In the last few years belts have made a comeback on the catwalk and high street and there is a good reason for this. After all, just think about what you can do with this simple strip of material - you can enhance your waistline and update last season's cocktail frock and all can be achieved at a price that won't make your bank balance buckle.

With our handy guide to choosing a belt for dresses, you'll find it cinch to make the best of this once neglected accessory.

Depending on your body type, a belt can flatter your silhouette in a number of different ways. If you don't naturally have much in the way of a waist, then a belt fastened over the hips can give you more of an hourglass shape. Likewise, for women with a long torso and shorter legs, a belt placed high on your waist can help to elongate your lower body.

Remember, if you're using a belt to draw attention to your midriff area, choose one with a bit of flexibility so that it will mould itself to your sides without creating bulges.

Some dresses of course come with belts of their own. Belted dresses continue to be very popular in 2015 - from cute trench styles to tailored shirt dresses and structured denim frocks. It's a great way to go for a polished, fitted look. Add a pair of on-trend ankle boots and you'll have a belter of an ensemble.

Even if it's not quite as on-trend as it was back in 2014, the skinny belt still makes for a very versatile and useful accessory. Pair a thin grey belt with a black dress (or vice versa), add a blazer and you'll have the basis for a chic office look. Likewise, a skinny belt in a pastel tone can add just that touch of figure-hugging allure to a beautiful floral dress.

The good news is that skinny belts don't take up much wardrobe space, so there's always room for one more!

In 2015 the belt trend has got bigger, literally, with catwalk designers turning their attention to oversized waist wear. Styles include belts in mirror-smooth solid metal that look just as great either with a little black dress or little white dress. 50 Shades of Grey-inspired leather harness pieces are also available.

These work especially well with deep reds and sophisticated prints, bolds, sporty vibrant items, brightly coloured sheath dresses …the list goes on and on. Such statement pieces are just the thing for those of you whose fashion sense tends towards the clean, crisp and graphic.

Among the various exotic themes that have filtered into the high street this year is the obi belt, which is simply a sash made of cloth or soft leather.

The perfect finishing touch to a mock-wrap dress or printed frock, an obi belt can be tied with a basic knot with the ends left dangling to the side. Alternatively, it can be finished off with a dainty bow. Either way, the obi creates a soft, subtle exotic vibe which is very different from the traditional western belt, and the result is guaranteed to look chic and elegant as well as bang on trend. If you don't want to splash out on an obi you can easily improvise.

Simply make your own one from any old fabric you have lying around at home or turn an extra-long belt into an obi by putting a knot in it.