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How to Nail the Accessories Game
Ever wonder why your outfits aren’t getting the compliments you deserve? Or why heads aren’t turning as you walk by? If you’ve mastered the basics of dressing, the missing piece might be in how you accessorise.
This guide will walk you through the essentials of men’s accessories, helping you elevate your style with a few simple tips and tricks.
Why should you accessorise?
Accessorising is often overlooked in men’s fashion, but it’s the key to transforming a good outfit into a great one.
Accessories add layers, texture, and visual interest, drawing attention to the details while creating a cohesive look. They also allow you to express your individuality—two men can wear the same clothes, but different accessories will make each look unique.
Moreover, accessories give you the flexibility to dress an outfit up or down. A well-placed pocket square can add sophistication to a blazer, while a casual cap can bring a laid-back vibe to the same outfit.
Principles of Accessorizing
Personalisation
Accessories are a great way to showcase your personal style. Choose pieces that tell a story or hold meaning, whether it’s a bracelet from a memorable trip, a ring symbolising your heritage, or a watch handed down through generations. Personalisation isn’t about splurging on expensive items—it’s about selecting pieces that resonate with who you are.
Intentionality
Being intentional with your accessories means considering their purpose in your outfit. Avoid over-accessorising; instead, focus on a few key pieces that enhance your look. If your outfit is already bold, opt for subtle accessories to maintain balance. Always ask yourself: Does this accessory add to or detract from my overall look?
Matching the Occasion
Match your accessories to the occasion. For formal events, stick to refined pieces like a leather belt, a classic watch, or cufflinks. In casual settings, you can experiment more—stack some bracelets, use a chain as a belt, or try a laid-back cap.
Quality Over Quantity
Invest in well-made, durable accessories that will last. Cheap accessories can look tacky and fall apart quickly. Spend a bit more on key pieces that will stand the test of time.
Essential Accessories for Men
Now, let’s explore the key accessories every man should consider for his wardrobe.
Belts
A belt is more than just a functional accessory; it’s a powerful tool for enhancing your style. You don’t need to spend a fortune to find quality belts, and having a few options in various textures and colours will ensure you’re ready for any occasion.
One crucial factor to consider is how a belt can shape and define your silhouette. The colour of your belt can significantly impact your overall appearance, especially your waistline. Darker belts, for instance, create a slimming effect. Additionally, the way you pair your belt with your outfit can influence the proportions of your torso and legs.
For example, wearing a light shirt with dark trousers and a dark belt can elongate your legs. On the other hand, pairing a light shirt and belt with dark trousers emphasises your torso. If you already have a longer torso, you can create balance by matching your belt with your trousers and opting for a contrasting shirt to elongate your legs.
Remember to match your belt to your shoes. For example, if you have a pair of leather Docs you wear often, choose a belt in the same colour and finish. This ensures you'll get plenty of use out of it.
Glasses
Full-rimmed glasses might not be associated with conventional attractiveness, but they project intelligence. Besides, the "hot nerd" look appeals to many. Even if you don’t need glasses, consider wearing them occasionally—like to a job interview—to add a touch of sophistication.
Whether you’re choosing prescription glasses or sunglasses, the key is to find frames that suit your face shape and personal style. It might take some trial and error, but once you find the right fit, accessorising becomes effortless. Here’s a quick guide:
Oval Face Shape: Balanced features with a long, rounded profile. Most frame styles work well with this shape.
Square Face Shape: Strong jawlines and wider foreheads. Opt for rounded or oval lenses to soften the angles.
Round Face Shape: Full cheeks and soft curves. Choose frames with sharp angles and tall lenses to elongate the face.
Heart-Shaped Face: High cheekbones, narrow chin, and wide forehead. Look for smaller, top-heavy frames to balance the face.
Diamond Face Shape: Narrow forehead and chin with full cheeks. Lighter, rounded frames are a good option, or browline styles that add weight to your upper face.
Hats
Hats can be tricky to pull off, but when done right, they’re worth the effort. Caps and beanies are the most versatile and flattering for most people, making them a great starting point.
Bucket hats can be stylish, but they’ve been slightly discredited by mainstream rave culture. Opt for understated designs paired with stripped-back essentials for a streetwear look, or go for unique patterns like crochet for a more charming retro style. If you wear a flashy bucket hat, make sure it’s done with a touch of irony.
Fedoras offer old-school charm, but they require the right outfit. Skip the casual jeans and T-shirt; instead, pair a fedora with a Cuban shirt and tailored trousers for a refined look inspired by old Hollywood or modern gentlemen.
The flat cap has had a resurgence, largely driven by Peaky Blinders fans and those nostalgic for gentry style. To pull it off, you’ll need to commit to the look—think tailored fits and vintage-inspired attire. And make sure your cap fits snugly, avoiding anything oversized that can be mistaken for a mushroom.
Bags
With a wide range of styles, materials, sizes, and shapes—like tote bags, crossbody bags, mini bags, duffel bags, and backpacks—there’s a perfect option for every need and taste. No excuse to keep everything in your pockets!
The briefcase is a classic work bag, traditionally used by lawyers to carry legal briefs. Messenger bags, similar in function but designed to be worn crossbody, are more closely associated with professors and scholars. Both are smart choices for professionals.
If you prefer a hands-free approach, a backpack might be your best bet. It’s become the go-to choice for modern professionals and is versatile enough for many occasions. For work, choose a sleek, minimalist design, while for travel, a slightly bulkier option with extra zippers can be more practical.
A tote bag is an everyday essential. Perfect for those on the go, it allows you to easily toss in your essentials and doubles as a shopping bag. While typically simple in design, some offer multiple compartments to keep your items organised.
Men often hesitate to wear shoulder bags, or "man bags," viewing them as effeminate or a fashion misstep. However, this perception is changing. Smaller than a messenger bag, these bags are designed to hold your essentials. Canvas or nylon options pair well with casual or streetwear looks, while a simple leather bag can complement smart-casual attire. Wearing your bag crossbody style can really add dimension to your looks.
Bumbags, or fanny packs, are similarly practical for keeping your belongings close and secure, but aren’t usually suitable for formal occasions.
Jewellery
While bold jewellery can make a statement, it’s important to consider the occasion and your personal style. You can never go wrong with simplicity and elegance, so build your collection gradually. Start with minimalist pieces like a cuff bracelet, a smart watch, and a simple pendant necklace. A good rule of thumb is to stick to one type of metal unless you’re confident in mixing them.
For cooler skin tones, white gold and platinum are ideal. Warm skin tones pair beautifully with yellow gold, as well as less common metals like copper and brass.
With the right accessories, you can buy less clothes and still elevate your style. By carefully selecting pieces that reflect your personality, suit the occasion, and complement your outfit, you can stand out and feel more confident in your appearance.
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