Formal attire is sharp, sleek, and stylish. You’re dressed to look your best even on classy occasions. If you’re putting something together, you may be asking yourself if a belt would be necessary. 

This guide will answer this question. We have always suggested accessories to elevate your style. There is no written rule or requirement that says you have to. 

However, the idea of wearing a belt with formal pants could help. It may depend on the situation you’re faced with. So let’s answer this question and go over some suggested ideas right now. 

What makes belts a standout accessory? 

To begin, belts have been seen as a common accessory for formal attire. The intent was mostly for functional purposes to ensure that your trousers were secure in place. Over time, some saw it as an accessory for aesthetic reasons. 

Nevertheless, choosing a belt can serve you in both ways. If you are looking for something that fits your personal style while providing an aesthetic boost, a belt could be what you need. Recently, there have been various approaches to men’s fashion including minimalism.  

Some may opt for a no-belt style by choosing trousers that are well-tailored. For example, men can enjoy this benefit by wearing a pair of Berle’s Wool Flannel Flat Front trousers. These will provide you with a snug fit without the need for a belt. 

So if beltless is what you want, you can get it through one of our many selections of tailored pants. By the way, many of them are fit for formal wear. Be sure to choose wisely for a few good reasons like color, texture of fabric, and so on. 

Wearing a belt: Considerations to go over 

Making an informed decision can be easy if you have some things to consider. If you’re not sure about wearing a belt, mull over the following: 

• Trouser fit: This is one of the most critical factors that will help you decide if a belt fits here or not. Try them on and see if it’s needed. If things fit slightly loose, a belt is needed. Otherwise, if it’s snug while allowing you freedom of movement, a belt would be pointless other than wearing one for aesthetic purposes. 

• Occasion: The occasion will more or less play a role here. Black-tie formal events or even business meetings could call for a belt to ensure that your appearance is more polished. If it’s more laid back, you could get away with not wearing a belt - especially with a pair of Berle’s Polyester Wool Tropical Trousers. 

• Personal preference: As we’ve stated before, there is no written rule that says you have to wear a belt. So if your personal preference is to not wear one, we will respect that. At the end of the day, it all comes down to your personal comfort and the type of style that you want to rock whatever the occasion may be. 

Tips for choosing a belt 

If you decide on getting a belt, it’s always a good idea to find one that will be perfect for functionality and style purposes. With this in mind, here are a few tips you should follow:  

• Choose high-quality leather: If there is one material that can really make a belt stand out, it’s leather. Even better, you want to choose a belt that will complement your shoes both in color and texture. For example, if you are wearing black shoes then wear a belt that is black. You could get away with deep dark brown as well. 

• Belt buckles: In terms of the belt buckle, it may be a good idea to choose one that is simple. If you’re looking for a polished look, it may be a good idea to stay away from the ones that are all about flash and design. 

• Invest in the proper size: A comfortable fit without excess slack or tightness is the way to go. If you’re unsure of what size belt you need, get a measurement done. This way, you’ll be able to have a go-to number when it comes to buying new belts. 

Final Thoughts 

A belt can be an excellent accessory to have on hand, especially when you want to wear it for the purpose of keeping your trousers securely fit. We hope you found these tips and ideas helpful in finding one. 

At Berle, we do our part to help you find the best pair of trousers. If you have a formal event coming up, we might have a few ideas. Be sure to check out our selection and see which trousers stand out.