Fashion Accessories

Accessories can make the difference between a well-dressed man and a ho-hum man. Yet many men falter when it comes to selecting and appropriately wearing them. The key is to remember that accessories are the final component that pulls an outfit together, and they need be worn with confidence.

Watches - Most of us use our cell phones to see what time it is nowadays, so what purpose do watches serve, then? They are very much about style and fashion. For the most versatile appearance, select a watch with an analog face, and a band made with a silver finish, or one made of steel. Beware of all gold, as it can look very dated. Black and brown leather bands are also a great option. For the most versatility, avoid watches with a brightly colored face and instead stick to neutral ones. One thing that will never be in style is wearing a mock designer watch. If you want to wear a designer watch, invest in the real thing. Otherwise, there are a great number of reasonably priced and very good quality watches that are available in jewelry and department stores.

Hats - Baseball caps should generally be reserved for sporting events, and outdoor activities such as mowing the lawn. But a nice collection of stylish hats is a great addition to your wardrobe of accessories. Even just a plain white tee shirt and pair of dark jeans can become an actual outfit with the right hat. Some great styles to look for are newsboy caps, derbies, fedoras, and Kangol hats. Don't just buy the same hat in different colors -- look for different styles that flatter the shape of your face and hair. A well chosen hat is an excellent accessory because it is the last thing you put on, and the first thing people will notice. For a special event such as an outdoor wedding, a nice hat along with the right tie accessories can take your appearance in a suit from average to outstanding.

The "Man Bag" - The classic messenger bag recently made a huge comeback in men's style. And now that we are constantly carrying around laptops, tablets, and other electronics, they are really quite practical. Look for a messenger bag that is no smaller than your average laptop computer, can hang cross-wise across your body with a shoulder strap, and has a securely closing buckle or zipper. Black and brown leather are the most versatile and classic materials. A good quality leather messenger bag will look good with any outfit, including a suit.

Sunglasses - Sunglasses are an essential accessory for any man. When selecting sunglasses, if you are faced with two or more choices, always go with the pair that is the simplest. A simple pair of sunglasses is most likely to stay in style for a long time and not look dated. Classic frames such as Aviators and Wayfarers will never go out of style, and also look nice on any shape of face.

Jewelry - For men, less is more when it comes to jewelry. Stick to just one ring (in addition to your wedding band, if you wear one). The best options are to choose white gold or silver, as again, gold has the tendency to look more dated. Leather necklaces have gained popularity in recent years and are a nice accessory for casual outfits. However, neither leather jewelry nor earrings of any kind should ever be worn in a business or formal setting.By Michael D Taylor