Have you recently gotten ready for date night only to realize that your attire was a bit bland? Sure, you dressed to impress, but there was simply something missing.
You are likely missing a few luxury accessories that can easily make your outfit without breaking the bank. We’re going to go walk you through the essentials to keep you looking sharp without being overly accessorized. Keep reading for more information!
Styling on the Sly
As it is unlikely that you walk around with credit cards and cash loose in your pockets, you probably have a wallet. Take a look at it. Is it an old beat up leather wallet you’ve had for years? Is it duct tape? Does it have characters or other child-like art?
If so, it is time to upgrade!
A man’s wallet is much like a woman’s purse in that it holds the necessities. It can be a quiet statement piece, but when it is time to pay the tab or hand out a business card, it is noticed!
You don’t necessarily have to spend several hundreds of dollars on a wallet, but a high-quality wallet is a part of your wardrobe you cannot go without. Depending on your budget, a non-designer leather wallet can range from about $100-250.
If you want something with a bit more pizazz that will warrant a look or two, consider a wallet from a designer with a well-known logo. These can run anywhere from $250-500. Yes, that is a jump, but in a business setting, appearances are always noted.
Don’t Use Your Phone to Tell Time
How often do you look at your phone for the time, put it back into your pocket or bag, and then realize you never actually noticed the hour? Opting to wear a watch can help solve this problem.
A beautifully crafted timepiece is something you can wear every day. The key is to realize that you don’t have to buy them brand new–that no one will know whether you paid full price or chose to purchase one slightly used.
Opting for used luxury watches allows you to spend a bit less, possibly allowing you to purchase more than one. This means that you can have a watch for daily wear as well as one to use when the occasion requires more formal attire.
The Dress Knife
Some men feel naked without having a pocket knife at all times. We get it–this tool is handy for many tasks other than just cutting a few strings or as a last resort weapon.
However, if you are trying to impress anyone (be it a date, boss, or father-in-law) pulling out your favorite tool is probably not the way to go. Consider purchasing a secondary knife that you can carry for when you choose to look your best.
Remember, this blade is for aesthetic purposes but should also be something you are fond of using!
Cufflinks: The Equivalent to a Woman’s Jewelry
Women seem to get all of the sparkly jewelry, from dangling earrings to diamond-studded bracelets. Cufflinks are a great way to add a bit more sparkly detail to your suit without seeming overdone.
Although cufflinks serve about the same purpose as the buttons on a dress shirt, when men wear them, they are often seen as powerful, wealthy, and reputable. There are numerous options available, giving you the option to choose to have something lighthearted or more serious, and of course huge variations in price.
For styling purposes, when you choose to wear cufflinks, a jacket is advisable, and they must be worn with a shirt that has a French (or double) cuff. These shirts do not already have buttons in place to secure the cuff, making them the ideal choice for a pair of cufflinks.
Dress Socks are NOT an Option
You might be under the assumption that because you are wearing pants, you can get away with any old pair of socks as they won’t be seen. This is not the case, ever.
To begin, no one wants to see your hairy leg when you happen to sit down. Additionally, you are a grown man, therefore the socks should match and not have visible holes or stains. If you are unsure what socks to wear, chose a pair that matches your pants.
Should you have an emboldened sense of style, you can choose a colored or patterned sock that matches your ensemble–just be aware of the different materials used as some may be too hot for the time of year.
The choices in material, quality, and sock length can all affect the cost. For a man who doesn’t need to wear dress socks often, doesn’t want to spend an arm and a leg, and is not a fan of sorting laundry, a mid rise cotton blend is perfectly acceptable.
Super Shades
Squinting for an extended period of time will give you crow’s feet and is not an attractive look for anyone. Therefore, having a pair of great-looking pair of sunglasses is a must.
When purchasing your sunglasses, look for ones that have UVA/UVB protection. You may also prefer glasses that are polarized if you spend time on or near the water (many men prefer polarized glasses as they reduce glare.)
You might think that spending a couple of hundred dollars on sunglasses is frivolous or that you’re prone to losing or breaking them. Chances are, if you spend that kind of money, you will be mindful about where you place them and how they are handled. Also, when you purchase through a reputable dealer or store, they often have lenient return and replacement policies.
Oh, and the other important aspect of great shades? They protect your eyes from serious sun damage!
The Takeaway
If you’ve haven’t already noticed, each of these accessories is a small detail that enhances the larger picture. Yes, they take a bit of money to acquire, but you don’t have to purchase all of them at once.
In the event that you are on the fence about which items to buy, consider which ones will come in handy and which articles you will rarely use. You also don’t always need to buy brand-new nor do you need to choose the most expensive in each category.
