When it comes to style, the details matter more than most people realize. Sure, a well-fitted shirt and tailored trousers go a long way, but it’s the subtle additions that truly make an outfit stand out. For men, accessories often get overlooked, yet they play a crucial role in creating a polished, refined appearance. The right accessory doesn’t just complete an outfit—it adds personality, confidence, and a sense of sophistication.
So why don’t all men look as stylish as they could? Often, it’s because they overlook accessories altogether, or they’re unsure which ones will make a difference. But once you know the essentials, these pieces can transform your wardrobe and take your style to another level. In this guide, I’ll walk you through seven must-have accessories for every man. With these key items, you’ll look more put-together and ready for any occasion, whether it’s a casual day out or a formal event.
Why Accessories Are Essential for a Polished Look
Accessories might seem like small additions, but they’re actually powerful style tools. Imagine two people wearing identical outfits—one with a few carefully selected accessories and one without. The difference is clear: the accessories add dimension, character, and a sense of intentionality. This is because well-chosen accessories show that you pay attention to detail and that you care about how you present yourself.
A polished look doesn’t mean you need to be flashy or over-the-top. Instead, it’s about adding subtle, versatile pieces that work with your style and enhance your outfits. Accessories like watches, wallets, and sunglasses help define your look without being overwhelming, giving you the opportunity to express your personality while maintaining a classy appearance. In short, accessories can elevate any outfit and turn a simple look into a statement.
7 Must-Have Accessories for Every Man
a) Watches
A watch isn’t just a time-telling device; it’s an essential style statement. A well-chosen watch exudes sophistication and shows that you pay attention to details. Whether you’re dressing casually or in formal attire, a watch instantly adds elegance and refinement.
How It Enhances Style: Wearing a classic watch can elevate any look, making you appear more polished and intentional in your style. It’s also a way to express personality—some prefer sleek, minimalist designs, while others may go for rugged, sporty types.
Tips for Choosing the Right One: Look for versatile designs that can work across different settings. Leather or metal bands in neutral colors (like black, brown, or silver) are classic choices. Brands like Seiko, Citizen, and Fossil offer quality options without breaking the bank.
Where to Buy:
- Amazon: A wide selection of brands and styles, from budget-friendly to luxury options.
Price Range: $30 to $500+ - Fossil: Known for trendy and classic designs, often featuring durable materials.
Price Range: $75 to $250
Why They’re Ideal: These platforms offer a range of options for different budgets and styles, allowing you to find a watch that suits your personal aesthetic and functional needs.
b) Wallets
A wallet is more than just a place to store cash and cards; it’s a reflection of your personal style. A high-quality wallet is sleek, compact, and adds a touch of refinement to your everyday essentials.
How It Enhances Style: A well-crafted wallet shows you pay attention to small details. When you pull out a sleek leather wallet instead of a worn, bulky one, it subtly communicates organization and maturity.
Tips for Choosing the Right One: Choose a wallet that’s slim and compact yet functional. Leather is always a reliable choice due to its durability and stylish appearance. Look for neutral colors like black, brown, or tan for a classic feel. Brands like Leatherology and Bellroy are known for their minimalist, stylish wallets.
Where to Buy:
- Leatherology: Offers high-quality leather wallets with personalization options.
Price Range: $50 to $150 - Bellroy: Known for their minimalist designs and eco-friendly materials.
Price Range: $60 to $120
Why They’re Ideal: These brands are reputable for their craftsmanship, ensuring durability while providing stylish and functional designs.
c) Belts
A belt might seem like a minor accessory, but it plays a significant role in bringing an outfit together. A well-matched belt adds structure and polish, especially in formal or smart-casual settings.
How It Enhances Style: Belts aren’t just functional; they add a finishing touch that makes an outfit look complete. A high-quality belt can even serve as a subtle statement piece, enhancing your outfit’s color coordination.
Tips for Choosing the Right One: Look for leather belts in versatile colors like black or brown, which can be paired with most outfits. Minimalistic buckles are generally more timeless, but you can opt for a slightly decorative buckle if it fits your personal style. Brands like Brooks Brothers and Cole Haan offer classic belts that are both durable and stylish.
Where to Buy:
- Brooks Brothers: Renowned for their classic, high-quality belts that match formal wear.
Price Range: $50 to $150 - Cole Haan: Offers stylish options that blend comfort with elegance.
Price Range: $60 to $120
Why They’re Ideal: These retailers focus on quality and design, ensuring that your belt lasts and enhances your style.
d) Sunglasses
Sunglasses are a practical and stylish accessory that can elevate any outfit. More than just protecting your eyes, a good pair of sunglasses adds a cool, polished touch to your look.
How It Enhances Style: Sunglasses add an edge to your appearance, giving you a sleek, confident look. They can also help balance facial features, enhancing your overall profile.
Tips for Choosing the Right One: Go for classic shapes like aviators, wayfarers, or clubmasters, as they tend to suit a range of face shapes and styles. Look for frames in versatile colors like black or tortoiseshell. Brands like Ray-Ban and Warby Parker offer quality, stylish sunglasses that suit most face shapes.
Where to Buy:
- Ray-Ban: The go-to for classic and trendy styles with a reputation for quality.
Price Range: $150 to $250 - Warby Parker: Known for stylish frames and a home try-on program.
Price Range: $95 to $145
Why They’re Ideal: These brands offer a mix of fashion and functionality, ensuring you find sunglasses that are both stylish and protective.
e) Bracelets
Bracelets are subtle yet effective accessories that can express your personal style without overwhelming an outfit. They’re versatile, lightweight, and add character, making them ideal for casual and formal looks alike.
How It Enhances Style: A simple leather or metal bracelet brings a hint of sophistication and personality to your outfit. It’s a minimalist addition that gives a relaxed yet refined look.
Tips for Choosing the Right One: Choose materials that match your personal style—leather for a rugged look, metal for a more refined appearance. Neutral tones like black or brown work well, and thin designs are typically more versatile. Brands like Miansai and Oliver Cabell offer a range of bracelets that are ideal for men’s casual and formal styles.
Where to Buy:
- Miansai: Offers a range of stylish bracelets made from premium materials.
Price Range: $50 to $150 - Oliver Cabell: Known for unique designs that elevate your casual look.
Price Range: $40 to $100
Why They’re Ideal: These brands focus on quality and style, ensuring that you find bracelets that stand out while being versatile.
f) Cufflinks
Cufflinks might not be a daily accessory, but for formal occasions, they’re essential. They add an elegant finishing touch to suits and dress shirts, making a statement about your attention to style.
How It Enhances Style: Cufflinks add a refined, sophisticated detail to formal outfits, enhancing your overall look with a touch of class. They make your attire look more polished and intentional.
Tips for Choosing the Right One: Stick to simple, elegant designs that complement your formalwear, like silver or gold cufflinks with minimal detailing. For versatility, avoid overly bold designs. Stores like Men’s Wearhouse and Nordstrom offer classic cufflinks suited to a range of styles and occasions.
Where to Buy:
- Men’s Wearhouse: Offers a variety of classic and trendy cufflink options.
Price Range: $25 to $100 - Nordstrom: Known for their extensive collection of designer cufflinks.
Price Range: $50 to $200
Why They’re Ideal: These retailers provide a diverse selection, ensuring you find cufflinks that match your formal attire perfectly.
g) Ties/Scarves
Ties and scarves are fantastic accessories that can dramatically enhance your style while allowing for personal expression. Whether you’re dressing up for a formal event or layering for a casual outing, these accessories add depth and character to your look.
How It Enhances Style: A well-chosen tie or scarf can introduce color, pattern, and texture, elevating even the simplest outfit. They can be used to express your personality, adding flair and interest to your overall look.
Tips for Choosing the Right One: For ties, choose silk for a classic look, and opt for solid colors or subtle patterns that complement your outfit. Scarves are versatile; choose lightweight materials for layering in warmer months and thicker fabrics for colder weather. Stick to classic colors like navy, burgundy, or grey, which pair well with various outfits. Brands like The Tie Bar offer a wide selection of ties, while Uniqlo is excellent for stylish, affordable scarves.
Where to Buy:
- The Tie Bar: Offers a wide range of ties in various styles and colors at great prices.
Price Range: $15 to $50 - J.Crew: Great for affordable scarves in trendy designs and materials.
Price Range: $20 to $50
Why They’re Ideal: These retailers balance quality with affordability, making it easy to find stylish options that enhance your wardrobe.
Bonus Tips for Elevating Your Style
- Plan for Effortless Style
If you’re always on the go and want to look sharp without spending hours planning outfits, you’re not alone. Knowing how to look great with minimal effort can be a game-changer. For practical tips and outfit ideas, check out my article on Fashion for the Busy Man: How to Look Sharp with Minimal Effort. It covers streamlined looks and style shortcuts that keep you looking polished, even on your busiest days. - Match Metals and Colors
Paying attention to small details, like matching the metals on your watch, belt buckle, and cufflinks, creates a cohesive look. Similarly, try to coordinate colors—like matching your belt with your shoes—to give your outfit a refined, polished touch. - Invest in Quality Over Quantity
Instead of collecting multiple lower-quality accessories, invest in a few high-quality pieces that can elevate multiple outfits. Classic designs tend to stay stylish over time, saving you from constant replacements. - Keep It Minimal
Avoid overloading on accessories. A few well-chosen pieces will always look better than a cluttered ensemble. Pick items that complement your style without competing for attention. - Stay Updated with Trends
Trends come and go, so while it’s wise to stick to timeless pieces, keeping an eye on new styles can add fresh interest to your wardrobe. For example, wide-brimmed hats or slim-fit beanies might be in style this season and could be a great addition if they fit your look. - Care for Your Accessories
Accessories need maintenance to stay looking sharp. Clean your leather belts and wallets, polish your watches, and store your ties and scarves properly to ensure they remain in top shape.
By following these style tips and exploring smart, easy-to-execute looks, you’ll have a polished wardrobe that fits even the busiest lifestyle. Accessories aren’t just finishing touches—they’re powerful tools that, when chosen wisely, can make all the difference in your look.
