Cover photo credit: Aekki Jewelry
You've now mastered basic clothing. That's great. But maybe you want to take it to the next level: have a more personal style. The simplest solution? Accessories. They give your outfits a boost, without taking too much of a financial risk in case of mistakes. They can also be easily replaced depending on your mood of the moment: you can test until you find what you need.
So grab a paper and a pencil: let's take a look at the possibilities available to you (and we're not copying our neighbors, I'm watching you, we're talking about personalizing your approach)! Accessories are the perfect way to express your own sensitivity.
Accessories that accompany us all year round
Moreover, this category of accessories - in addition to bringing personality - also has a practical role. It is therefore necessary to find the right balance between aesthetic and functional aspects.
The most elegant men's belts
The belt is necessarily one of the first accessories we will look at since you can (and not have to ;)) wear it all year round. And with all kinds of bottoms! Chinos, suit pants, shorts, jeans...
First of all, know that a beautiful belt should not be too imposing, at the risk of appearing coarse or ostentatious. The most elegant ones are generally quite thin and the buckle should also be discreet. Choose it in a beautiful vegetable-tanned leather which will ensure a beautiful patina over time.
Make sure the leather of your belt is of good quality and also remember to maintain it. Photo credit: @tightly_stitched on Instagram.
Should I match my belt and shoes? In a formal outfit (with a suit, dress shoes): yes. It is advisable to match the colors together, as closely as possible: brown belt with brown shoes for example. In more casual outfits, this can be done but it is not mandatory. With white leather sneakers, do not wear a white belt, for example.
There are also canvas belts, less elegant but which fit easily into casual chic outfits . They are also ideal for wearing in the summer with Bermuda shorts or chinos. They will give you more possibilities in terms of color: it's up to you to express your personality!
What about men's suspenders? Yes, to wear suspenders, but not just any old way! What you should avoid is the gadget/disguise aspect. You should instead aim for a retro aesthetic (sober suspenders on a nice suit) or very workwear and raw (leather suspenders on wide, high-waisted raw jeans). Find all our advice on how to wear suspenders well in this article.
Wearing colorful socks brightens up an outfit
Dare to wear colored socks, it's both discreet and offbeat. The only rule to follow: don't try to coordinate them with another element of your outfit, the reminder would lack subtlety. You can also try socks with jacquard, Aztec, or polka dot patterns outside the office. As long as you don't wear cartoon drawings or other, everything is fine! Yeah, even good old SpongeBob. . Colored socks can find their place in both casual and more formal outfits, to bring a touch of pep and life.
Socks in a more edgy blue to enhance this sober outfit. Photo credit: Mes Chaussettes Rouges
Also be careful with socks that are too short and that leave your calf exposed when you sit down. It's not aesthetic.
The case of white socks . It's a big yes if you know what you're doing! Of course, they have their place in sportswear-style outfits. But we also see more chic or casual chic outfits with white (or ecru) socks. You either love it or hate it. At Bonnegueule, part of the team loves this bias, which draws its inspiration from the Ivy League aesthetic. So, why not!
Here, the wearing of white socks is clearly justified by the person's very streetwear style. The all-white outfit further justifies their use here (Credits: PAUSE)
Ecru socks fit very well into a more casual chic outfit. They contrast without being too bright and add a touch of light to the lower part of the outfit. For us it's a big yes! Photo credit: @cityboi_shinn on Instagram
A watch should not be too imposing
This is the mistake I see most often. The watch is the last detail that will fuel your style, the cherry on the cake (more like a melon here). In the same way as with bracelets, the watch must be personal : it adapts to your body shape, your style, your mentality and especially your wrist.
The watch has nothing to do with the outfit and remains far too bulky.
Shopping tip: To choose a watch that fits you, make sure that the lugs of the watch (the vertical ends that hold the strap) do not exceed the width of your wrist. If they do, it is too big.
Luca is wearing a LIP watch which is a perfect size for his wrist.
As for the use of straps, leather is very good for winter but less pleasant in summer (the volume of your wrist can increase with heat). When it is hot, opt for a NATO or a metal strap.
To go further, we invite you to discover our opinion on 50 watch brands here as well as our guide to choosing the right technical watch strap.
Bracelets are also suitable for men
We have already written an entire article on men's jewelry , but keep in mind that bracelets - rings and other jewelry too, if mastered - allow you to express your own sensitivity. Depending on whether you choose stones, leather, metal... you will not say the same thing about yourself.
They really add depth to the outfit.
Don't hesitate to add some color to a sober outfit with these accessories. A turquoise ring or a bracelet made of colored jasper beads will change the overall look of a dark outfit. In short, just one word on the subject of jewelry: treat yourself!
Of course, always keeping things in moderation. No need to have a whole sleeve of bracelets or rings on every finger. 😉
And to discover our video advice on men's jewelry (bracelets and rings), click here
Sartorial accessories are no longer reserved for the costume
We see more and more accessories like the tie or the pocket square worn in everyday outfits, without necessarily going along with the suit. They have become real accessories with which you can play to build original and personal outfits.
The tie: easier to wear than it seems
The tie is not just for office suits or wedding attire. So, I know we are often skeptical about wearing a tie on a daily basis, but it is an accessory that adds an extra touch of elegance without necessarily giving the impression of overdoing it.
Tie and duffle coat go well together, here with a very beautiful herringbone pattern. Credits: The Bespoke Dudes.
All the more so since the choice of a tie can be very personal , as there are all kinds (and all colors): plain, knitted, patterned, etc.
For a few years now, it has been interesting to see that brands are offering other alternatives (hand-knitted chunky wool ties, chambray, mottled jersey, etc.), in addition to the traditional silk, silk/wool, wool/cashmere ties that we know very well.
The knitted tie is modern and goes well with both dressier and more casual outfits. Bonnegueule tie
The bow tie: less easy to wear, but more fun
I know, you're going to tell me that I'm preaching to the choir. But don't be fooled, I don't wear bow ties a lot. Anyway, that's another debate. Once and for all: stop putting up barriers for yourself, saying that it's the trendy accessory, hype and so on, and that you're going to overdo it if you opt for a bow tie.
First, because it's false: this accessory has become democratized. A trend, as its name suggests, is temporary: the bow tie trend has been over for a few years now (apart from weddings where it remains popular). And even so, free yourself from trends, dress freely: you will feel much better 😉 .
And Nick Wooster has understood this well! Here he wears a matching bow tie and seersucker jacket. (Credits: Soletopia.)
The reminder about the bow tie is here.
The clutch is easy to wear and enriches a look
The cover can subtly energize your outfit. For example, with a tweed blazer, to give it a more contemporary touch (and add depth to your outfit).
There are an infinite number of colors and patterns. The only rule: don't match a pocket square and tie. It's too redundant, lacks subtlety and gives off a "set" effect. Note, however, that the white pocket square is the safest choice to start with: it goes with everything!
To learn more about wearing a pocket square, don't hesitate to read our complete guide on the subject . And don't forget! The pocket square is not reserved for wearing a suit. It can be worn with any blazer, worn mismatched with jeans or chinos. It can even be considered on the chest pocket of a work jacket, to make it a little more dressy.
The white cover, a safe bet!
What about the tie clip and cufflinks? Personally, I find that cufflinks are a bit too much : only wear them on special occasions (like a wedding) or if you have a very dressy and formal style on a daily basis.
Regarding the tie clip, there is no rule, it really depends on the person's tastes. It has been a few years since it "went out of fashion" but nothing prevents you from wearing one. Let's say factually that the presence of a clip freezes your tie: if you are looking for a slightly nonchalant and fluid look, with a straight suit for example that moves with you, a frozen tie is perhaps not the best option. If on the other hand you want a tighter outfit, with nothing that moves, in this case why not for the clip!
These elements can quickly become tasteless if overdone. So it's a matter of choosing them relatively discreet if you like them and not bringing out all the gear at once.
Attention to detail (and accessories) taken to the extreme. A bit excessive in our opinion, even if the approach is commendable.-.
Winter accessories: practical and stylish
They allow you to combine business with pleasure, so treat yourself here too 🙂
The scarf: to keep you warm in winter, but not only!
Sometimes, you don't really know how to wear your scarf: it's more of a burden than anything else. The mistake you shouldn't make is trying to control its smallest folds and layers. Don't worry and trust your instincts: the result will be natural. A deliberately neglected way of wearing it will be perfect!
If you have a more workwear style (or want to be inspired by it), needless to say that the bright blue scarf is a no-no. "Earth" colors will do the trick (brown, khaki, sand beige). Or go for a characterful pattern like tartan for example.
Wearing the scarf loosely gives verticality and volume to the coat (and therefore lengthens the silhouette).
In terms of colors: no restrictions. Don't worry about necessarily wanting to match it with the rest of your outfit. Likewise, you can choose it with patterns as long as they are stylish and reflect your personality. .
A nice pair of gloves to face the cold
Gloves are essential in winter to protect yourself from the cold. And if the weather warms up a bit, you can easily wear them as an accessory in the front pocket of a jacket.
A very widespread practice at Pitti Uomo, by the way.
Smooth leather, suede, nubuck... It's up to you to choose. No particular recommendation on the color, except that brown and black are safe bets. It is possible to take gloves in brighter colors too, yellow for example.
Omega Guanti's mustard yellow deerskin gloves. They have a certain charm. Photo credit: Gentleman Chemistry
There are also mesh gloves, which are more accessible and sufficiently insulating as long as it is not extremely cold. The downside is that they are less durable (the mesh can get holes from rubbing) and they absorb water more easily. To find out everything about how to choose and wear men's gloves: click here .
Hats and bonnets: accessories you need to know how to master
The beanie is easier to wear, the other hats a little less. Personally, I like to wear rabbit felt hats to cover myself in the winter. It is an accessory that I like a lot, although it is less common today.
If this accessory matches your personality then why deprive yourself of it? That said, if it catches your eye because you see them everywhere but it doesn't match your style, what's the point! Again, it's a matter of style and personal taste here.
All our advice for choosing the right hat can be found here.
Luca prefers hats, I prefer hats, each to their own 😉
Explore, try and take responsibility!
You now have the basics to personalize your style. To start, you can choose to focus on one or more accessories at a time : it's up to you according to your personality and the environment in which you evolve. To improve your style sustainably (or refine it), remember these 3 points:
- Explore : we find inspiration every day, whether it’s in the street, on public transport (the metro remains my favourite playground) or on the Internet. Be observant!
- Try : Once your ideas have matured, it's time to take action. Don't be afraid to dare, to wear something totally new. You may make mistakes (like everyone else) but at least you will refine your look and your style.
- Assume : you have the scarf, and the ways to wear it too. You even feel a certain pleasure in mixing your accessories in your outfits and your style improves (for example, you get more compliments). Keep it up, and push a little further if you feel like it! On the other hand , a failure has slowed you down: don't lose confidence and continue to discover new patterns, new colors / materials. Perseverance always pays off. 😉
Conclusion: good reasons to master accessories
- Accessories add extra cachet to your outfit in a subtle way (always in small touches).
- They allow you to personalize your outfit at a lower cost .
- You can really choose accessories that suit you: the offer is clearly unbridled (there is something for everyone).
- You can quickly get a taste for it and enjoy developing a more original style . Beyond the primary function of dressing so as not to go out bare-bottomed, clothing and accessories can make way for audacity and creativity.
