Fashion for men is inherently more conservative than it is for the ladies. It can be difficult, or even frowned upon, to show too much personality in your apparel. But the days of the man in the grey flannel suit are over, and while the fundamentals of menswear remain toned-down, it’s the accessories—ties, socks, belts, watches, and eyewear—where you can let yourself shine. Usually, they say the devil is in the details, but when it comes to menswear, the details are where the fun is. Try these fun ways for guys to accessorize.
Ties
Ties are the old standby for accessorizing. Unlike the pool table, there’s a lot more to neckties of today than stripes and solids. There’s a necktie pattern for every hobbyist, sports fan, and aficionado of every type. But even tie knots can be a canvas for personal flair: having mastered the half-Windsor or four-in-hand, try a more advanced knot for a note of sophistication. Shake off bow ties’ bad reputation with some stylish options, or get creative and match ties with socks for maximum aesthetic harmony.
Socks
The old sock drawer used to be simple: dress socks, gym socks, and that’s it. But men’s hosiery is no longer such a black-and-white affair. By embracing patterns and prints, showing a little sock can show a lot of personality. If you’re conservatively inclined but still want to step beyond solid colors, a classic argyle pattern is always pleasing to the eye. Alternating “barberpole” stripes are a little bolder, but still pretty grounded within the parameters of traditional socks. But if you really want to grab attention, consider some custom prints that really give this oft-neglected part of your outfit a personal touch.
Belts
Belts can do more than just hold your pants up. Belt buckles are an underused area for accessorizing, and being front and center, practically cry out for attention. But you don’t need to be in the Wild West to have a stylish belt buckle. While a simple, utilitarian buckle is always a classic, you can find buckles that reflect your interests and personality.
Watches
A great watch isn’t just a timepiece, it’s a conversation piece. The fact that anyone can tell the time now by glancing at their phone should have been terrible for the watch business, but instead, it has allowed function to follow form. The real point of wearing a watch now is to give your outfit that little extra accent of distinction—though a legible watch face still doesn’t hurt. Whether you prefer a thin and streamlined design or a watch with a bit of heft, a nice watch is an ideal accessory for formal, semi-formal, and casual occasions alike. For formal occasions or some timeless cool, you could even consider a pocket watch.
Eyewear
Most men don’t wear makeup. For those who don’t, eyewear and facial hair do the work of covering imperfections and drawing attention to your better facial features. Finding eye-catching eyewear can be one of the most fun ways for guys to accessorize. The right pair of sunglasses, whether it’s aviators or wayfarers, can be the perfect fit for your face. As for regular eyeglasses, you don’t need a prescription to don a pair. If you have 20/20 vision, consider non-prescription lenses on a pair of frames that will give you a little of that classic intellectual look.
Van Rundell is a writer and author who specializes in transportation, travel, guidance, health & fitness. With over 10 years of experience in the industry as a driver and an entrepreneur, he has seen it all. His tone is professional but friendly with a dash of humor thrown in for good measure. In past, he has been advising, educating and writing about transport for the public and professionals alike.
A qualified fitness instructor with over 5 years’ experience as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, Van brings his deep knowledge of health and exercise science to his articles on health & fitness.
