According to Wikipedia, men have been wearing belts since the Bronze Age. Though much has changed in the intervening 2,500+ years, the belt has more or less stayed the same, save for the addition of a rivet here and there.
For the modern guy, the belt continues to be an excellent way to keep pants in place and pull his outfit together. So how to pick the right belt for the right occasion? Here are a few clues:
-- Belts should match the color of your shoes, but don’t have to be made of exactly the same material.
-- When pairing up your belts and shoes, keep the finishes or textures similar. It’s about compatibility, not contrast (high-shine dress shoes with a suede belt? We think not.)
-- Leather belts are the most formal, with black leather at the top of the heap, followed by brown leather and burgundy.
-- High shine leathers tend to be more formal. Rough hewn or duller finishes are more casual.
-- Fabric and/or web belts are informal and work best with khakis, jeans and casual pants. Please guys, don’t wear ‘em with suits.
-- And most importantly: where to wear your belt? Not under the pecks, the belly or butt-crack, but around the waist, which is conveniently located right above the hips.
