Belts and buckles: the B-list that's most undervalued and overlooked. I haven't tucked in my shirt for years, but I still wear a belt. Unless you're wearing an unfashionably long shirt from the 1980s, your belt loops are visible from time to time and you need one.
Many men have forgotten about belts because 20 years ago Mark Wahlberg took his off and dropped his pants to show his Calvins. So other men dropped theirs too. But move on, guys, that was long ago and Wahlberg doesn't rap any more. Pull your pants up.
In some cases it's appropriate not to wear a belt. Some trousers are tailored for the no-belt look and the belt loops are purely decorative. In any other case, belts are an essential part of your attire.
A man should have at least three leather belts: a black one, a dark brown one and a light brown one. With dark suits, you should mostly wear a black belt (with black shoes, please), and with a lighter suit, a dark brown belt (and brown shoes in a similar tone). A light brown belt should be reserved for more casual occasions, maybe with jeans. If you want a fourth belt, get a white one.
After that, the possibilities are endless. How about a light blue skinny belt from Louis Vuitton (top) or a shiny gold one from Antonio Marras. But wear a skinny style only if you have a waistline, or you'd end up looking like an overstuffed parcel. For a black belt, I'd avoid crocodile skin because it reminds me of ... I don't know, Dynasty? (Faux croc skin, however, can be good for fun belts.)
A very important part of a belt is the buckle, and it's what people often pay attention to first when they see your belt. It tells people who you are, or at least what you mean to be at different times. For a boardroom look, it should be silver and sharply rectangular, because you mean business. For clubbing, I'd go for a D&G thick white studded belt (below, left), complete with a round buckle. It says naughty playfulness, and it captures that ultraviolet light perfectly.
I don't usually like canvas belts, but Dior Homme's belt with a calfskin buckle (top) is in a different league. It looks great with white shorts or trousers. The only style I really can't stand is woven leather. It's such a rustic thing to wear, and I don't live in the country.
