Accessories can significantly elevate a man’s style by adding personality, sophistication, and a touch of elegance to an outfit. Here are some essential accessories to consider:
Watches
A classic watch – a timeless timepiece, as it were – will go with almost anything. Choose one with a leather strap or metal bracelet and a case that’s slim enough to be comfortable and not ostentatious. It will be versatile and suitboth casual and formal wear.
A smart watch is perfect for tech-savvy individuals and lets you keep in touch with your work, your social life and your fitness while on the go. It’s no longer the case that smart watches are only available as rather large and chunky items – you can now get subtle, sleek ones that resemble classic watches at first glance.
For a more rugged and active lifestyle (or the look of one), go for either a plain, unbreakable vintage-style digital or a sports watch packed with features and eye-catching details.
Cufflinks
These are another classic male accessory, and come in a wide range of styles to suit all occasions, moods and looks. Traditional cufflinks made of silver, gold, or enamel and with a subtle, geometric shape add a touch of class to formal attire and a ‘popping’ detail to a business suit. Silk knot or beaded cufflinks can be a more colourful and individual option that nonetheless looks professional Novelty cufflinks can reflect personal interests or hobbies and add a unique flair to the outfit, but have to be kept suitable for the tone and occasion.
Tie Clips
Consigned to dusty draws in recent decades, tie clips are back in fashion in the 2020s. The clip itself is another opportunity to add a little bit of bright colour and style, and by keeping the tie tight to your shirt it helps produce the smart, slim-fit look that is very popular right now.
A simple and elegant clip, usually silver or gold, is ideal for business or other smart suit looks. But there is room there for more decorative ones of a different shape, colour or with personalizations such as engravings.
Squares, Pins and Patches
Pocket squares are an accepted way to add a little dash of colour to an otherwise plain and formal suit. Make sure the colour complements the rest of your look – try matching the colour of your tie or socks, for instance. You can also experiment with dozens of different folds and shapes for pocket squares.
Small pins can add a stylish detail or subtle nod to hobbies or affiliations to a suit jacket without detracting from the formality or smartness of the ensemble. For less formal styles, you can collect pins on a theme or that just take your interest and attach lots of them to a coat, jacket or bag.
Similarly, patches that are sewn or ironed onto jackets, backpacks, or jeans make for a personalized, casual look. Like pins, these can be themed or part of a collection built up over time – perhaps a patch from everywhere you’ve travelled to or events you’ve attended?
Top Tips for Accessorizing
- Coordinate with Your Outfit: Ensure accessories complement the overall look without overpowering it.
- Quality over Quantity: Invest in high-quality pieces that will last and add genuine value to your wardrobe.
- Match Metals: Keep metal tones (gold, silver, etc.) consistent across accessories for a cohesive look.
- Pay Attention to the Occasion: Choose accessories that are appropriate for the event or setting.
- Express Personal Style: Use accessories to reflect your individuality and taste.
By thoughtfully incorporating these accessories, any man can elevate his style and make a lasting impression.
