Belt with formal outfit?

[Nick]

There's a dummy in a window in Leeds that has a waistcoat and belt. I cringe every time I see it.

But I'm not so sure it's the store just trying to sell more stuff. Three piece suits are making a bit of a resurgence, and whenever I see a guy wearing a waistcoat (almost always sans jacket), the trousers are too low and he's wearing a belt. The trousers should be high enough that there's no gap showing shirt between, and they should be held up by braces.

What I don't know is if it's because dress-down is the new formal (I did see an article extolling this), or they just don't know how these elements were made to go together.

[Bugbear]

Hmmm... I don't know if I'd say that as a rule, necessarily. As this thread is about formal wear, one could say you were correct. For formal attire, unless you are wearing a vest or a cummerbund, I'd wear a belt.

However, I don't think that statement is true for casual wear. There are all kinds of circumstances in casual wear where you might not wear a belt. For what it's worth, I'd rather see no belt with casual wear than a dress belt worn with casual wear.

M

I feel the same way, Matt. The buckles are too fancy looking for casual dress. Although, I do wear a plain looking, two prong work belt for a casual look in a lot of cases. I'm usually dressed for casual when I wear a kilt.

[davedove]

Hmmm... I don't know if I'd say that as a rule, necessarily. As this thread is about formal wear, one could say you were correct. For formal attire, unless you are wearing a vest or a cummerbund, I'd wear a belt.

However, I don't think that statement is true for casual wear. There are all kinds of circumstances in casual wear where you might not wear a belt. For what it's worth, I'd rather see no belt with casual wear than a dress belt worn with casual wear.

M

I feel the same way, Matt. The buckles are too fancy looking for casual dress. Although, I do wear a plain looking, two prong work belt for a casual look in a lot of cases. I'm usually dressed for casual when I wear a kilt.

I have to agree with that. The big shiny buckles do tend to be a bit much for casual wear. (Well, unless you're in Texas, that is)

[Bugbear]

Ya, the big shiney buckles.

My best friend said they look like you won a wrestling championship if you arent wearing a jacket and tie. Guess you could win a rodeo, but I don't think you should ride a bull in a kilt...