How important are accessories?
In old-style books (such as ABC of Men’s fashion by Hardy Amies) and nowadays books, you could often see advice – that it pays off to focus money on accessories with the same focus and amount as on rest of the outfit. It is true that with expensive tie, socks or belt, you may make impressions even with a bit of a cheaper suit (or whatever garment you are wearing).
This has a few effects. First, accessories draw people’s attention, leaving less thoughtfulness for the rest of the garments. Second, people presume that if you are wearing a Hermés tie, the rest of the clothes will be not less expensive or at least, not cheap. Third, the psychological effect that if you are wearing a thing, which price is slightly higher or expensive for you and/or you like to wear very much, you feel outstanding. And that is one of the essential things of nice dressing. You don’t have to talk about it, and others sense that you’re feeling good.
Such accessories can be various things. Tie, socks, belt, braces, scarf, hat/cap, sunglasses, bracelets, shoes, watches, rings, pocket squares, ascots, flasks, gloves, wallets and many more. It involves almost everything that is a supplement to your outfit.
Hermés knitted silk tie in 4 colours - Ph.: Kuba Feranec
But let’s have a look more closely on specific items. The most prominent group of accesories of classic menswear are ties/bowties. Ties are a garment that pays off to spent money for as if you’ll be careful and won’t throw sauce on it; it stays with you quite a time. I never damaged a tie, so I have to throw it away. Printed, woven, knitted, made of silk, wool, linen or cashmere you have many choices to opt for. Of course, your selection depends on how you intend to wear it and with what will wear it. It is good to have a choice of ties from different materials and different shades.
Pantherella fairisle socks made from thick merino wool (find out more here) - Ph.: Petr Honc
Socks are my second favourite minor piece of garment as often I wear chinos, shirt and nothing else. Socks then remains one of the few things that can be discreet, but they can make outfit definitely more impressive when seen. Whether you opt for colourful socks, solid colours or luxury manufacturing.
Amazing flask by Purdey, kidney shape fits almost every pocket - Ph.: Petr Honc
A rather unusual at least nowadays is the flask. It allows you to have your favourite spirit still near you, most often in briefcase or pocket. Isn’t it great? It feels to me as a great supplement to a Barbour jacket and especially from Purdey. A brand I always wish to know better and try their products more. Right, flask in probably won’t move me to know the brand closer; however, you must start somewhere. And it looks damn cool.
Wearing Albert Thurston fleur-de-lys braces while sipping coffee in Florence, Italy - Ph.: Petr Honc
Belt or braces are convenient and almost a must with most of the outfits. For the belt, there is either nothing to say or write a whole post about it (I’ve just noted a tip for a new post). However, about braces, I only say that if you think braces are obsolete and not comfortable, you may be surprised. With a suit, they are sometimes beneficial and comfortable as well without tightness around the belly. And stylish when you put your hand in your pocket. Nevertheless, one advice – avoid clips and instead sew a few buttons for real pleasure and look with braces.
A soft scarf is a great companion of every men (and women). Barbour wool check one here - Ph.: Petr Honc
In winter, you will find how useful are gloves and scarfs. Whether knitted or leather gloves with wool or cashmere lining, it is up to you. More fun you’ll enjoy with a scarf, possible materials, prints, colours or designs. A simple formal scarf with a formal coat or thick rugged scarf with a rural jacket, both are the possibilities and, obviously, only the tip of the iceberg. In my opinion, a scarf is one of the most important things to wear in winter in terms of keeping yourself warm. Cashmere/Wool scarf will keep your chin happy for many years to come. Just avoid cotton scarf and see the difference.
Moonphase is one of my favorite complications. Montblanc heritage spirit with moonphase in steel. Ph.: Mischa Babel
Probably the most expensive men’s expression may be the watches. Whatever brand or model you’ll choose, you probably end up paying hundreds, thousands or even tens of thousand euro (if you can afford it). It is a very personal piece that men are buying for many years to come, if not for the whole lifetime. But again, about watches, we could talk quite a long time. What we can say now is don’t rush with their choice. They must be a brilliant match with your attitude and current outfit. That is why you probably end up owning more than one model.
Yours Sincerely,
Denis
