necessarily just for your waist. You can get creative and belt anything you’d like!

Jane of preloved_vintage_handmade

This was an 80’s vintage dress, now cut to make a blouse – I’ve removed the skirt, leaving this stunning peplum – peplums being bang on trend right now!

To exaggerate the silhouette, I’ve added an original 1950’s waspie which acts as a belt nipping in the waist to create a perfect hourglass.

I’ve further enhanced the effect using a waist cincher belt with a huge statement bow at the front.

Peplum, waspie and waist cincher together create this dramatic Alexis Colby inspired ensemble – I’m back in the early 80’s, fresh off the set of Dynasty…

Jodie of Jodie’s Touch of Style

I’m a huge fan of these wide, elastic belts, and I found this one at a vintage shop. Of course, my maximalism brain said I should decorate it with a necklace and earrings.
The dress and shoes are all thrifted, also.

Emma of Style Splash

I decided to recreate an outfit I’d worn before for a previous Thrifty Six challenge (metallics) as I liked it so much. I’ve only changed the bag and shoes. The gold jacket is vintage 1950’s, from eBay, and I bought the belt in a charity shop. Belts (other than the fabric type that come with a dress) are usually not on my radar, but this theme has reminded me that a belt can really make an outfit!

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22 Comments

Shelbee on the Edge
20 April 2026 / 16:28

I absolutely love how you used the straps from the shirt as a belt for your high waisted skirt. It looks adorable! Well done, my friend. I knew that this group would deliver some serious creativity for this theme and I was right!

Shelbee

- nancy
  Author
  21 April 2026 / 10:09
  
  You certainly were! Great looks!
  
jodie filogomo
20 April 2026 / 18:28

I’m over here, applauding, how creative you got with the belt idea!!!
Talk about being the boss of your clothes!!
Xoxo
Jodie

- nancy
  Author
  21 April 2026 / 10:09
  
  Haha, yes we all learn from you Jodie!
  
Kathrine Eldridge
20 April 2026 / 21:44

Love what you did with this challenge! I adore the DVF top so much.

https://www.kathrineeldridge.com

- nancy
  Author
  21 April 2026 / 10:08
  
  It’s gorgeous isn’t it! Thanks Kathrine.
  
Sally in St Paul
21 April 2026 / 02:03

That’s a very clever way to wear a “belt” – it looks great this way!

- nancy
  Author
  21 April 2026 / 10:05
  
  Thank you Sally!
  
mireille
21 April 2026 / 13:02

What a great idea to use the top’s belt as a belt for the skirt! It makes a beautiful contrast with the white! Most of my belts are thrifted and Amazon.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com

- nancy
  Author
  22 April 2026 / 10:50
  
  Oh that is good! Thanks Mireille.
  
Melody Jacob
21 April 2026 / 17:50

I love all the styling. They are unique.

- nancy
  Author
  22 April 2026 / 10:49
  
  Thank you Melody!
  
Emma Peach
21 April 2026 / 19:05

That’s a fabulous top! It looks great with the white skirt.

Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com

- nancy
  Author
  22 April 2026 / 10:49
  
  Thank you very much Emma.
  
Marsha Banks
22 April 2026 / 03:53

Such a good solution to your problem with the straps! And, it looks terrific! I think that’s a beautiful top, and I really like the white skirt. The belt just really sets off the skirt!

https://marshainthemiddle.com/

- nancy
  Author
  22 April 2026 / 10:48
  
  Thanks Marsha, I was really pleased with this outfit. Such a shame I don’t have bot anymore.
  
Kellyann C Rohr
23 April 2026 / 00:24

I have ALWAYS wanted a piece from DVF! Brilliant idea to use the tie as a belt. It looks so good on you!
xo,
Kellyann

- nancy
  Author
  23 April 2026 / 10:23
  
  Thanks Kellyann!
  
Violetta
27 April 2026 / 22:20

Each outfit looks great and very stylish.
Greetings from Austria
Violetta

- nancy
  Author
  28 April 2026 / 09:56
  
  Thank you very much.
  
Your True Self
8 May 2026 / 03:42

Hi, Nancy – I really like your idea of using the strap as a belt and it looks wonderful! Take care – Angie, http://www.yourtrueselfblog.com

- nancy
  Author
  8 May 2026 / 10:34
  
  Thank you very much Angie.