The fashion craze of today spares no one. Men are no exception to that rule. A classy guy should look good from top to bottom. You may wear the best formal and dress attires that the style industry can offer. But without a belt, all of your prim-and-proper wear’s efforts go down the drain.
The ever-humble men’s dress belts are an underrated and often overlooked dressing accessory. Truth be told, it can either make you or break you. So when you have trouble deciding which belt to wear on a specific occasion, let the following “Do” rules guide your way.
It is an unstated rule that you have to use a dress belt for your formal wear and a casual one for your usual, everyday clothing. Do not try to be a fashion visionary when it comes to belts. Never interchange them, because people will notice. And when they do, you will never hear the end of it.
You should have at least two or three high-quality dressy belts. Get one of each colour – black, tan, or brown. Large buckles or metallic detailing in gargantuan proportions are a no-no when it comes to formal, business, or cocktail party-wear. Your belt should complement your clothes and not be the star of the show.
Do wear your belt at the correct length.
You can see a person wearing an ill-fitting belt a mile away. A waist-strap worn incorrectly can make a person look shorter or taller than usual. So make sure that when buying belts, measure your waistline first. It will immensely help you and the seller when you decide to buy one online.
Also, a thin belt makes you look more elegant. So the classier the event, the skinnier your waistband should be.
Do throw away a worn-out belt.
Do your men’s dress belts look like they need re-stitching? Or is the colour of your belt buckle starting to fade into oblivion? Like other clothing materials, belts also need to be discarded when it does not look wearable. The lifespan of a regular belt is between nine to twelve months of almost-daily use.
It is perfectly fine if your stitched belt seems like it can last for another decade more, but do not overdo it. When it appears to have done an excellent job in the last couple of months, do it a favour and send in a replacement pronto.
Do match your belt with your attire.
When you go formal, your belt should always compliment your shoes. Is your shoe made of suede leather? Then pair up with a belt with the same make. If a shoe has a patent-leather or glossy finish, you should match and wear a belt that looks the same. It will make you look polished and refined without being too much of a show-off.
If you are a bit lacking in the height department, there is a way to make you look taller than you are. Fashion experts say that you should match your belt colour with your dress shirt or slacks. Doing this will give others the illusion of being taller.
Smart dressing is not confined to the world of women anymore. Men can do it, as well. So invest in your belts for a more elegant and stylish you.
Author – Fran Hurd