Picture this–you’re prepared to go out to work or with friends, but the plain shirts and jeans you put on start to look stale in the mirror. We’ve all been there. While a few good color choices or a nice jacket can help, sometimes to really enhance an outfit, you need to think smaller. You need a few well-rounded accessories for men.

While many accessories are made for women, simple metalwork like rings and necklaces have been for all genders in all kinds of civilizations. For the most part, these accessories symbolized power and wealth, and many of those ideas persist to this day. However, there are more accessories for men now that are more on the casual side–things you can wear to chill and complete an outfit’s overall profile. 

Here are a few you should consider when stocking your wardrobe:

1. Headwear
   1. Caps

The old-fashioned cap comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. Baseball caps, trucker caps, snapback caps, and the different types all serve similar purposes with their own unique charms for each.

Baseball caps are shorter, fit better on the head, and are made entirely of fabric. The front bill is curved a little to keep visibility above and below more flexible. They’re adjusted by the strap on the back, which can be velcro or buckle, and they’re great for holding graphical print designs or embroidery.

Trucker caps are similar to baseball caps, but they have two key differences. The first is their front half size tends to be taller and made of a comfortable, puffy material, like foam. The second is that their back half has a breathable mesh for your head to cool off with. Fitting to their namesake, these caps are great for driving or walking long distances under hot conditions.

A hipper variation of both caps is the classic snapback, which has a straight bill and a more solid shape than the other two. They often also come with more textures and colors and are very popular in streetwear.

2. Bucket Hats

Image: https://unsplash.com/photos/man-wearing-sunglasses-and-bucket-hat-LXN7fKsbP6Q

Bucket hats have gained prominence over the years for their unique shape and airy feeling. They’re perfect travel wear, as the lightweight material can help shield wearers from the sun without constricting the head too much.

You’ll also find that bucket hats are very customizable. If you have a sewing kit at home or a few pieces of velcro, you can attach patches or cut-outs from other fabrics to personalize your bucket hat rather easily. Many people also attach acrylic pins to these hats, since the materials make it easier to pierce without damaging the overall appearance. 

2. Necklaces
   1. Dogtags

The most popular accessories for men are distinct for being very subtle. In other words, many of them try very hard not to look like accessories. Unlike the aesthetics of feminine necklaces, modern masculine necklaces emphasize storytelling or kayfabe, using plain accessories from the military or other sources to sell themselves.

Take the traditional dog tag, for instance. What was once a necessary identification system for military personnel is now a common fashion statement used to show a strong, military-like attitude. 

Typical dog tags are silver, but they can also come in titanium, gold, and copper colors. They’re particularly fashionable in athletic or camo-patterned outfits since they project a lot of strength.

2. Chains

If you listen to enough hip-hop or rap, you’ll know how valued chains are in streetwear. A good chain can make an entire outfit stand out, and there are enough different styles that they can suit many occasions. 

Hip-hop style and Cuban chains are typically friendlier to plainer or rougher outfits since their big chains and interesting metalwork draw a lot of attention to the neck. If you’re wearing a more formal fit (i.e. a suit or blazer), you may want to opt for a clavica instead. This smaller, stretched-out chain adds a more subtle touch to any flashy or opulent look.

3. Whistles & Blocks

Beyond chains and dog tags, almost anything small and practical can make for a decent necklace. Whistles and small blocks in particular make a similar impression to dog tags without the army connotations. Some other similar accessories, like guitar picks, can even serve a purpose beyond being a great accessory for men.  

3. Rings

Rings are small accessories that can make a great impact when paired with the right clothes or given proper designs. Often, people will use rings that tend to be very basic with rudimentary designs and jewels at the tip. This needn’t be the case–our collection shows off rings design from the simple but elegant to the bold and intricate.  

Check out our ring collection here for more ideas on what your accessories may look like! There are so many styles and carvings you can choose from that it’s hard to imagine wearing a plain ring for any modern outfit. 

4. Bags
   1. Backpacks

While men typically don’t carry as many things as women, bags are often still essential when carrying laptops and other utilities to work or campus. The reliable backpack always comes in clutch in these occasions. Conveniently shaped and easy to tote around, these backpacks can carry you from high school all the way to your entrepreneurial beginnings.

As a tip, nylon backpacks are popular for their durability and cost but look a little less stylish for different outfits. Leather backpacks, meanwhile, are just as sturdy when cared for correctly and have the added benefit of looking fantastic with almost any style of apparel. Canvas backpacks have a similar appeal but are a little lighter to carry around.

2. Satchels & Messenger Bags

If you don’t need to bring anything particularly big for your outing or work, consider taking on a satchel or messenger bag instead. The main difference between these bags is their size, materials, and placement (satchels are typically worn at the side of the hip, while messenger bags rest at the back). 

However, they both make for a distinctly professional look (in corporate wear especially) and signal a sense of maturity for any style you choose.

If you’re interested in more apparel ideas, be sure to browse through our lookbook for inspiration.