Accessories are one of the big talking points of fashion. While for women talk of accessories often turns to shoes and handbags, for men the first question is whether they should be even wearing accessories at all.
We’re going to clear that query up immediately and say yes, men should wear accessories in order to lift their appearance. For us, the bigger question isn’t whether or not men should wear accessories, but rather how they should wear them.
Many people take the viewpoint that if you’re going to wear something, you might as well wear it big and loud so that everyone can see it. Others are of the alternative view, and believe that accessories are best when they’re understated and can only be noticed by someone really looking at the detail of your look.
What is the reality when it comes to men’s accessories?
What Men Should Wear
We’ve said that men should wear accessories, but what are the specific things they should target?
Ultimately, that will depend on their individual look. If someone is of a clean cut appearance and wears well-fitted clothes, then a chunky necklace and several earrings probably aren’t going to do him too many favors in terms of refining his look.
As a minimum, all men should wear a watch and own a trendy pair of sunglasses. We’d personally avoid piercings, but wouldn’t discourage them completely if you like them, while bracelets and necklaces should only be worn if you can pull it off in style. Married men will obviously wear a wedding band, too.
How to Wear: A Wedding Band![tungsten ring]()
As the wedding band is the smallest accessory most men should wear, this is the perfect opportunity to go for glamor while keeping it understated all at once.
Men should avoid traditional gold and silver bands, and instead go for something more contemporary, such as a tungsten ring, which will dazzle while not taking over a look.
How to Wear: A Watch
Watches are favorites to be ostentatious and bold, especially as celebrities who have huge, diamond-encrusted watches that look twice the size of their wrists inspire many to follow them.
Our main advice for watches would be to realize that you don’t have to spend a lot of money on one. An inexpensive but well-made watch can easily look valuable, and take your look anywhere from casual man about town to James Bond, if you want it to.
How to Wear: Bracelets and Necklaces
We’d stay away from these unless someone buys them as a gift for you. If you do choose to wear them, you can often look better by steering clear of traditional metal jewelry and instead wearing lace or rope alternatives, such as a friendship bracelet.
Try to stick to things with some meaning, too. A chain with a crucifix for the sake of it is never a good look if you’re not religious, and buying yourself a friendship bracelet with a personalized message is a little desperate.
Picking out Sunglasses![sunglasses]()
Stylish sunglasses are difficult to give advice for, but you can get ahead by going for classic styles such as aviators and sticking to brands known for quality products. However, before buying sunglasses you should always go to the store and try them on yourself; it doesn’t matter how good they look online, in a catalogue, or worn by Johnny Depp; they need to look good on you.
Understate or Overstate?
These don’t have to be mutually exclusive goals. Small, less than obvious accessories, such as a wedding band and a watch, can be glamorous because they’re less noticeable. Avoid ostentatious necklaces and bracelets at all costs, though. As for piercings, you’re on your own.
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Adam is a fashion journalist who loves discussing the merits of men’s style and accessories with people around the world. Adam was one of the early champions of the so-called ‘man bag,’ and takes great pride in that bags for men have become more socially acceptable than ever before.
