Any ensemble has the potential to stop the world in its tracks. No matter the style, no matter the fit, no matter the person inside it, if you wear it right, a single outfit can be enough to change everything that people think about you. But if you want that kind of impact, you’ve got to think about the details. Don’t just look at the big pieces of your outfit, think about the little ones and how they affect the big picture. This is the true strength of accessories. They can improve, elevate, and even transform and ensemble into something totally new. But they can also cause the whole thing to break down entirely. Your choice of accessories have to be carefully considered, and you can’t take even the slightest detail for granted.
Timepieces
There’s something of a lost art to wearing a watch that seems to have disappeared over the last half a decade or so. This probably comes down to the reality of each and every one of us having a device in our pockets that can tell time more accurately than ever before. So the chance to wear a timepiece now is definitely more aesthetic related. Watch companies are looking back, embracing what worked in the past and combining it with everything that we’ve learned over the last two decades. Now, far from being clunky and inaccurate, your Swatch watch can function as a reliable, stylish timepiece that helps to solidify and define your style. Men’s fashion has always been closely linked to the presence of a stylish timepiece, and it’s about time that they made a genuine comeback.
Headgear
It’s hard for a lot of men to find a hat of any kind that really works for them, and it’s rare as hell for that style to age in any way other than becoming intensely embarrassing a short while after that. However, the right headgear mixed with the right outfit can be the perfect finishing touch. I always think “be iconic”, make something work for your personally that you can grow old gracefully in. Outside of 30’s film noir, trying to take people to take you seriously in a hat is always going to end up backfiring. Take a look at someone like Bruno Mars. His style is entirely built around a sense of levity and relaxation. That’s the only reason why he’s able to rock the kinds of ensembles that he does, so it goes back to what really works for you personally and how you carry that off. I’d suggest hitting up Goorin Bros in LA for sure.
Around Your Neck
Y’all know I’m a minimalist when it comes to tie etiquette, a necklace, or anything around the neck for that matter. Having said that, what you wear around your neck needs to be closely connected to everything else going on around it. Outside of something with tremendous sentimental value, you can’t just wear the same things with every outfit. Different ties aren’t going to fit with certain colours and cuts of a suit, and the choice of necklace needs to be based on the rest of your ensemble. And don’t be afraid to branch out in some interesting ways. A lot of guys would baulk at the idea of a choker, but they can add a great deal of interest to a subtle outfit without going too far into the territory of being gauche or indulgent and it’s a solid gesture of a more non-binary solidarity move.
Ring ring
When it comes to rings, subtlety is the name of the game. Unless you want to look like a prince or an oil baron (which both obviously have their moments), you don’t want your hands covered in rocks for ease of living mostly. Simple bands in either darkened brushed silver or gold are the best option. The patterning is up to you, from plain bands to Celtic engravings, the choice comes down to your preferences and outfit. You should also keep them to a maximum of one per hand unless you’re feeling especially bold.
Now, don’t think that you can create the style you need just by throwing all of these things on and hitting the streets. A perfect style is always about minimalism and what feels authentic to you.