Men are ditching the matchy-matchy belt/shoe style and opting to use the belt to add contrast and a little unexpected flair to their outfit. Wearing a belt that doesn't directly match anything in your shirt, pants, or shoes can be a stylish move, but it requires a bit of finesse. The goal is to make it look intentional, not like an oversight.
- Shirt or pant connection: checkout the colors in your shirt or pants to select a belt in a similar or complementary shade.
- Consider the overall color palette in the outfit: belt color should be in harmony with the overall color scheme of the outfit. If your outfit has cool color tones (blue, black, grey) the belt should be in a similar cool tone (deep purple, blue green). Conversely, if your outfit is warm-toned (browns, oranges, reds), a belt in a complementary warm tone (like yellow green, cream) is a better choice.
- Look to your accessories: watch band, jewelry, outerwear (blazer, jacket)
- Pop of color: a belt can be used as a deliberate "pop" of color, adding a bit of unexpected flair to your outfit. This is an advance color coordination and requires careful consideration. For example, a color belts works well with a neutral color outfit (white shirt with charcoal pants). Pairing a color belt with a colorful outfit would be jarring.
Breaking the matchy-matchy rule gives you the freedom to let your personality shine through. Your accessories should feel purposeful, not predictable.
So, next time you’re getting dressed, give the old rulebook a toss. Instead, focus on pairing colors and textures that work together, not ones that follow someone else’s formula. Trust me, you’ll be turning heads for all the right reasons.