Reader Question: Recently I picked up my spring/fall lightweight khaki trench coat from the dry cleaners and much to my horror, they had lost the matching belt! Do you have any suggestions for a “replacement belt”? I don’t want to try to find a perfect match because, inevitably, it will not be a perfect match. The trench is Banana Republic circa 3 seasons ago so there is no hope for getting a replacement belt from them! Help!
Style Me Thrifty: This means war! Just kidding. Instead of getting mad at your lame dry cleaner, let’s get even by using this fashion obstacle as an excuse to freshen up your go-to trench coat look. Sure, the khaki belt that came with the coat blends in nicely, but how about jazzing things up a bit with some color and texture?
The goal is to find a belt that is long enough and also flexible — a typical stiff leather belt is too structured for a trench. A few suggestions:
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Men’s Tie
My first idea is FREE to try (boo yah!). I want you to go into your husband’s closet and grab the skinniest tie he owns. A man’s tie is the perfect length for a trench coat belt and I love the pop of color it adds!
Colorful Sash Belt
Since khaki is such a great neutral color, I perused Etsy and found two cute fabric sash belts, which hang nicely in the belt loops and are easy to tie. Etsy seller ccdoodle has two especially cute ones for $28 each:
Top: Simple Obi-Wrapped Belt-Sash in Silk Fabric. Bottom: Simple Obi-Wrapped Belt in Textured Cotton Vintage Fabric. Both $28.
Wide Belt
For a more neutral look, how about a cute woven belt with an oversized buckle for super cheap from Forever 21?
Top: Braided Leatherette & Rope Belt for $7.80 at Forever 21. Bottom: Woven Elastic Belt for $8.80 at Forever 21.
Slouchy Woven Belt
And finally, I like how the shape of this woven belt mimics the trench coat belt. Plus, it’ll work nicely when you don’t want to buckle/tie the belt.
Women’s Beaded Macreme Belt in olive green for $17.94 from Old Navy.
Case closed!
Style Me Thrifty 
Darn clever!