Style gurus - I need your help with belts

[eveningprimrose]

Am thick waisted and fairly short. Always thought belts would cut me in half and make me dumpy.
Tried on a really nice dress the other day and the shop assistant styled it up with a wide belt. It looked good - didn't buy said dress but thought I'd try the look with my existing clothes. Why does it look crap when I try for the same effect? Is it about the cut/ fabric?
What are the belt "rules"?

I don't know about belt 'rules' as such but never ever go there with an empire cut dress and a wide belt (or any belt)

Style advice here how to wear wide belts

Skinny belts might make you feel less cut in half and dumpy though

academic chic has lots of outfits with belts - there is even a tutorial around there somewhere.

jamaisjedors, cool link. I've added it to my favourites to enjoy later. Gok was on about belts the other night but I wasn't paying attention- OP maybe you could check it out on 4OD if you're in UK. I have the same problem though, things look crap when I try them at home.