The last decade has seen people go from opting for broad belts to slender options, and gradually working their way back to thicker styles and even giving in to bling. It's the easiest accessory that can revamp any outfit, if you know how to wear it right. And now, there's the obi belt — a version of the Japanese belt that secures a kimono — which is becoming popular among fashionistas abroad. Closer home, Sussanne Khan and Athiya Shetty are acing the look. But as is the case with the fusion of two diverse genres of music, the sound can go completely off, if done in a non-complementary manner. This is what style icon Rhea Kapoor, the woman behind sister Sonam Kapoor Ahuja's fashionista avatar, learnt when she tried the look recently. Observers also brought to our notice Shilpa Shetty Kundra's faux pas when she teamed the belt with a kurta a few months ago. "Designer Payal Pratap and Anita Dongre were some of the earliest designers to bring the obi belts done in a mizuki knot to the ramp. While Pratap's had a Japanese vibe when it came to the cuts, Dongre teamed it with lehengas," says stylist Anjali Xalxo. Here's how you can ace the look while opting for this tricky yet versatile accessory.

Style it right

Sussanne Khan in a sleek obi belt, The obi belt with a lehenga, Athiya Shetty's floral option