The belt. Such an inconsequential item of clothing, hardly worth bothering about really. And yet, the belt can be worn to great effect with the right get-up. Here are some tips to get you started.

Firstly and importantly: get the right size belt. Measure around your waist, just above your hip bone and choose something large enough to have about six inches of spare length and no more. Too much spare material looks untidy and too little will look too tight.

Match the belt with the shoes. Urban myth it may be, but the belt really does look better if it’s the same or a similar colour to the shoes. This shows that you have put some care into your appearance rather than slinging on whatever was closest to hand in the morning. Don’t just look at colour but think about matching style too – what is the stitching of the belt like? What type of material is the buckle made of?

Choose something made of good quality leather. Your belt is an integral part of your appearance and is going to be worn often. Cheap leather splits easily and could leave you with some awkward explaining to do if it breaks unexpectedly! Just4Leather products are made from only the finest high quality leather – choose from Kenneth Brownne’s vegetable tanned leather and quality hide leather from Prime Hide.

Decide on a suitable buckle. Think about the situations you’ll be wearing a belt and choose appropriately. Belts for work should on the whole be more understated, perhaps with a neutral coloured buckle and not too ostentatious in colour and style. If you often wear a belt for leisure as well, think about getting two – you’ll be surprised at how good it feels to get out of work clothes into weekend gear right down to the belt.