The word is out-wide belts are the hottest fashion accessory for spring-the perfect compliment for the gorgeous dresses slated for spring and summer. Belts look great with many different styles of dresses hitting stores, from free-flowing sundresses to shirt dresses to tunics. Really wide belts (3 inches or wider) are a hot ticket item, as are leather sashes, leather or cloth wraps and stretchy cinch belts. Get one in grey, black, brown, red, white, metallic, and pretty much any vibrant color.

Wide belts add the right feminine touch to shirt dresses, and a more tailored, modern look to shift and tunic dresses-a flirty girl-next-door flair to full skirted dresses for evening.

How to wear wide belts

The key to wearing wide belts is to wear them high, as in right under the breast bone. These belts are meant to accentuate the upper body and cinch the waist, unlike the "old" kind that went through your belt loops to either a) hold up your pants and/or b) accentuate your fanny. If you're curvier, a wide belt is extremely flattering if worn correctly. A wider belt worn high can melt off pounds-no trips to the gym required.

Now that I've touted the benefits of wide belts, it's time to talk about wide belt no-no's. A belt seems like it's a simple enough concept for most to figure out. But we've all seen the Don't section in Glamour. Don't be a don't: avoid cheap looking belt made of synthetic material, or one that's too big. If it gaps in the back, it's not the right belt for you. Likewise, if you feel like you're about to pass out because the belt is too tight, chances are you're suffering for beauty. Get the hint, and find a belt that fits. Don't wear a wide belt too low, the look is less than flattering. And lastly, don't over-accessorize. The belt is the centerpiece of your outfit. Think twice about loud jewelry and overly embellished shoes.

What do you think about the wide belt trend? Think they'll make it a couple more seasons? Personally I love this trend. I was too young to really take advantage of it the first time around, and now being petite, I just love the slimming effect of wide belts.