While a beaded wristband or a chain hanging from your skater jeans might have been classed as an accessory in your teens, these days, it’s important to realize the importance of investing in accessories that not only look good but do their job and are built to last.

As with all walks of life, paying attention to the details will always mark you out as a cut above. With that in mind, we’ve put together a guide to the six accessories every man should have in his collection:

1. The Reversible Black/Brown Leather Belt

Men have been wearing some form of belt since we first started thinking it might be a good idea to cover up our nether regions (or more specifically, since around the Bronze Age). But the belt as we know it really came into its own when waistlines were lowered – and, by extension, trousers’ ability to hold their own became unreliable – during the 1920s.

A good quality reversible belt kills two sartorial birds with one stone by virtue of its suitability to match almost any outfit. For instance, the brown side of your two-faced belt will work well with a smart-casual white polo shirt, beige chinos and leather brogues (in a matching hue) combination, while the black side will perfectly finish off any all-black look, including a black suit and black patent leather shoes pairing.

You’ll also find that both colors will easily team with a whole host of other hues that you already have in your wardrobe, from green and grey to burgundy and navy – versatility that you will quickly come to appreciate when pulling together an outfit each morning.

“Make sure you invest in good leather and a strong metal buckle,” says Adam Walker, founder of The Male Stylist. “Don’t forget, a belt has to go through a lot of strain every day, so spending a little extra cash will mean it lasts you longer.”