Choosing a Leather Belt to Suit your Style |
Sophisticated Smart Belts
The sophisticated smart look is a type of mens formal wear that is all about looking ultra smooth and professional. For this look the leather belt is an accessory that should blend and complement, rather than stand out as the centre of attention. Choose a simple and classic shiny leather belt (preferably in black) in a width of around 2.5 to 3cm. The belt should be light and uncomplicated, giving a sleek and sophisticated look. For work wear, the buckle should be as simple as possible, whilst for more social occasions (such as weddings) the buckle can have slight design features such as an elongated design. The buckle should always be in shiny chrome though (brass is a bit old fashioned). |
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Suited and Booted
This is a bold and fashionable formal look for men, ideally suited for the younger generation who want to combine the sophistication of a suit with high fashion touches. In order to maintain that smartness, stick to a plain black leather belt, but beef up the width to 3.5cm. The belt buckle offers the best chance for individuality, but be careful not to diminish the formal look. Stick to a shiny chrome buckle with sharp and simple lines, but choose slightly chunkier designs including a plaque buckle. Ted Baker belts are ideal for the suited and booted look, particularly their fixed prong buckle belt called the Brosnen. |
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Smart-Casual Belts
Smart-casual or business-casual attire has become an essential look for men to get right as it has become more widely used for work. The smart casual look works best with a simple jeans style belt in matt leather. A reversible black and brown leather belt is an excellent option as it covers wearing both black and brown shoes. Calvin Klein is well known for their crisp and modern lines, and their belts are perfect for business casual. Avoid wearing high fashion jeans belts, as they will dominate the look and not create the right image. |
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High Fashion Casual Belts
For the young and trendy fashionistas, clothing is all about making a statement and the mens belt is an accessory that can add some added spice and texture. In terms of the actual leather, the typical width is about 4cm which allows the belt to make enough of an impact. Distressed leather effects have become very fashionable over the past ten years, in line with the fashion for heavily distressed jeans from brands such as Diesel. Added detail to the leather will show off an attention for detail such as stitching, embossed logos and metal studs. Whilst black and brown leather are the standard, a tan leather belt will stand out and looks great in Summer (along with fabric belts). The belt buckle should be large and dynamic, but avoid anything that will make you look like a cowboy. |
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