Let's Cinch A Deal!

Yesterday day this jersey dress from J Crew arrived chez moi. Picture it with edgy heels, if you will.

I like its gray-flannel vibe in slinky jersey (even though it has a temporarily poufy neckline that I must deflate, if possible). And I like its transitional (summer-to-fall) appeal.

I do not, however, like its belt, a hideous self-tie. And worse, there’s an elastic waist on the dress placed a smidge higher than my natural waist. I’m perfectly content with a one-inch waistband above my natural waist, but a skinny elastic one? Oy vey.

So I’m looking for a proper belt that could work with this dress. I literally haven’t worn a belt in eleven years but am looking forward to doing so again.

I’ve been doing some browsing and have come up with three potential candidates.

This is a simple belt from Akris Punto. I like its sleek lines:

Another sleek one (with studs) from HTC Italy:

Here’s a more ornate belt from YSL: (But would the open clasp conceal the dress’s elastic waist enough?)

And a heavily embellished obi belt from Cecilia de Bucourt at Barneys: (This belt really is too much for this dress, but I like it.)

I’d also be happy if you’d like to make a suggestion; but remember: the belt should be at least 1 ½ inches wide to fully cover the elastic waist. I also want the belt to be black leather or a pewter-y metal. No animal prints!

Can we cinch this deal?