No matter how much thought you put into your combination of pants, shirt, and shoes, you'll still need a good belt to tie it all together. Our selection of men's options includes something for every occasion, from a casual day on the links or the water through to a boardroom presentation on which your next promotion may depend.

In today's world, a man's belt can dress up or dress down an outfit, adding a casual air to a pair of slacks or bringing some refined grace to blue jeans. The fact is that no man should own just one belt, and not only because of how much impact the belt can have on the trousers and therefore the whole effect of your outfit. A man needs to own at least two dress belts because of one of the most basic issues of the fashion world: the black or brown quandary.

Basic men's fashion dictates that your shoes and belt should match or complement one another. That means a brown belt goes with brown shoes, a black belt with black shoes (or brown belt, white shoes, black belt, gray shoes, and so forth). But your belt and pants much also work together. A black belt and khaki pants, for example, is generally unacceptable, as is a brown belt worn with a black suit or slacks. This discussion can be drawn out at length, or summarized as this: a man must own a black and a dress brown belt, or he must invest in a reversible belt displaying one of these classic colors at a time. And said belt or belts must be made from a refined material such as leather, a convincing faux leather, or a more rarified option like alligator.

When choosing your dress belt (or belts), leather is often the best choice. This classic material is handsome and durable, and it ages well. If you want a belt that makes more of a statement, invest in an alligator skin option. Those who notice the material will appreciate it (others will just assume it is leather). As for color in a dress belt, generally the darker the shade, the more formal a belt appears. Thus a dark brown belt is better suited for business attire, while a caramel-colored leather belt is better for business casual attire.

For a decidedly more casual and functional belt, there are myriad options made of cloth. What these belts tend to lack in refinement, they make up for in low cost and performance. Many fabric belts are made out of tightly woven cotton that resists tearing and punctures, yet offers a bit more flexibility than leather or alligator, allowing you to cinch the belt snugly around your waist. Belts that secure with adjustable closures rather than traditional buckles also allow for plenty of comfort, reliable pants support, and sharing with others as needed. Many cloth belts also have the added benefit of being machine washable, making them a good choice for use during an activity that leads to sweat such as golfing, boating, or yard work.