4 Tips for Wearing a Belt with Style – More Than Just Function

A belt plays a significant role in the well-dressed man’s wardrobe – not just for fit, but also as a subtle style marker. It’s easy to view it as something you "need" purely for practical reasons. But the right belt can actually frame the silhouette, create balance in an outfit, or even play a discreet but crucial role in your personal style.

Here are four perspectives to bear in mind when using the belt as a conscious part of your style – from function to form.

Tie Your Outfit Together with Colour and Material

Matching your belt to your shoes is a rule of thumb that often works well – brown shoes with a brown belt in a similar shade, black with black, and so on. It’s a reliable guideline to fall back on.

But it’s not just about colour. The material is just as important. If you’re wearing leather shoes, a smooth leather belt looks best and also gives a more dressed-up impression. Wearing suede shoes? Then a suede belt works nicely too – it creates a cohesive look that feels considered without being overly obvious.

Add a Personal Touch

A belt is also the perfect opportunity to express your style identity. Do you like Western-inspired buckles, braided textures, or subtle colour details? There are plenty of options that can give your outfit character without stealing the show. The secret lies in balance – dare to choose something that stands out, but make sure the rest of your outfit remains harmonious. A colourful belt works brilliantly, as long as you echo the tone elsewhere for example in your shoes.

Contrast or Frame

It’s easy to play it safe – black belt with black garments, brown belt with blue or green. And that’s a stylish approach. But sometimes it’s interesting to go against the expected combinations. Try, for instance, a black belt with a blue outfit – it creates sharper contrast and a more defined silhouette.

For tone-on-tone outfits, the belt can be a way to add structure. Think white jeans with a white shirt – add a brown or black belt and you suddenly have a defined waistline and a look with more visual contrast. If you’re wearing brown garments, it might be wise to let the belt stand out – choose a lighter shade, a braided material, or even black to avoid the belt "disappearing" into the outfit.

Functional – but Never Without Style

Strictly speaking, you could say a belt is just a belt – it exists for functional reasons when your trousers don’t quite stay up. The old rule says that if your trousers can’t stay up without a belt, they’re too big and you need to have them taken in or go down a size. But sometimes trousers fit almost perfectly and just need a slight adjustment. In that case, the belt serves a purpose and becomes a way to make the garment fit even better.

Wearing a belt is also a clever trick for making garments with a slightly looser silhouette work – such as trousers bought vintage, second-hand, or a pair you like that simply weren’t tailored for you. With the right belt, you can still wear them and look well-dressed.