Hey, I’m not asking you if your belt has a good grip! Lol
Seriously, did you know your belts can let you down? The answer is “Yes”, especially when you bring shoes into the picture. You can only imagine how many times I have seen men (including those on top of their game in the business world) step out all looking dapper, and then their belt/shoes game just lets them down.
Everything else might just be on point – good suits, shirts, watches and what have you – but that tiny band in the middle just spoils everything.
If only they cared about their belts and shoes details.
Wait a minute, “Why should I even care about something like belt and shoe details?”, you might ask. Well, you might have noticed I always use the word “game” in my posts. That’s because, the way I see it, those who approach life as a game tend to be more strategic in thinking. And if your goal is to win, you can’t afford not to understand how important IMPRESSIONS are in the game of opportunities.
As a high flyer or intending-to-be high flyer, it is almost certain that those you seek to leverage understand the value of great dressing. This is where a poor understanding of basic fashion rules will sell you short.
The Basics
Let’s cut to the chase. In the matter of belts and shoes, the rules haven’t changed:
1. Belt colour MUST ALWAYS match shoe colour (or have noticeable traces in it).
2. Corporate/Formal Belts SHOULD ALWAYS go with corporate shoes.
3. Casual Belts should go with casual (funky) shoes. In this regards, sneakers can go with anything except corporate belts.
Other smaller, but equally important details include matching your belt and shoes material (texture) and accessories. Think about matching suede, leather and wetlip belts and shoes. Same with belt buckle and shoes metal accessories blending.
Those are the basics.
You can argue these rules with me, but please don’t use celebs like Denrele or Charlie Boy as your examples! In short, don’t put celebs in that argument because their outfits are mostly props!
For the Daring
Some people can break the rules and get away with it. I call them the daring ones. They’re able to do this because they know how to play with colours, material texture and mood of occasions. For instance, let’s take a look at using a wine-coloured belt for a grey shoe. The trick here would be to have a little bit of both colours represented in other accessories in your outfit. Are you getting?
My advice though: don’t play in this league if you haven’t even mastered the basics! Play safe.
As a final passing shot, always remember, the key to great belt use is to always think about:
1. The type of outfit/occasion, and
2. The shoe combination.
Want to get personal with me on this subject? You can by hitting me up on any of my social media messaging channels. Would love to hear from you.
Yours truly,
Arome.
IG: @arome_empire
Twitter: @empirearome
Arome Fashion Statements 