One fundamental item of clothing that is very much in need, though often overlooked is a good belt. As it stands, every man should have at least two good belts in his closet, one for dressing up, the other for dressing down.

Nothing is more annoying for both the wearer and the observer than having to pull up your trousers with every other step you take. Alas, the solution is simple; belt up guys...

Dressing Up

Harvey Nichols (www.harveynichols.com) have a great selection of smart belts that would not look out of place at work or on a night out. Here are our favourites of the bunch:

1. Etro Black Leather Classic E Buckle Belt £175

This classic leather belt from Etro has the signature 'E' buckle. Etched with the Etro logo it has easy push through fastening, five eyelets, and is 3.5cm wide.

2. Dolce and Gabanna Brown Logo Buckle Belt £235

This Dolce and Gabanna number features a logo embossed buckle with silver tone hardware and clever hidden prong fastening, worth shelling out a bit more.

3. Paul Smith Buckle Belt £70

Paul Smith's belt has a pewter buckle that features a two prong design with logo embossed prongs, the belt is available in either black or tan, you can't loose no matter which one you choose.

Dressing Down

This is the part of the game where you can have some fun. For those 'dressing up' occasions, black, brown or tan leather belts are your safer options, however, when it comes to casual wear you are allowed to be a bit different and push the boat out.

Here are our favourites from good ol' ASOS (www.asos.com):

1. Tommy Hilfiger Michell Striped Webbing Belt £29.50

This cotton webbed belt by Tommy Hilfiger has the original old school metal 'D' ring tab buckle (remember those?). The striped design works well with the contrasting brown leather trims, ideal with jeans and a plain tee.

2. Wrangler Eagle Buckle Belt £60

Wrangler's contribution is a jeans belt another one of our favourites; stylish and sturdy quality leather with an over sized rectangular hand painted buckle. Wrangler has gone for the trendy distressed look with this slim vintage design.

3. Diesel White Rain Effect Belt £50

Diesel comes in as another personal favourite with this rain effect leather belt. Its all-over embossed print has a contrasting loophole, an adjustable buckle with an engraved logo detail.