The Ultimate List of Men's Accessories: Your Guide to Looking Good (2024)

The Ultimate List of Men's Accessories: Your Guide to Looking Good

Tom Horton

March 8, 2023

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A sudden glint of sunlight thrown by a wristwatch; the warm mix of colors presented by a contrasting messenger bag; crisp leather belts with matching shoes. Fashion is subjective, but true style comes from the little things.

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The real reason to wear men’s accessories

You already pride yourself on your grasp of men’s fashion – you have your dress clothes, a go-to casual look, maybe a personal dress code to work with – so why branch out into the world of fashion accessories? The answer is simple: to express yourself.

It has never been more popular to stand out from the crowd using eye-catching aesthetics, and one or two (or much more!) carefully chosen accessories can level up your outfit and your self-esteem. From bead bracelets to luxury watches, here is your complete guide to men’s accessories.

Choosing the right accessories to fit your personal style

While many pieces can be mixed, matched, and swapped in or out depending on your desired look, there are some essentials you should absolutely have for certain scenarios and special occasions:

Formal wear: Have a wedding coming up? Suit accessories are a must-have to make sure you turn heads at the event. Try to have at least one bow tie or straight tie (traditional for an authentic look or clip-on to make sure everything stays in place) to go with your suit. Other essentials include cufflinks for your dress shirt and a pocket square for an added splash of color. Add in a tie bar or tie clip to up the ante even more.
Casual wear: Accessories aren’t just limited to special occasions – augment your style with a handful of accessories that work with most casual outfits. A dress watch with steel links and statement signet ring can give you an air of sophistication and luxury, while a waterproof watch, a threaded bracelet or two, and colorful scarf can make you stand out with a laid back, yet smartly curated, fit. If you don’t already have one, consider investing in a messenger bag as well – it’s perfect for most looks and comes in handy throughout the day.

Watches, wallets, and sunglasses: Look good with these timeless essentials

When you think men’s accessories, one particular category probably comes to mind: luxury watches. While it’s true that few things say “prestige” like a shiny silver Rolex or brand-new Breitling (and we say if you have the $7,000 and up to afford either, then go for it), there are plenty of other options out there for complementary and expressive wristwear. Techies can rep their lifestyle with digital watches, adventurous outdoorsy types can show off with a waterproof option with built-in compass – the sky is your limit.

Wallets are another fashion staple. Since they’re functionally necessary (for your ID, credit and debit cards, and all that cold hard cash), you have some options: go for classic leather wallets (bifold for a clean look or trifold for a bit more room) with your formal or semi-formal attire, slim down on pocket space by opting instead for a money clip or cash-holding phone case, or secure your belongings with an RFID wallet that allows inventory tracking via radio transmission should you misplace it.

Completing the trifecta of important accessories every man should have is a nice pair of sunglasses. Any fit can be elevated with a dark pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses (average costs are around $160 a pop); coordinate your glasses, wallet, and watch together, along with your shoes and/or belt, for an easy and memorable look.

COACH

Coach 3 in 1 Wallet

$225 at Coach

MR.PORTER

Dior Eyewear - InDior A1I Aviator-Style Acetate and Silver-Tone Optical Glasses

$360 at Mr. Porter

Rings, necklaces, and bracelets: The flair that goes with any look

Outdated or unnecessary gender stereotypes might have you thinking jewelry is outside the scope of men’s accessories, but the truth is anyone can express themselves with eye-catching additions to their necks, wrists, and hands. Most men don’t give much thought to rings outside of The One (a wedding band, not the One to Rule Them All), but personalized pieces like a signet ring or engraved band can be a great way to show off a bit of your life or favorite hobby. Or, if you have $200 to spare and a flair for dramatics, this Watery Grave ring adorned with an octopus touting a human skull could certainly make a memorable statement.

Necklaces and bracelets are more popular than ever due to evolving fashion trends. Shop necklaces according to what suits your intended look or interests, but also to compliment your face – a simple chain or pendant-less necklace will make a rounded loop, while something longer or weighted down by a central piece will give you a V-shape. Less is more in this category, but you can avoid redundancy by layering necklaces of varying length and weight for a unique look.

ASOS

Icon Brand Corazon Oval Composite Signet Ring in Silver

$32 at Asos

WALMART

Men's Diamond Accent Curb-Link Bracelet Yellow Gold-Plated 9.5'' (9mm)

$111.82 at Walmart

Bags, belts, and everything else

We’ve touched on the essentials, but there are plenty more ways you can show up and show off with your choice in men’s accessories. Here are a few more pieces and why you should add them to your wardrobe:

Messenger bags: Convenience and style all in one? More versatile than a laptop bag but less unwieldy than a backpack? Useful whether you’re at work, the gym, or boarding your next flight? Yes. A good-quality weekender bag is less an accessory and more a solid long-term investment.
Earrings: Branch out into earrings for a variety of choices that compliment every look: hoops and studs make the perfect subtle accessory for a reserved look, pendant earrings are great for customizable expressions, and gauges can reflect a more bold personal style.
Leather belts: In addition to holding up your pants, the belt is frequently the lynchpin of your entire outfit. Canvas belts can be coordinated with your clothes, but leather is a classic, go-to option – match it with your accessories for the right look.

NORDSTROM

Carhartt Watch Hat

$28 at Nordstrom

MACY'S

Perry Ellis Men's Leather Casual Belts Collection

$34.65 at Macy's