There is no decent outfit without accessories. Just as butter is to bread, and olive is to a martini, accessories are the same to outfits. With so many things crying for one’s attention, it may be difficult to know just how good an investment any of the accessories might turn out to be.
Fortunately, history has taken some of the trial and error out of the process; because there are some accessories that looked good 50 years ago, and still look good now. We call them men’s accessories that will never go out of style. These include:
1. Classic sunglasses
Few things do a man more favours than a pair of sunglasses. Just be sure to maximise longevity by keeping everything classic and understated with either black or tortoiseshell frames and brown, black, or dark green lenses.
2. Leather billfold wallet
A leather wallet is an accomplice that will do the business long after the business has stopped accepting cash. It’s for this reason that many men choose to have their note carriers embossed with their initials; a move that sets out intentions to keep it for life.
3. Stainless Steel watch
A stainless steel timepiece has the ability not only to last one lifetime but several if handed down through successive generations. The material that has its roots in the gun making is as flattering as it is durable. It’s also equally at home with a suit and ties as it is a T-shirt and chinos combination.
4. Leather belt
A good belt does more than simply hold your trousers up – it also holds a look together. Whether a much-needed divide for tall men between the top and bottom halves on an outfit or a subtle complement to leather Derbies, a decent cowhide belt will endure long after other accessories have gone out of style. Choose brown, black or (better yet) one of each, and always opt for the best you can afford.
5. White pocket square
The white pocket square is an accessory for the ages (and all ages). Whatever mood or message you wish to convey, there’s likely to be a pattern or print to do so. However, what an unfussy white version delivers is a quiet confidence that speaks volumes at any event, from black tie dos to weddings.
6. Leather bag
A bag reserved for the best time of the week, a friendly porter for an adventure, and the container of the wardrobe’s greatest hits. The weekend bag is an enduring favourite of the menswear arsenal. As with most leather accessories, favour simple black or brown, or a faded olive shade for a more contemporary take.
7. Silver cufflinks
Bespoke suit, check. Egyptian cotton shirt, check. Lucky tie and sturdy English brogues, double check. Silver is an astute choice for every hue of shirt, and for any occasion. Better yet, silver cufflinks don’t distract from a watch or razor-sharp cuff line in a way that gold or bejewelled versions might.
8. Baseball cap
Is there an item that signals ‘man at leisure’ better than the baseball cap? We’re not talking about the flat-peaked, oversized, gold-studded sort; but the soft, round-brimmed, sporty staples that have invaded even the most conservative of wardrobes in recent years. Bright colours – especially once sun faded – can look just as pleasing as muted tones, with a bit of subtle embroidery or branding.
9. Tartan scarf
In many ways, scarves are the perfect accessory. In the depths of winter, they can be used to fend off piercing winds, while in the milder months they can add a hint of colour — not to mention show you know how to layer — to any lapel or neckline.