Men's jeans belt how to choose a color. Men's belt - how to choose a stylish and comfortable accessory Gray belt with what to wear

What is a belt? On the one hand, it is a purely functional wardrobe item. On the other hand, it is an element of style. As the English said - do not skimp on three leather items: boots, wallet and belt. In this article we will understand the stylistic intricacies of choosing a men's belt, this will help you emphasize your (or your man's) style and sense of taste.

What are the types of belts?

There are suit (trouser) belts, casual belts and universal belts.

1. Suit (trouser) belts

These are classic design belts with a strict buckle and a simple, uncomplicated shape, have a small width of 3 - 3.5 cm and are designed for strict business suits. A classic belt must be imperceptible, but in harmony with the style of the suit and shoes. A quality trouser belt should be made of genuine leather with slightly rounded edges.

There are two loops in the trouser belt: the first is fixed next to the buckle, and the second moves freely. Remember to A quality trouser belt is an important addition to a business style.

Stylist's advice: Consider belt color, he should be combined with colors shoes, briefcase and other accessories... According to this rule, brown belts are worn with all brown shoes, even if they are wine red. Black shoes and a brown belt are not the right decision.

2. Casual belts

Such belts are wider than trouser belts, usually 4-5 cm and, as a rule, are equipped with a massive buckle. Casual belts can be the most diverse in dressing, material, color, type of buckle etc. With these belts, everything is much simpler and more interesting, you can combine the belt as and with what you want.

Stylist's advice: Remember pants should sit perfectly, and the belt mainly serves as a decorative function.

Universal belts can be considered that are equally suitable for trousers and jeans, their width is usually 3.5 cm.

How to wear and what to combine with a men's belt?

Belts must match in color or texture material with shoes and a briefcase (if any).
Desirable (but not required) combination of a belt with a watch strap(if possible, at least the buckle should match the metal of the dial).

In addition to the fact that the belt must match the color of the shoes, it must also be darker than clothes.
Follow style unity! The trouser belt should be in harmony with the style of the suit and shoes. To the classics, you should select strict belts with no frills, to everyday casual style- wide belts with a wide variety of frames and buckles.
The belt can fasten on any hole except the first and last(classic belt for the second, the first - afternoon). Pass the tail of the belt through no more than two slots (loops on the belt of the trousers).

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How to choose the color of socks

First and foremost rule: socks should be matched to the color of the shoe, not the trousers... There is another opinion, the opposite, in which the socks are matched to the trousers. In case the trousers are much lighter than low shoes, the shade of the socks should be medium, providing a smooth transition from suit to shoes. For example, if the pants are light gray and the shoes are black, the socks might be a medium dark gray. A similar rule applies to jeans: black socks should be worn with black denim, blue - with blue, and medium-dark blue - with light blue.

In the process of studying the topic, we even came across an artistic justification for the phenomenon of light socks. According to the rules for applying shadows, the closed narrow part of the leg - the ankle - is in natural shadow, therefore, in reality, it should not be conspicuous. Too light socks break the silhouette, bringing the shaded area to the fore, which looks unnatural.

White socks can only be worn on two occasions: at workout and on the red carpet, along with a white tuxedo and white shoes. Sports socks are usually tighter and more elastic, often shortened. You can wear white socks not only with light-colored sneakers, but also with bright and dark ones.

If you are wearing white low shoes with a white suit, then the only solution is thin white socks. To be honest, we saw such combinations only on the catwalk, in fashion magazines of the 80s and in Ken's doll wardrobe. We do not think that any of you at least once in your life will be faced with the need to wear a white suit with white low shoes. However, if you are a practitioner, then our advice is useless: you are a style guru without them.

How to choose the length of your socks

There are three lengths of socks: low-cut, medium (ankle-dress) and high (knee-length). In formal outfits, the length of the socks should be as long as possible so that your bare leg is not visible under any circumstances. Most politicians wear high socks: even if they are sitting on a low couch and their pants are lifted up a lot, we see only their socks, but not their bare feet.

Suspenders that keep socks in place all day long can be considered old-fashioned. But if you're a conservative, sock braces will find a place in your wardrobe today. Suspenders are also worth trying for those who find any elastic band on their socks to be tight, or for those who find slipping socks a problem.

Don't wear socks with shorts. The exception is sports. Working out or jogging in shorts of any length and sneakers requires socks, if only for hygiene reasons, and socks can be anything: short or medium, white or colored. No socks are required for breeches in suiting or summer denim and linen.

If you wear shorts with loafers or slip-ons, invisible footprints will work that will completely disappear under the shoes. And if you are wearing topsiders, moccasins or sandals, then you should completely abandon socks.

How to choose the material and texture of socks

Socks should be chosen not only by color and length, but also by material. Thick, tight socks with a high lycra content are good for sports, as they stay on the foot and are resistant to active loads. For a suit, you need smooth, monophonic socks, without texture and pattern. They can be made of high-quality cotton, bamboo, with a small lycra content (up to 2%). Jeans are worn with socks that match the style of the shoe: with loafers and slip-ons - thin suit or low footprints, with sneakers and sneakers - sports, with sandals and topsiders - none.

Leave the woolen socks to the fireplace and mountain boots, and the colorful versions with cartoon prints in case you're heading to Milan Fashion Week. Aerobatics - silk socks. They can only be worn with a tailcoat, so we class them in the same category of mythical men's clothing as the white total look.

Costumes

Formal Suits

Men's suits are conventionally divided into formal and informal. Signs of difference are cut features, fit of trousers and jacket, color and material. Formal suits are designed for formal events and the business sector, they allow you to comply with the dress code. Formal suits are always paired, that is, trousers and a jacket are made of the same fabric. The jacket has strict lines that can only be changed within the limits of the model. So, the shelves are always glued, the upper part of the jacket has several lining parts that make up the "frame". Trousers in formal suits are most often wide, with arrows, but modern options may also have narrow trousers.

Informal pair suits

Informal suits differ from formal ones in less regimented cut and soft uniform. They can be either narrow or loose, plain or patterned. Informal suits can be paired and unpaired; in the second case, the jacket and trousers are made of different materials... All modern options with narrow cropped trousers, sometimes just below the ankle, belong to informal suits.

Paired suits can be made from fine wool or more unusual linen, tweed and cotton. You can wear informal suits both with the usual low shoes and with shoes without laces: loafers, slip-ons and moccasins. The same rule applies to informal unpaired suits.

Informal unpaired suits

A mismatched blazer and pants combination is a great everyday alternative. Participants and guests of men's fashion weeks often choose bright, steamed suits, for example, raspberry trousers with a light green jacket. V Everyday life you will probably prefer more restrained combinations: blue and light cage, khaki and milky, dark gray and mustard. Please note that unpaired items in a suit should be of different textures. It is not forbidden to wear black trousers and a gray jacket made of the same fabric different colors, but the image will turn out to be boring. It is better if the trousers are made of smooth wool and the jacket is made of tweed, and for summer you can combine trousers or cotton chinos with a linen jacket. Drawings will also support a different texture, but they should be on only one piece of the suit: either checkered trousers with a plain jacket, or a plain bottom with a checkered top.

Length trousers

Conventionally, all men's trousers can be divided in length into long and short ones.

Short trousers are always tapered; in the modern version of the men's suit, they can only slightly cover the ankle. Informal short pants can be worn with contrasting socks (see the beginning of the article), as well as with invisible footprints and without socks.

Formal versions of trousers most often have wide trousers, which reach the heel in the back, and form a kink in the front, lying on the shoes. The presence and depth of a break is determined by one of four degrees: full break, half break, quarter break and no break.

Shoes

Formal suits require Derby, Oxford, Monk and Chelsea shoes to be worn. Informal paired and unpaired, depending on the fabric and style, will be good paired with loafers, moccasins, topsiders, deserters, chukka, as well as sneakers and sneakers. About all these and many other varieties men's shoes... Have questions? Write to us through the form feedback and leave comments on social networks. We always talk about what is interesting to you!

Shoes for black and graphite trousers

Formal: black.
Informal: Anything other than brown.

Shoes for dark gray trousers

Formal: black, dark brown.
Informal: Any dark.

Shoes for light gray trousers

Formal: black, light brown, red.
Informal: any.

Shoes for dark blue trousers

Formal: black, brown (for navy trousers); light brown and dark brown (for trousers rich in bright of blue color).

Shoes for light blue trousers

Formal: black, brown (for muted blue trousers); under bright blue: light brown and dark brown (for trousers in bright blue).
Informal: Anything other than matching trousers in bright blue.

Building a wardrobe is a tricky business. Moreover, this task becomes even more difficult when it comes to men's wardrobe. A man who wants to look stylish, but at the same time courageous, cannot afford too pretentious or bright things in clothes. This does not mean that a man should dress dull and gray. Not at all! You just need to know a sense of proportion. This is especially true for accessories - belts, watches, rings.

Today, the focus of our attention is such an accessory as white men's belt.With what can a man wear a white belt? Is it worth wearing it at all, or is a white belt for a man not comme il faut? If you are interested in these questions, let's try to figure them out together.

What are the white men's belts?

To begin with, white belts are not uncommon in stores. You can buy a leather belt with a regular buckle, or you can buy a curly buckle, the so-called casual.

In addition, there are white sports belts made of elastic fabric (good for shorts).

In general, the choice is wide enough, but it is clear that the white men's belt is not a classic. White men's belt is fashionable and stylish, and a little more insolently. Therefore, if you adhere to conservative views in clothing, you do not need such a belt. It's another matter if you are young and like daring experiments. Then the white belt will become a bright and fresh detail of your image.

What can I wear with a white men's belt?

If you want to buy a white belt (or you got it as a present), you need to decide what you will wear it with.

If this white leather belt with simple buckle then it will fit perfectly to white suit(white jacket, trousers, shirt and shoes). In such a snow-white suit you will be simply irresistible. You won't go to a business meeting in it (except in the summer), but to a wedding or a date with a girl (remember the girls' dreams of a prince?)) - please.

White belt - with white suit and white shoes

If this white belt with large figured buckle then it is natural to wear it with jeans. Light, even better white.

If textile belt then it can be worn with white shorts.

What can not be worn with a white men's belt?

Definitely, a white men's belt cannot be worn with a classic suit. Even if it is not black, but, for example, gray.

As for other situations, it will help you to understand when it is possible and when it is impossible to wear a white belt. one simple rule - the color and texture of the belt and shoes must be the same! It is even better if not only the belt and shoes, but also the watch strap, briefcase or shoulder strap were designed in the same style and color scheme.

So, a white men's belt should be worn only with white (or at least light) shoes.

That's all. Happy shopping!

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The selection of a belt for trousers and shoes is not particularly difficult - you just need to know a few basic principles of the compatibility of these wardrobe items and resist the temptation to purchase some very extraordinary and effective model. Further in this article, we will take a closer look at the features of combining belts with shoes, boots, trousers and jeans.

Combination of colors and shades

It is widely believed that the color and shade of the belt should match the color and shade of the shoes, or even be exactly the same. For example, the American image maker Michael Anton writes that the belt "should match the color of the shoes"; a similar point of view can be found in Tim Gunn's The Fashion Bible. However, such statements should not be considered an unshakable rule. The fact is that sometimes the belt may be noticeably darker or lighter than shoes; Moreover, in cases where you combine shoes and belts of different colors, the image can turn out to be very elegant. The main thing is to avoid too catchy and dubious combinations. After all, it is not in vain that Bernhard Retzel, who wrote the encyclopedia male style"Gentleman" notes that "both leather and canvas belts should be in harmony with the shoes in color" - note, it is "in harmony", but not necessarily the same.

So, you can wear dark blue pants with tawny shoes and a dark brown belt; the image will turn out to be harmonious and rather restrained. Of course, a tawny belt would work here too, but keep in mind that it will draw attention to your waist. Even if she is slim, do you need it? ... and do you need to add additional bright accent, especially when it comes to business attire? Justin Fitzpatrick, who writes the blog The Shoe Snob, thinks not - and writes that “if you intend to wear shoes that are catchy enough, you should not match a belt of the exact same color to them, because the result will be too stressful for the eyes. ... A blue suit with red shoes and a red belt is too much; such an image as if shouts "Look at me!" ...

It should be added that with black shoes it is really customary to wear only black belts, and with dark brown, as a rule, they wear dark brown. However, in casual looks, they sometimes deviate from this custom, so do not be afraid to experiment if you are not constrained by the framework of any dress code. In general, when choosing a belt for shoes, you should pay attention to the general similarity of colors. For example, if the shoes are brown with a reddish tint, then a brown belt with a reddish tint will suit them well, but it does not have to be exactly the same in terms of color saturation and "lightness" / "darkness". If the pants are dark, then you can wear a dark brown belt.

Do not forget about informal looks, where you can easily combine shoes and belts of different colors. For example, you can wear a blue belt with beige chinos and brown loafers - there is nothing wrong with this combination, although it is not very common. However, we recommend avoiding overly sharp contrasts, among which Justin Fitzpatrick mentions the combination of green and red. The colors and shades of the belt and shoes may be different, but they should be in harmony with each other and complement each other, and not get into a squabble and not attract everyone's attention. For example, an olive belt with beige chinos and brown shoes is a perfectly acceptable combination, while a red belt paired with dark green shoes would be a much more controversial choice.

Combination of materials

Is a suede belt necessary for suede shoes, and a belt made of similar leather for cordovan shoes? No - and therefore, first of all, we recommend acquiring smooth calfskin belts, as they are the most versatile. Such belts, even in combination with grained leather boots, look completely acceptable, but a belt made of grained leather in combination with smooth leather boots can look strange. In addition, it tends to be unsuccessful with typical summer clothes such as linen suits.

It should be added that braided leather belts are very versatile, as well as textile models similar to them. They look informal, and it is undesirable to wear them with a strict dark suit made of smooth and thin fabric, but such belts are perfect for chinos, jeans, corduroy and tweed trousers, cotton and linen suits and some other wardrobe items.

Influence of buckle design on matching

The most versatile are belts with simple silver buckles; gold buckles tend to be slightly less versatile because they look less neutral. We recommend avoiding large designer buckles, which are in good harmony only with thick enough jeans and chunky informal shoes, and sometimes look silly and tasteless regardless of what clothes you are wearing. Very small buckles are also not the best the best choice because they usually do not go well with informal clothes such as jeans, as well as with things made of fairly thick and textured fabrics.


Examples are not very a good combination belt with shoes

Belt width and edges

Two more small, but important nuances are the width and processing of the edges of the belt. Classic strict belts that harmonize well with classic shoes, usually have a width of 30 to 35 millimeters. Some manufacturers save money and produce slightly narrower models, but this is clearly not the best option. The optimal belt width is 32-34 millimeters - you can combine many of these models with chinos or linen trousers, as well as with business suits and jeans. Belts with a width of 4 centimeters or more are in harmony only with informal clothing - for example, jeans.

The edges of the belts that you plan to wear with formal items such as business suits should either be stitched or very neatly and beautifully finished and dyed. The corresponding models are the most versatile - they often successfully harmonize not only with suits, but also with unpaired trousers, chinos and strict-looking jeans. The braided belts, the edges of which are naturally not stitched, are also versatile, but they come down the formality scale, paired with the vast majority of jeans, chinos, and some not-too-thin and not-too-formal suits.

Any belt consists of two parts: a buckle and a belt made of leather or other material. Additional elements - belt loop and tip. A loop secures the free edge of the belt, and the tip protects it from wear. On a leather belt, it is usually metal, on a fabric - leather.

What are the types of belts?

Strict

They differ little from each other. Let's consider their general characteristics.

Buckle

Shiny and smooth, gold or silver color. Usually in the form of a frame. It differs from everyday ones in its smaller size.

Width

Straight belts are always thin. The width should not exceed 2.5–3.8 centimeters.

Material

Exclusively leather. Natural or very good artificial if you are against the use of animal skin.

The most common material is cowhide. She is beautiful and durable. Calf skin is softer and more elastic. Belts made of it are considered especially high quality.

Rare and expensive options are crocodile or snake skin. V dark color are quite suitable for strict.

Color

A strict belt should not draw attention to itself. The traditional colors are black and brown. For a less formal dress code, thick red, beige, dark blue, gray, and white for the summer are also suitable. The surface of the belt should be smooth and slightly glossy, preferably without a pattern.

Combining a belt with a suit

The leather of the belt should match the color and shine of the shoes. And the buckle - with the rest of the metal accessories, except for the wedding ring.

Everyday

When choosing a belt for every day, you can show your imagination. It will reflect your personality and sense of style.

Width

Casual belts are wider than strict ones, usually 3.8-4.5 centimeters. The 3.8 cm wide belt works well with chinos and heavy fabrics. The wider ones can be worn with jeans and loose trousers, combined with a classic or bold buckle.

Color

Brown is a versatile color for everyday wear. Black belts will not work with khaki jeans and trousers. If you want to add personality to the image, look for bright colors.

What are the buckles for everyday belts?

Frame

On everyday belts, it is larger and more massive than on strict ones.

Buckle-plate

Usually detachable. Most often with an inscription or pattern. Makes the belt longer.

Automatic buckle

There are no holes in a belt with this buckle. The tape is fixed inside the buckle itself.

D-shaped or O-shaped buckles

They consist of one or two rings through which the belt is threaded. These buckles are most commonly found on woven and canvas belts.

Buckle-lock

The opposite ends snap into place like a seat belt. A very practical kind of buckles. Popular among those who lead an active lifestyle.

What material are belts made of?

Leather... Everyday leather belts wider and stiffer. They are usually made from the outer layer of cowhide. On some, traces of scars or marks that were on the skin of an animal during life are specially left.
Braided leather. A good option when you want to subtly refresh your look. Woven belts do not fit suits, but do go well with blazers. The multi-colored belt can be worn in summer with khaki shorts and a polo shirt.
Embossed leather... Such belts will fit well into a simple look, for example, they will go well with jeans with a basic shirt. Don't wear them with flashy clothes. Together they will look too flashy.
Leather combined with tape... A bright and bold option that will help you stand out. Pairs great with boat and golf shoes.
Suede... Less wear than leather. For strength, the seamy side of such belts is made of leather.
Braided fabric... A practical material suitable for those who spend a lot of time outdoors. There are colors and patterns for every taste.
Rope... More common in women's wardrobe, but it is quite suitable for men's clothing... Such belts, for example, are worn by sailors. Usually they are fixed not with a buckle, but with a knot. Such a belt will serve for a long time and will not suffer, even when wet.
Canvas fabric... A metal buckle belt like this is a simple but practical option. Usually it is solid or with a horizontal stripe in a contrasting color.
Vinyl... Bright, bold and cheap. Suitable only for young people, and even then only at a concert. Most often it looks tasteless.

When should you wear a belt?

Ideally with any pants that have belt loops. That is why they are sewn. Without a belt, the image will look casual.

A belt is required with business suits. In a more casual look with an oversized shirt, you can do without it.

If desired, the belt can be replaced with suspenders. They will do the same thing - they will keep the pants in place. Suspenders are especially good for, they visually decrease the volume at the waist. In addition, they will make you appear taller. The main thing is not to wear a belt and suspenders at the same time.

And what to combine the belt with?

The belt can complement your look or contrast with the rest of the details. In the first case, it should match in color with other parts of the suit, for example, with shoes. This is a must for strict belts. For everyday wear, it is enough to combine the color of the buckle with metal accessories. And the color of the shoes does not have to match. For example, it is quite possible to wear brown and beige or beige and white. The main thing is that the belt fits into the image. When in doubt, go for brown.

Another option is a bright or unusual style belt. In this case, build an image around it. Choose solid colors and accessories without patterns. One or two bright spots in the image are enough. Do not forget that this belt will draw attention to the waist. Don't wear it if you're not sure of yourself.

Strict and casual belts can sometimes replace each other. The former are suitable not only for business, but also for stricter sports jackets. Casual ones are combined not only with jeans and shorts, but also with chinos.

When clothing is clearly of a particular style, the belt must match. A strict belt will look out of place with casual pants. It will seem disproportionately thin. And a casual business suit belt will ruin the serious impression you want to make.

How to determine your size?

Measure the circumference of the waistband of your pants. The belt should be 3-5 centimeters longer. Or just measure your old belt.

If you like a belt that is not the right size or the old one is too small for you, do not make new holes yourself. They will stand out noticeably, and the belt itself may break at the puncture site. Take it to the shoe shop.

A stern strap should have a short free end. Only a few centimeters of the belt should protrude from under the fastened buckle - enough to pass through the first belt loop.

So how do you choose a quality belt?

Casual belts can be changed every couple of years depending on fashion or desire. It is better to buy a strict belt for a long time. If you choose a high-quality one, it will serve you for more than a dozen years. A calfskin belt is ideal. It should be soft and flexible.

Bend the strap to check for cracking. Press lightly on the inside of the belt with your fingernail. If a small trace remains, the skin is still soft. There will be no marks on the old hard skin.
Pay attention to the stitches. They should be small, close to each other, without protruding threads.
See if the buckle comes off. A belt with a detachable buckle is more profitable. You can change it depending on the situation.
The brand is not that important. Hardly anyone will notice that you have a designer belt. Quality leather and neatness are more important.