This seems to be the season of the letter "B," especially when it comes to fashion accessories: Big bags, ballet flats and belts are at the top of Island women's must-have lists. And, of course, there's Fendi's "B" belt, the "it" belt, showing up in all the fashion 'zines.

If you haven't tried on belts lately, now is an ideal time. Stores are stocked with a huge variety, from narrow strips of satin to leather, macramé, embroidery and sequins.

Ignore your belt loops. The fresh way to wear belts is over a hip-length top or tunic.

If you have a less-than-perfect waist or hips, a great belt can be a best friend. Play around with the proportions. Try it at the waist, then slide it down your hips until you find the most becoming place for it to perch.

Although it sounds counter-intuitive, it may not work for a woman with a small waist to wear a belt at the waist. If she has large hips, a cinched waist can accentuate the hips.

For a flattering silhouette, look for belts that curve; they will lie flat wherever you place them on your hips.

Belts and their buckles look best when their scale matches the scale of your face and body. A narrow belt with tiny buckle is not the best choice for a large woman, just as a 5-inch-wide belt will swallow up a petite person.

There is, however, a belt for every body. It just might take a little looking around.

Reach Paula Rath at prath@honoluluadvertiser.com.