Accessories have the ability to turn a simple outfit into a complete, stylish look, both in female and male fashion.
But many men find themselves unsure of how to add these finishing touches, without overdoing it. So, here’s everything you need to know about accessorising.
Jewellery
We’re way past the times when men’s jewellery would go as far as the wedding band. Today, there is a wide selection of rings, necklaces, bracelets and other jewellery pieces for male wearers.
Rings, whether in gold, silver, titanium or black, work best when chosen to suit the shape and size of your hand (go chunkier for larger hands). Unless that’s your style, avoid wearing too many rings on one hand. For instance, a combination of ring and index fingers is nice for a sophisticated look.
Necklaces offer a subtler way to add personality, with pendant chains and leather cords popular for everyday wear. Bracelets, meanwhile, are perhaps the most versatile, ranging from woven leather cuffs to beaded or steel bracelets. Again, less is more when it comes to necklaces and bracelets: one or two quality pieces rather than a clutter of mediocre options.
Watches
A watch has always been one of the most popular and functional accessories a man can own. The type of watch you choose, however, depends on your lifestyle and usual style. Dress watches, which are usually slim with leather straps, work best with smart outfits, whereas diver watches bring a chunkier, more rugged edge for everyday wear.
If you’re someone with a busy or highly active lifestyle, then going for a digital watch might be the most practical for you. These are typically very minimal and less visually striking, but offer lots of smart functionality, including health tracking and connectivity to your smart phone.
Suit Accessories
Whether you wear a suit every single day to work or just a few times a year, during special occasions, suit accessories are a must. These are small details (cufflinks, pocket squares, tie bars, lapel pins, etc.), but with a power to elevate the look from smart to exceptional. This is especially the case with tailored custom suits – they are practically begging for some beautiful finishing touches.
You can also see suit accessories as a way of personal expression within a formal dress code that otherwise is quite standard. It may either be a bold pop of colour through your pocket square or your grandad’s cufflinks that hold sentimental value.
Sunglasses and Hats
Both sunglasses and hats have the double duty of protecting you from the elements, while also acting as an accessory. Aviators and wayfarers are perhaps the most common shapes for male sunglasses, as they suit most faces well. Although it’s always best to try a few different options before committing.
Hats, on the other hand, provide plenty of room for your personality to shine through. If you’re generally quite sporty, a baseball cap or a snapback hat will likely be your go-to. For a more classic look, an ascot cap, flat cap or a fedora hat are always a stylish choice, particularly when paired with formal attire. In the winter, beanie hats keep you warm and come in a huge variety of colours and styles.
Belts
A good belt is one of the non-negotiables in a man’s wardrobe. Beyond the practical function of holding trousers in place, it can add a subtle touch of character or colour coordination.
For example, a brown leather belt that matches your leather shoes is an easy way to make the entire look come together. Similarly, the buckle can either be minimal or a decorative statement piece, depending on your personal style.
Putting It All Together
Building an accessories collection doesn’t need to happen overnight, but starting with one or two quality pieces across each category will set you up for almost any occasion.
Remember, the goal isn’t to wear everything at once, but to understand which combinations suit the moment at hand.
