Belts. One is enough, right? Wrong. Belts are a great way to switch up an outfit or repurpose the same one you’ve been wearing week after week (you can’t fool us). Here are the answers to five questions about belt-ology.
1. What kind of belt should I wear with jeans? With a suit?
For jeans, throw on a leather, tweed, wool, or cotton belt – all these options look great against denim. On the other hand, a suit requires a sleek and simple belt. For navy suits, go with dark brown. For black and grey, look toward black leather.
2. When can I go sans belt entirely?
If you’re tucking in your shirt, don’t even think about leaving home without a belt around your waist. There are some exceptions: casual Fridays at the office and weekends with your buddies. But, then again, you could show them up and still wear one. Try tucking your shirt halfway into your jeans.
3. Do I have to match my belt to my shoes – always?
Yes, for the most part. Brown shoes = brown belt. Black shoes = black belt. Simple as that. But with new trends on the rise, you can opt for mixing color palettes. Try belts in similar hues to your shoes. If you can pull off a light brown belt with dark brown oxfords, I say go for it. Style is all about experimenting.
4. How long should my belt be?
Dress belts should have at least a few inches to the left once fastened. Too-short lengths make the belt appear too tight (you don’t want people to think you’re going to pop a button or anything). Casual belts can be worn looser since they’re not as stiff.
5. Should I choose a thin or thick belt?
It’s all about the occasion. Never wear a thin belt with jeans. That’s strictly for the ladies, and let’s keep it that way. With denim, go for a heftier buckle and thicker belt. A thin(ner) option is, however, appropriate for formal and dressy events.
Still can’t decide? Own one black and one brown belt. You can’t go wrong.
Our Below the Belt: Denim, Boxers, Socks, & More Boutique opens Thursday, June 26 at 11AM ET.
By Natasha Iwanow, Copy Intern
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