The Studded Belt and You

The studded belt. Can you pull if off without looking like a complete and total hipster? Can you wear one without looking shockingly out-of-place? The answer is that you probably can't, unless you go about it delicately and with a certain amount of class. That's where this bit of writing comes in.

The basic studded belt in made of black leather, or pleather, depending on where you pick it up, although they can also come in most any color under the rainbow. The namesake studs are usually pyramid-shaped and lined in rows of two, three, or four, spaced very closely together. Now that these belts are more main stream, they're a little easier to find at stores. What I mean is that you won't have to go to the scary store under the bridge to buy one. I've seen these belts for sale anywhere from The Gap to Hot Topic, with costs running the gamut depending on where you buy the belt and the materials that it's made from.
To most everyone, belts are accessories to complement outfits. With this in mind, what to wear with the belt is as important as what not to wear with one. I remember the first time I left my house with one on. My pops turned his head to the door as I opened it, looked me up and down, and said "Where do you think you're going, punk?" To most people, that's the kind of image that a studded belt carries. Keep that in mind when you're dressing with one. Go with a skinnier pair of jeans with a t-shirt for most casual wear situations. If the crowd's right, a studded belt can also be worn with a more elaborate outfit in the stereotypical punk style that everyone's seen in movies. A leather jacket covered in patches, black jeans, and a white tee, all bound with a studded belt. The bigger deal, however, is what not to wear with one. I've been to parties with guys wearing a polo shirt, clean-cut jeans, and a studded belt, looking more ridiculous than pretty much anything else. The don'ts are simple, if you've got any sort of common sense about fashion. If you're going to go with a studded belt and don't want to look like a confused teenager, don't wear baggy jeans or a baggy shirt. I'd also suggest straying away from "preppy" clothing; else you'll look like a wannabe hipster who's trying way too hard.

An important factor to consider when wearing a belt like this is that among some people and some crowds, it'll never be cool. In fact, they're waning with a lot of people, who are seeing the belts as fashion-backward. So, as long as you keep your head straight, use some common sense, and ooze confidence, you'll be just fine. Enjoy.