Splurge on Men’s Fashion: Accessories
Accessories are so often ignored in men’s fashion because too many guys feel that it is too feminine a pursuit. What they miss, however, is that power to subtly amplify and diversify your wardrobe. Without accessories like neckties and watches, even the most expensive shirts and suits can look flat and boring.
Face it: there’s an inescapable monotony to men’s fashion. About 80% of your wardrobe is most probably made up of primary colors and neutral hues. It’s a common condition; the color palette of the average male closet is very limited. The solution, however, isn’t to buy a whole new wardrobe altogether. Throwing accessories into the mix is often the quickest and most cost-effective method for getting the desired result.
A Simple Tie
One of the four things that no man should go without is a simple tie, or even a whole set of simple ties if you can afford it. Now that there are so many makers out on the market, you shouldn’t have trouble finding nice pieces for under $50 each.
Silk remains the king of necktie fabrics today, and the seven fold necktie is still the best and most highly regarded tie variety in existence, like it’s been in decades past. Going for quality doesn’t mean spending $200 on a seven fold tie right away; if you’re only starting to build your adult wardrobe, a reasonably priced tie in silk or cotton should suffice.
Primary colors like the quintessential red or blue power ties are a good place to start your own tie collection. Once you have those down, it’s a good idea to diversify the selection in your closet with more prints and more colors. Don’t be afraid to play around with new styles, because chances are good that you’ll need or wear them sooner or later anyway.
Good Leather Goods
Men’s fashion has traditionally placed a high value on leather as a material, and the belief has not wavered. Even today, leather accessories command a high premium for their luxe appeal and understated yet undeniable elegance.
No man should go through life without a decent belt, and for that you should be prepared to invest $50 to $100. You should ideally have one black and one brown belt because the color should always be coordinated with that of your shoes. All in all, you can expect a total spend of about $200 max for all your belt needs. Think less about the design – keep it simple to maximize versatility – and prioritize material quality and craftsmanship.
Leather shoes should be the next thing on your checklist. In the old days, fathers would accompany sons to get their first pair of leather shoes made by the cobbler. Although the process is much simpler nowadays, the shoes are no less significant. Like with the belt, one set in brown and another in black should cover all the bases. A simple, streamlined design should ensure wearability with as many outfits as possible.
Although metal bracelets have become immensely popular in the last few decades, the leather strap watch still has an appeal that’s all its own. Grab one from a reasonably low- or mid-end brand, which should set you back around $100.
Men’s fashion is less about the flash and pomp of the glossy womenswear world, and more about the natty details of High Street and Fifth Avenue. Never underestimate the power of these little details; accessories could very well be at the heart and soul of the outfits that you want to build.
Other Suggested Readings:
Mens Suit Shopping Guide
Proper Dress Shoe Storage
Your TieKing Team – The King of Designer Ties