Section: Building Your Wardrobe - Blog
So you're building a hard-working wardrobe, and you’ve got your foundation business suits, but what about staples like belts and jeans? You need some dark blue jeans because there’s more to life than just work. Leisure time and jeans go together like apple pie and ice cream, and the belt, well, that’s the icing on the cake. Here’s how to design your signature look from head to toe.
Mitch Hedberg, the American stand-up comedian, once said: “My belt holds my pants up, but the belt loops hold my belt up; so which one's the real hero?” This question frankly divides opinion in various quarters.
However, it reveals the belt's importance to your image. When you go shopping for men's belts, pick one that makes you look like the real deal.
Match your belt style and colour as closely as possible with the shoes you'll be wearing with each outfit. The best way to do this is to buy a matching belt whenever you buy a pair of shoes. If you find you have a similar one in your wardrobe when you get home, just return the belt.
Now, does this guideline mean if you have four pairs of shoes, you need four belts (or two reversible ones)? Well, that depends.
Do you have four different colours of shoes or are they all one colour? Are they similar or dissimilar styles? As you can see, this is subjective because it all depends on the types and styles of your suits and shoes.
The gold standard in men's fashion? The thinner the belt's band and the simpler the buckle, the more formal it is and the more suitable its use with tuxedos and dinner jackets. This rule just helps you make good matches.
Further, match metal with metal; for example, wear monk strap dress shoes with silver buckles with a thin belt that features a simple silver buckle.
Wear brown belts withnavy blue suits as well as lighter grey business suits. Black belts and black shoes are the best match for charcoal grey or black suits.
The exception? When wearing a midnight navy suit, you can go with either black or dark brown shoes, depending on the event's dress code.
From their humble origin, where they came into vogue as work trousers, jeans have become the trouser of choice for the average teen to the movie star to the everyday man.
Jeans represent a potent combination of image, functionality and comfort. It comes as no surprise, therefore, that they can be dress down appropriate with a T-shirt and sneakers or as dressy as monk strap slip-ons worn with a blazer.
Because of their all-weather versatility, we recommend you keep at least three pairs of jeans in your wardrobe. While usually viewed as casual wear, a golden rule decrees the darker the jean, the more formal it becomes.
Therefore, wear a sports jacket with a pair of dark jeans (instead of light jeans) even though light jeans can be pulled off, especially in summer.
Keep jeans with signs of wear or holes for extremely casual occasions unless you belong to that select group of individuals, with fans raving at their feet as they strum their guitars, who have sold over 10,000 albums!
While your lifestyle and needs dictate your purchases, it's a good idea to keep two pairs of dark jeans for pairing with a business shirt for a sharp appearance. American television host, Ryan Seacrest, said: “The combination of a blazer over any T-shirt with a pair of jeans is foolproof.” We do not contest that!
Did you know you can work one on one with a Montagio personal stylist to create your own unique look? If you're ready for a wardrobe makeover, or you just want some commonsense advice on how to maximise your current attire, pop into our showroom or call for an appointment.
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Wondering what all the hype is about? Here's why you'll never go back to off-the-rack:
Named in GQ Magazine's "Best Tailors" list, and the highest reviewed tailor on Google, Montagio has paved the way for discerning men to get suited up with style. We offer a truly personalised experience, specialising in custom designed, perfectly fitted suits, shirts, coats, and shoes for for business, weddings, formal and casual events. Our showrooms are visually packed with designs that inspire plus thousands of fabric options, making it easy for you to get the look you want. Our expert stylists will advise and professionally fit you and frankly won’t let you walk out until we’ve tailored your perfect garment. Since 2010, we have custom tailored looks for thousands of happy customers. To experience the same red-carpet service, book your personal appointment today.
Simon FrazerMontagio did a great job on wedding suits for me and my two groomsmen. Bally provided us with fantastic service and the result was definitely superior to an off-the-rack option... more » |
Kiran DosanjhI have bought a total of 11 pieces custom made so far - quality and attention to detail is spectacular, material choice is broad and the input customers have in creating the exact look they want is a great experience... more » |
Roy SolimanI went back for another suit, a few shirts and some ties. Outstanding! I had so many complements on my new suit yesterday! more » |
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