Caged In

Picture this: You’re wearing a great flirty summer dress, possibly one that is floral or tropical print, with raffia platform wedges, but somehow your outfit seems incomplete. You try a few accessory tactics—add round sunnies or a mini bag maybe?—but still can’t shake the feeling. Just then, your fashion fairy godmother swoops in and delivers you Derek Lam’s Cage Link Belt and, ta-da, wardrobe worry solved in acinch!

Okay, so back to reality, we don’t all have fairy godmother’s—modern-day translation: stylists—but we can still reach for a sleek cummerbund when our ensemble needs a little pick-me-up. Constructed of all leather with a contrasting black and white color scheme, Derek Lam’s cage belt serves as our inspiration behind today’s lesson. The link structure will add an interesting element to every ensemble, while also helping to define one’s shape. Taking inspirationfrom the runway, we’re waving our own magic wand to conjure up a similar cincher and styling it with a sleeveless tank, bright skirt and platform sandals.

Availability: Derek Lam Cage Link Belt ($650). For additional information, visit Dereklam.com.

P.S. How are you wearing this season’s brights? We’re turning to Gap’sStyld.by catalog for countless chic ideas!