Gucci Belts

THE ASKMEN TAKE

Gucci slept through most of the ‘80s. It wasn’t until the '90s rolled around that a young designer named Tom Ford was brought on board to get things under control -- and he did. The Gucci name has since become one of the most recognizable in the industry and currently reigns as the best-selling Italian fashion brand in the world.

Now, the time has finally come for Gucci to make up for its lost decade. The fashion house has decided to relive the glory days of biker jackets, leopard prints and seriously shrunken pants over 20 years later. It’s just in time for fall fashion's revival of everything ‘80s, and right at the heart of this resurrection are Gucci’s belts.

UNIQUENESS

At 3.5 inches wide, the trapezoid buckle belt is more like a full-on cummerbund. And while the geometry is appropriate for channeling the essence of the decade that inspired it, the belt is more likely to get you a few ugly stares and the occasional, “that’s interesting…”

Gucci belts also made an equally hefty friend out of elastic nylon, which has an uncomfortably close resemblance to a seat belt. At the other extreme is an anorexic-thin patent leather number that weighs in at a super-slim 0.8 inches complete with what Gucci calls a “prism” buckle made from Plexiglas.

But not all hope is lost. There are novelty Gucci belts and sensible basics in the collection that push the envelope without obliterating taste. The classic interlocking G buckle comes on belts in several variations from black and gunmetal to blue and red. More embellished varieties have crests on the buckle that, in the best way possible, seem as though they were ripped off a shoulder-padded men's blazer from 1985. Finally, for the most conservative among us, there are blacks and browns with subtly embossed renditions of the interlocking G design -- a fundamental piece for any man’s wardrobe.

DURABILITY

When you invest in quality leather goods like a belt to the tune of $300, it better last. Fortunately, with a discerning eye for your lifestyle, Gucci can infuse luxury and longevity into the infinitely boring assortment of belts you likely already have on hand.

A color choice like blue or red can add boldness and stand the test of time if worn the right way. The key to success: Let the Gucci belt stand on its own while everything else plays second fiddle. Trousers or dark denim with a crisp white shirt work best.

But for men who want something a little more foundational to upgrade their pile of clearance Kenneth Cole belts, the basic blacks and browns of the collection are simple enough to wear with anything, but adorned with just the right amount of Gucci glitz to let everyone know you make enough Gs to afford the Gs.