Introduction To Accessories: Men's Fashion 203
Introduction To Accessories: Men's Fashion 203
Dial up your outfits with subtle flexes
Once you have the basics of everything else down, it’s time for accessories. Putting together an outfit with add-ons will bring another dimension.
Remember to go for high quality whenever possible. Well-made accessories can outlive you and become heirlooms. Buy things for their practicality, beauty, longevity, and familial value. As such, I almost never recommend anything made in China. Sometimes you’re on a budget though, or you don’t have a choice. For example, 100% made-in-USA umbrellas don’t exist, because we don’t have umbrella factories anymore.
Now for a quick overview of your options.
Belts
Sunglasses
Hats
Bags
Umbrellas
Formal accessories
Jewelry
Watches
Belts And Their Role In Men’s Fashion
A belt should match your shoes and watch band whenever possible. You can’t always get a 100% match, but it’s killer even at 90%. This becomes increasingly important in formal settings. Appearance is judged severely by people in-the-know. If you have a blue belt and red shoes, everyone will assume you’re clueless or careless.
Casual outfits are more flexible. There’s a ton of variety in outfits, footwear choice, and belt designs. Naturally, you’re probably not getting exact matches between anything.
Leather belts go with almost anything that isn’t bottom-tier casual. The most casual of casual outfits will prefer fabric (canvas or nylon) materials.
Not sure what’s casual or formal? Check out my article on dress codes:
Although most men think belts are for holding up your pants, that’s incorrect. Just wear pants that fit well in the first place. You shouldn’t be off by more than 1-2 sizes. If you try to wear a belt with pants that are way too big for you, it looks ridiculous. Like putting rubber bands around a circus tent. A belt is a style modifier which helps you look a cut above the rest. Which you should be. No one wants to be average or below-average.
Side note: no one recommends suspenders unless you’re a 70-year-old gold prospector.
In terms of brand, most are fine as long as they’re not cheaply made. Try to buy belts at the same place you buy your shoes. I like Beckett Simonon and Allen Edmonds.
For more hot takes, I recommend BowTiedGerman’s article on belts:
The Best Sunglasses For Men
Ray-Bans and similar brands are okay. As long as you buy glasses that don’t look ridiculous, you’ll be fine. Avoid designer brands and anything with plastic frames.
Polarized is usually better than non-polarized. It’s also more expensive, so keep that in mind if you’re on a budget.
Face shape partially determines which type of sunglasses are best for you. I like aviators and they work for everyone. If you want your first quality pair of sunglasses, I recommend aviators from Randolph USA or American Optical. For under $300, you can’t beat this.
Hats In Men’s Fashion: Dos and Don’t
This depends entirely on your local climate. In general, hats are unnecessary outside of winter. If you wear hats often to try and hide bald spots, you have two superior options: (1) medical treatments (2) shave and embrace the baldness.
Some guys like Panama Hats and similar headgear, but I wouldn’t recommend them for most people. Possible exception: bald dudes in summer to avoid burning.
Ideal winter headgear includes wool knit caps and microfiber/fleece beanies. Neutral colors (usually black or dark brown) which can match your outerwear. Simple and without branding.
It often comes down to personal preference.
Upgrading Your Bags For Maximum Aesthetic Value
Some people like fanny packs, backpacks, and tote bags. I don’t. They’re still options, but it’s easy to class up an outfit with the right bags.
Look into canvas duffels, leather weekender bags, briefcases, messenger bags, etc. Anything which isn’t a rumpled mess of Chinese-made synthetic fibers.
Unfortunately, my favorite bag manufacturer is no longer in business, so I can’t recommend them. As usual though, I’m willing to shill Beckett Simonon. (I’m not an affiliate, but maybe I should apply.) I have NOT tried their bags, to be clear; but I’m a fan of their shoes/belts. I’m sure the same level of quality exists site-wide.
Umbrella Styles: Another Aesthetic Upgrade
I previously wrote a thread:
Umbrellas never have heirloom-level quality, so there isn’t any point in shelling out for a “high end” one. (They don’t exist.) You’ll be fine as long as you avoid the standard $10 gift shop picks. Go with a neutral-colored canopy because that works for everyone. Most umbrellas are black anyway. A “vented” canopy is better because it won’t get wrecked by high winds.
There are some interesting features on modern umbrellas. In general, whatever looks best will be fine. I recommend stick-style umbrellas because they have the best compromise between size and sophistication.
A curved J-shape handle has the most sophisticated look. Upscale hotels like to have these available for guests. Wooden or leather-wrapped handles have a nice natural feel, especially compared to a standard plastic or foam handle. Some people don’t want the J-shape because it’s more traditional and conservative. Handles are 100% personal preference.
The Formal Accessories: Pocket Squares, Handkerchiefs, Ties, and Cufflinks
These are only for formal occasions, so I won’t cover them yet. Maybe I’ll discuss it in a future article. There’s enough detail that this can be its own post. For now, just note that you can’t mix pocket squares and tie bars in the same outfit. It’s on the cluttered side of things.
Jewelry On Men: No, Don’t
Aside from a wedding ring, it’s a no from me dawg. Jewelry on men is difficult to pull off. It requires a certain type of guy with certain types of outfits. Not worth the effort to try and figure it out. And in these tough economic times, jewelry is quite attractive to muggers and burglars.
Men’s Watches and Their Role In Style Choices
I already wrote an article about watches, since they’re such an important topic. It’s the previous post.
And in terms of accessories, that’s all for now.
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Read the full series:
The Foundations: Men’s Fashion 101
Dress Codes and Style: Men’s Fashion 102
How To Choose Your Wardrobe Colors: Men’s Fashion 103
Introduction to Fit: Men’s Fashion 104
Introduction to Shoes: Men’s Fashion 201
Introduction to Watches: Men’s Fashion 202
Introduction to Accessories: Men’s Fashion 203 ←- you are here
Introduction to Fragrances: Men’s Fashion 204
Introduction to Hairstyles and Beards: Men’s Fashion 205