When it comes to personal style, many men assume that accessories are of little concern—a last minute addition. After all, masculine fashion should be sleek and streamlined, right? No need to overcomplicate it.
Not always.
Style is about more than just looking good—it’s about expressing who you are. The right accessories can transform a minimalist look into an eye-catching statement.
But where to begin? In this guide we’ll take the plunge into the world of men’s fashion accessories and how to style them.
Essential Men's Fashion Accessories
Accessories are a vast category. The word can refer to almost anything beyond staple items like pants, shirts, and jackets. That being said, there are a few key categories (and subcategories), especially in the jewelry space.
One of the most essential categories, rings range in design from simple bands meant for everyday use, to ornate, jewel-encrusted masterpieces. Although subtle, they lend a powerful presence to any ensemble.
Rings can also serve as potent symbols of commitment and loyalty. They come in three main varieties:
● Signet rings – The ancient Egyptians popularized the signet ring, which they mounted with a unique seal that the wearer used to sign documents. These days, a signet ring is a powerful way to express loyalty to a group or cause (think family crests).
● Wedding bands – The pinnacle moment of any wedding? That would be the exchange of rings. Wedding bands, which have been with us for over 3000 years, signify love and commitment. They’re often made of gold or silver and feature a simple, elegant design.
● Fashion rings – This is a bit of a catch-all category. It encompasses many designs meant to add flare to an outfit. Unlike wedding rings, fashion rings are purely a vehicle for personal expression, rather than a statement of loyalty or relationship status.
There’s a few things to keep in mind if you want to add them to your look. The first is to determine which finger to use.
While there are no hard and fast rules, some fingers carry timeless significance. Others are simply more convenient for certain ring types. In general, keep in mind the following:
● Index finger – The index finger is a common home for signet and crest rings, although some men find wearing rings on the index finger interferes with dexterity.
● Middle finger – An uncommon choice, the middle finger is nevertheless a bold and central spot to feature a ring.
● Ring finger – The third finger is by far the most popular choice for ring display. It’s the conventional location for a wedding band and often the most comfortable.
● Pinky finger – Since the pinky carries little cultural symbolism, it’s a top choice to show off a statement ring. Being removed from the rest of the body, it easily draws the eye.
Experiment with different fingers and find what feels right for you. While there are conventional meanings attached to certain fingers, breaking rules is a fundamental aspect of self-expression.
You may also wonder which hand to choose. The left hand is traditionally the home of wedding and engagement rings. Beyond that, there are no defined rules for which hand is appropriate.
The right hand tends to serve as the “active” hand, while the left functions as the “statement” hand. Keep this in mind when making your choices.
An easy way to spruce up an outfit, men’s bracelets come in a wide array of styles, from subtle to daring.
A simple way to categorize bracelets is by material. These include:
● Leather – Durable and suitable for everyday use, leather bracelets are an excellent choice for adding a rugged accent to an otherwise polished look.
● Metal – Ranging from stainless steel to luxury gold and silver options, metal bracelets lend an edge to any outfit.
● Beaded – Beaded bracelets are an excellent way to infuse your look with some color. They also offer tremendous versatility, pairing easily with formal attire or casual wear.
When it comes to incorporating bracelets, you’ll want to keep some fundamentals in mind. Before choosing a bracelet, consider:
● Fit and weight – When choosing clothing, fit is crucial. The same goes for bracelets. If your wrists are thin and slight, choose tighter fitting bracelets that won’t slide up your arm. Heavier bracelets should have a snug fit, while lighter ones can be a bit looser.
● Personal aesthetic – Every fashion choice should stem from the style you wish to cultivate. Are you aiming for a rugged look? Leather might be for you. Going for a striking statement? Sleek metal bracelets may better fit the bill.
A highly versatile piece, necklaces can dress up casual ensembles or add some shine to formal attire.
Necklaces come in a few styles:
● Chains – Chains are by far the most common necklace type. They take many forms. Any necklace composed of interlinking loops qualifies as a chain. Some classic styles include cable, rope, and anchor chains.
● Pendants – Similar to dog tags, pendants feature a chain base and hold an ornament of some sort. Feather pendants are common, as well as religious symbols, (i.e. crosses). Pendants are an excellent vehicle for sharing a bit of your personal story.
● Dog tags – Originally worn by soldiers in the American Civil War, dog tags have evolved into a consistent feature in the fashion world. Many wearers choose to engrave the “tag” portion with a significant name, date, or memory.
First, decide on the look you want to go for. Do you want the necklace to add a subtle accent or make a bold statement? From there, you can:
● Choose whether you want to wear your necklace beneath or above your shirt. This will dictate the size (larger necklaces and pendants look better above shirts).
● Decide on the rest of your outfit, so you know what colors and textures you’ll need to match.
● Settle on a number. You don’t need to restrict yourself to one necklace at a time— layering can add complexity and intrigue.
Feel free to experiment with a few styles to find what works. It helps to have a solid stable of options on hand.
It’s true that smartphones have usurped the position of “time-teller” in our lives. This hasn’t rendered watches obsolete, however.
A watch is a timeless fashion piece that transcends mere utility. It serves to add a gleam of sophistication to any outfit, whether dressed up or down.
Even so, their style must match their function to some extent, so watches come in a few different flavors:
● Dress – Dress watches exist to add a tasteful accent to suits and formalwear. For this reason, simplicity and elegance are the priorities when it comes to design. To maintain subtlety, a dress watch should be proportionate to the wearer’s wrist.
● Sport – You can still look sharp while living an active life. Sport watches come ready to withstand moisture and hold up to movement. They usually come with thick casing and reinforced crown guards.
● Casual – When environments call for a toned-down aesthetic, casual watches come into play. Leather bands (as opposed to metal) are a common difference between casual and dress watches.
When choosing a watch, the main thing to consider is the setting. For outdoor excursions, you’ll want to enhance your style with the resilient casing of a sport watch.
Formal events call for the more austere elegance of dress watches, while casual timepieces cover an array of settings. Even for upscale events, a laid-back watch can add a playful touch.
Caring For Your Accessories
Once you incorporate men’s fashion accessories into your wardrobe, ensure they last by practicing diligent care.
To maintain a fresh gleam:
● Clean and polish regularly – For metal accessories, such as chain necklaces and dress watches, be sure to routinely polish with a quality cleanser.
● Store properly – Keep your accessories away from moisture. Frequent wear also tends to extend the life of some metals, such as sterling silver.
For watches, you’ll want to service them anytime they begin to run fast or slow. It’s also wise to get in the habit of giving them a quick wipedown after every wear.
Your Personal Insignia, With John Hardy
A mastery of fashion fundamentals is the key to “looking good”, and accessories can elevate your look to new heights. From men’s bracelets to men’s luxury necklaces, we handcraft one-of-a-kind, artisanal jewelry. Discover our one-of-a-kind collections and build your accessories wardrobe.
Sources:
Britannica. Ring. https://www.britannica.com/art/ring-jewelry.
Britannica. Signet ring. https://www.britannica.com/art/signet-ring.
Cape Town Diamond Museum. The History & First Exchange of a Wedding Ring.
https://www.capetowndiamondmuseum.org/blog/2019/03/the-history-of-the-wedding-ring/#:~:text=Did%20you%20know%20the%20first,made%20of%20hemp%20or%20reeds.
Real Men Real Style. Ring Finger Meaning Guide For Men.
https://www.realmenrealstyle.com/ring-finger-meaning/
USO.org. Dog Tag History: How this Military Tradition Got Its Start.
https://www.uso.org/stories/2992-dog-tag-history-how-this-military-tradition-got-its-start#:~:text=Unofficially%2C%20identification%20tags%20came%20about,or%20pinned%2Don%20paper%20tags.
The Watch Collectors’ Club. What is a Sports Watch. https://www.thewatchcollectorsclub.com/what-is-a-sports-watch/
The Watch Collectors’ Club. Owning Vintage Watches. https://www.thewatchcollectorsclub.com/owning-vintage-watches/