Belts are one of those accessories that tend to be forgotten when discussing menswear. The right belt can really put your look together or completely break it. It's also a piece that will last you a long time for many years to come (if it's a quality belt).
Aesthetically speaking, they add matchability, especially to your shoes - but they also serve a big functionality purpose of keeping your pants up. They can be considered a substitute to the classic suspender, but they've become staples in most outfits.
Picking the right belt is a thing of its own because it's not easy finding the right combination of colour, style and quality. I've always been a firm believer in buying a quality belt that will last you a long time because it saves you money in the long run and you get to mature with the product. I have a few quality belts from Brave Leather, Anderson's, and Solid Leather - and they've become staples in my wardrobe. It goes without saying that it's good idea to have a few options to match with various outfits.
There are obviously various types of belts: dress, casual, grungy, etc. - but what if you're in the market for one belt and want something that works for any look? Here's where to start:
An everyday belt
Here's a belt that you can literally wear with anything. It can be casual yet refined when you need it to be, and it has the weight of a quality belt. This guy is from Solid Leather (as you can tell), and it's been one of my go to staples on a daily basis. It's truly a solid choice.
A dress belt
With that in mind, it is meant to be dressed up. It's a simple and elegant style that works really well with suiting options. However, as you can see below: I've dressed it down. And there's nothing wrong with that. Wear belts as you see fit, since they can work well based on your personal taste/style.
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Photo by @maureenimphotography[/caption]
A casual belt
Casual belts have a way of putting together any look. You could even wear a tshirt and chinos and have the look come together because of a good casual belt. Sometimes, it's hard to transition casual belts to dressed looks, so it's best to keep them casual. One of my favourites come from Brave Leather (one I actually made myself at their factory), also shown below.
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Photo by @seanpollock[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2281" align="aligncenter" width="665"]
Photo by @maureenimphotography[/caption]
At the end of the day it comes down to what you prefer in terms of a belt and how you want to wear it. These are simply guidelines that I abide by, and tend to work fairly well in my humble opinion. Feel free to experiment and try different types and styles of belts - and I'd love to see what you guys come up with!