Men’s Accessories for Summer Style 2011
Men’s fashion might pay particular attention to neckties and high-end watches, but the accessory department is by and large one of the least updated areas in the industry. The styles of today will most likely still be on the shelves two, three, even five years down. It’s not to say, however, that men’s accessories are absolutely static. This summer, there are three pieces that all the fashion authorities say you should definitely consider buying.
Straw Fedora
Despite its unfavorable association with Panama and vacationing tourists, the fedora is a classic summer accessory – and a very dapper one at that. The straw material and weave make this topper less heat retentive than the standard hat (which is designed to keep you warm), and adds some tropical attitude to an otherwise unremarkable outfit.
The straw fedora is practically the hat equivalent of what Chuck Taylors are to shoes. You can wear it over just about every outfit imaginable. A fedora adds jazzy elegance to a casual outfit – think v-neck tee and shorts – or gives a cheeky tropical touch to a more formal jacket and jeans pairing. Either way, it’s a good investment, especially right now that there’s so much attention being paid to what guys wear on their heads.
Not all straw fedoras are made equal, however. Like neckties and leather shoes, modern men also have to consider proportions when buying a fedora. If you’re slimly built, go for a hat with little brim, and then expanding outward with your gut.
Plain (Sock-Free) Loafers
Chuck Taylors, Adidas Sambas and all manner of sneakers have become common fare in every man’s summer style range. Going the extra mile in leather shoes, however, gives you an air of sophistication that the kids in sneakers won’t have. It’s like being the only man wearing Armani in a room full of teenagers in cheap suits and elastic neckties.
There’s a style of loafer out there for every man’s preference. If you want comfortable and modern, you could opt for one of those driving shoe types. Old school style guys can also go in a more traditional direction with penny loafers. Any other inclination can play with the gray area in between those two bookends. The point is there’s no reason for you not to wear a pair, especially in the summer.
Of course, keeping to the theme of summer style would mean that you should wear your loafers without socks. If you’re afraid of stinking up your shoes, buy two pairs and then wear them alternately so that each pair has a chance to breathe and recover.
Suspenders
Getting fashionable in the summer is tricky for men because you have to contend with the heat, which means that layering and full formal attire is almost never an option. Braces, as they’re called across the pond, let you reference a more dapper, put-together and traditional style statement without the extra fussy – and inconveniently warm – layers.
Find yourself a pair of plain department store suspenders and throw them over a solid jeans and tee or jeans and shirt outfit. It doesn’t add too much dressiness like a necktie would – not something you’d need unless you were headed for the office – but gives you a little extra style boost nonetheless. If you actually were headed to work, it looks just as spectacular with trousers and a necktie.
Always remember that it’s either suspenders or a belt, and never both because that would be weirdly redundant. Suspenders are thus best worn with pants that weren’t made for belts, like tab-front styles.
Other Suggested Readings:
Shorts in Mens Fashion
Popular Mens Spring Fashion Accessories
Your TieKing Team – Your Place for Fine Designer Ties