Nothing screams that you have your proverbial ducks in a row like a set of top-tier accessories.
That’s what having an awesome wardrobe is all about—the finer details that set you apart from the crowd.
And that’s exactly what I’m going to help you with today.
These accessories range from everyday use to the kind of thing you bust out at weddings that make you look like a total legend. After all, what’s the point of living if you’re not going to look like a total legend every once in a while?
For each accessory, I included my favorite picks so you can stock up and start taking care of business like a true gentleman, ASAP.
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1. Weekender Bag
Ah, the humble weekender bag. It’s a workhorse: travel, work commute, in the gym—this bag is a worthy partner no matter what your daily life looks like.
Investing in a high quality weekender is one of those accessories people take notice of. And if you get the right one, it’ll make your life so much easier.
Just make sure that the bag you get fits within most airlines “overhead” storage qualifications so you can take it with you when you jet off on your next vacation.
My Top Pick: Bespoke Post Weekender
A great bag like what you’d get from the Bespoke Post Weekender package doubles well as a gym bag, so you can use it daily.
And considering the price ($40 with a subscription + 20% off just by following our links), it’s stellar value. It has one main compartment and one internal pocket—nice and simple so you don’t lose your gym shorts in a mystery pocket for weeks at a time. I love that I don’t have to dig through this to get what I need, especially when I’m stowing it in the overhead on a plane.
Why I Like It
It’s a simple design without any flashy zippers or extraneous flaps.
The Bespoke Post Weekender bag is sturdy and easy to keep clean.
The genuine leather handles feel good in the hand and look handsome.
Our favorite no frills carryall. Boasting genuine leather handles and sturdy construction, Bespoke Post's classy Weekender offers excellent value for money.
2. Casual Watch
While we do advocate investing in both a casual watch and a dress watch, you can easily get away with owning one classy casual watch for any situation.
If I could only own one watch, it’d have a steel link bracelet and enough water resistance so I didn’t have to worry about it in the water.
With that combo, you’re getting the best of all the watch world has to offer. And the link bracelet works just as well in a casual setting as it does in the office. The only scenario where a steel link watch doesn’t work is at a black-tie event, but how many of those do you attend any given year?
My Top Pick: Citizen Promaster Diver
The Citizen Promaster Diver has a 45mm diameter, so it’s a beast of a watch and quite affordable given the quality. It’s a bulky piece, but it has a classic, handsome dial and can take a beating.
With 200m of water resistance, only professional divers will find themselves testing the limits of this timepiece. For the rest of us, we can take the Promaster Diver on any adventure and it’ll come out just fine.
And like I said up top, because it has the steel link bracelet, it fits the vibe on Saturday evening just as well as it does on Monday morning.
Why I Like It
It’s versatile and can fit almost any style, any wardrobe, for any occasion.
With 200m of water resistance, it can take a beating and is ready for adventure.
It runs on Citizen’s Eco-Drive movement, so it never needs a battery replacement.
Although it bulges with a rather large 45mm case diameter, the Citizen Promaster Diver is a highly versatile watch that you can dress up or down with ease. Boasting Citizen's Eco-Drive moment, it's also quite affordable given the quality on offer.
3. Pen
I’ll never forget the day I discovered the power of a great pen.
I was working under a businessman in the coffee industry, and he’d take me to different meetings where I’d get a front-row seat to negotiations and see how deals were made.
Never mind that my mentor routinely was outclassed, played his hand immediately, and almost always overpaid for everything (sometimes a mentor can teach you what not to do).
But at one meeting, the guy on the other side of the table busted out a hefty, majestic looking pen and inked down a few notes. It’s hard to explain, but I could feel the perception shift in my mentor—he was feeling a bit outclassed. Low and behold, he ended up placing an order he couldn’t afford just to give the illusion he had money to throw around.
And in that moment, I could see how a $100 pen was able to set in motion an extra $5,000 in sales.
It only needs to work once.
My Top Pick: Everyman Grafton
The Everyman Grafton is my favorite everyday carry pen, and it’s the one I use day in and day out for every note I write and outline I create. I literally have an emotional attachment to this pen.
It’s sturdy, writes smoothly, and its refills are inexpensive. Plus, it’s handsome looking and has the kind of heft that makes you feel like everything you write is incredibly important (even if it’s just a really bad sketch of your neighbor’s dog).
Why I Like It
The Grafton takes several brands of refills, including Pilot G2, which you can likely find at your nearest supermarket.
It’s heavy, but balanced. Writing with it feels fantastic.
It’s distinctive and minimalist, which gives it an understated elegance.
I literally have an emotional attachment to this pen. It’s sturdy, writes smoothly, and its refills are inexpensive. Plus, it’s handsome looking and has the kind of heft that makes you feel like everything you write is incredibly important.
4. Bracelet
When done right, I think a bracelet can add just the right amount of stylistic flair to certain casual outfits.
But you need to play it cool in this department. Don’t go off the deep end and tie on 30 different string bracelets like you just got back from Burning Man.
Guys under 24 can get away with that kind of thing, but if you’re aiming for a more mature look, something like a simple metal cuff is the ticket.
My Top Pick: Miansai Cuff Bracelet
Miansai offers a wide variety of metal cuffs, but you can’t go wrong with any of them. I opted for the super simple Singular Cuff in brushed sterling silver, but you can peruse the brand’s other options to find something that fits your style better.
While you might find the cost a bit pricey initially, the idea behind these essential accessories is that you only ever buy them once. And because they’re the best quality, you want to use them all the time.
After floundering with several types of bracelets, I picked up something I really love from Miansai and I haven’t regretted it a bit.
Why I Like It
The Miansai metal cuff is classy and looks rich, but it still fits in a minimal wardrobe.
Because it’s made with sterling silver, I get that confidence boost knowing I’m putting on something of value.
Forged from shock resistant sterling silver, Miansai offer elegant bracelets that add that little bit of something to the right outfits.
5. Sunglasses
You weren’t thinking about going through summer without a killer pair of shades, were you? Just like the rest of the items on this list, investing in top-quality sunglasses is going to pay off year after year.
It’s pretty easy to find shades with full UV protection, so that isn’t a major consideration. But a truly great set of sunglasses should have polarized lenses. Why? Because when you’re at the beach, the polarization will help protect your eyes from all the ocean glare—the same is true when you’re driving.
And if it wasn’t already clear, the frames should look amazing on you. To make that happen, here are three things you should consider when buying sunglasses.
My Top Pick: Christopher Cloos Paloma
I’m a big fan of Christopher Cloos in general, but their Paloma frames are my go to for hot summer days.
Made with Mazzucchelli Italian acetate and spring-loaded hinges, they stay secure on your head, feel fantastic, and the shape is flattering for most facial structures.
Beyond that, they have a laid back vintage Italian style that’s ideal for throwing down an Aperol as the heat of the day dissipates.
Why I Like It
Mazzucchelli Italian acetate is among the best materials frames can be made from—it feels awesome in your hand, and has plenty of durability.
The CR39 polarized lenses offer full UV and glare protection and have zero warping.
The frames have a vintage style to them that’s flattering for most face shapes and looks really cool.
6. Pocket Knife
Once you have a pocket knife, you use it for everything.
Opening the mail? Never been easier.
Need to get to that banana in record time? Flip, swipe. You’re there.
Don’t cheap out on a pocket knife though, because there are times when you’ll actually need it (instead of using it to open a banana). And when you need it to work, you need it to work.
My Top Pick: Kershaw Leek
The Kershaw Leek is a fantastic pocket knife for those looking to get a decent piece at an affordable price. It has a simple, handsome design, and you can choose from plenty of different color options, depending on how many Tom Clancy games you played when you were in high school.
Why I Like It
The Kershaw Leek uses D2 steel, which takes to sharpening well and is very durable, especially for the price.
It has a liner lock so it won’t just fly open, and the ball bearing ensures a smooth flip open so you can get your blade out in a hurry.
It has a simple, no-frills shape and a few basic color options that are perfect for survivalist or outdoorsy applications.
The three-inch drop point blade has very little curve in the belly, so it’s a sharp, slim piece that can tear up a cardboard box faster than you can say “allium.”
7. Tie Bar
I still remember the first time I saw (or at least noticed) a man wearing a tie bar. I was at a wedding in my teenage years. And one of the groomsmen was dressed impeccably. Way better than everyone else. But it was strange because he was wearing literally the same thing as everyone else.
But he nailed the subtle details. Fit. And an amazing sense of where and how to use accessories.
It’s the tie bar that did it for me. Tie bars are meant to keep your tie attached to your shirt for a clean, neat appearance. You can play it classic with a simple silver or gold bar. Or you can show off a little personality and get a funky design, like an airplane or nautical knot.
Tie bars are fairly inexpensive, so it’s always a good idea to pick up two or three so you have a variety to choose from. This is especially true if you work at an office and wear one every day.
My Top Pick: The Tie Bar
Well, if you couldn’t tell by the brand’s name, The Tie Bar has a wide variety of tie bars ranging from classic and timeless, to quirky and fun. Because each piece is generally under $20, I’ll pick up a few at a time, and that helps me build my collection a little quicker.
Because their inventory is so huge, it’s easy to find the perfect shade that pairs like pb&j with your suit. And you can shop for a few other accoutrements, like pocket squares, ties, and socks at the same time.
Why I Like It
Tie bars help keep your suit looking neat, even if you’re busting a move on the dance floor at the wedding.
They’re a perfect subtle opportunity to showcase personality. You don’t need to wear a joke hula skirt and coconut bra to show your love for tiki culture—instead, a nice pineapple tie bar does the trick for you, while you still stay dapper.
They’re inexpensive, so you can build a collection fairly quickly and always match your accessories to your suit for any occasion.
If you couldn’t tell by the brand’s name, The Tie Bar has a wide variety of tie bars ranging from classic and timeless, to quirky and fun. Because their inventory is so huge, it’s easy to find the perfect shade that pairs like pb&j with your suit.
8. Slim Wallet
Wallet technology has exploded in the past 10 years or so. Leather bi-fold wallets are cool and all, but more and more research coming out says they can seriously mess with your back.
Plus, it looks a bit goofy to have a massive bulge in your back pocket.
A few years ago, I switched to a slim aluminium wallet and never looked back. I can’t store useless receipts in it, so I don’t collect junk for months and months. I only carry the few cards I actually use. And it’s hardly even noticeable when it’s in my front pocket.
For guys who tend to get disorganized quickly (no shame, bro. I’m one of you) a slim wallet is an amazing self-imposed system of organization that will clear a dusty corner of clutter from your life.
And for the more fastidious folks, a slim metal wallet is the way to go because it’s so unobtrusive on your style. Pop the wallet in your jacket pocket and it’s practically invisible in a suit. Drop it in your jeans pocket and no one can tell it’s there.
My Top Pick: Decadent Minimalist DM1
The DM1 is a nifty wallet that comes in several sizes, ranging from the super slim 4-card, to the more bulky 12-card.
I’ve been rocking the 8-card for a few years now, and I have the optional money clip added. It’s helped me stay organized, as there are really only six or seven cards I ever use, anyway. Plus, the aluminium frame and polished silver finish are simple and classy.
Decadent Minimalist also offers the same design in nickel and titanium, plus they have over 10 colors for each type of metal. You can also have your wallet custom engraved, so feel free to add something cool to the top like Cash Lord. Or, you know, don’t. Whatever.
What I Like
For people like me who tend to collect receipts and get disorganized, having a minimal amount of space feels like a productivity hack.
A slim wallet doesn’t create any unsightly bulges in your pockets, plus you can easily keep your wallet on you when you’re wearing a suit (just toss it in the internal breast pocket.
Add a money clip to the DM1 and it has all the effect a regular leather wallet does without the weight and size.
This nifty aluminum wallet carries up to twelve cards, but there are a few bonus features in its simple construction that make it a “must-have” when traveling.
9. Pocket Square
Pocket squares are the easiest way to “smarten” up a suit and tie look, and they work wonders if you’re going a little more casual with a blazer and jeans type combo.
You don’t have to go overboard and learn to fold your pocket square like a flying crane—just a simple two or three-point fold is plenty enough.
But like the tie-bar, the pocket square is an easy, subtle way to add personality to your outfit and show off your style knowledge.
For instance, navy suits are a classic, but yours might feel a bit stale for a spring wedding. Pop in a bright yellow and powder blue floral pocket square, and suddenly the entire outfit looks like it was made for jubilant gatherings.
My Top Pick: The Tie Bar
I go back to The Tie Bar for pocket squares, because like the tie bar accessory, it’s easy to pick up a few at a time, and I can put together a full accessory ensemble in one go.
The Tie Bar has an absolutely gigantic selection of pocket squares, all of decent quality. Twill, cotton, silk; paisley, floral, solid—they have something in just about any style, texture, and vibe you’re going for.
Why I Like It
A colorful pocket square can bring even a dull suit back to life.
Used as an accent color, you can pair your socks and tie with the pocket square for a well-planned and thoughtful style.
The Tie Bar has a seemingly endless number of options, so you can get an idea of what will work with your blazer and what might clash.
If you couldn’t tell by the brand’s name, The Tie Bar has a wide variety of tie bars ranging from classic and timeless, to quirky and fun. Because their inventory is so huge, it’s easy to find the perfect shade that pairs like pb&j with your suit.
10. Cufflinks
Most dress shirts come with buttons on the cuff. And that’s a shame. Many young or less style conscious men don’t opt for cufflinks because it just seems like extra hassle for what reward?
But there’s an opportunity for us stylish men.
A classy set of cufflinks can almost act as a totem. How many times do you need to wear your lucky links and clear out the craps table before you start wearing them at any important event?
For a lot of guys, cufflinks can carry an emotional significance. They’re almost always worn with a suit (though you can certainly wear a “toned-down” set casually with a blazer), and unlike the tie bar and pocket square, I recommend you only get one or two sets of cufflinks.
Why?
Well, cufflinks are one of those things that you can pass to the next generation. I’d rather own one or two elegant sets than have a dozen cheap-o sets.
You can find novelty style cufflinks, too, which can be a fun expression of your personality. But if you pick up a set of robot cufflinks, a bright orange floral pocket square, and a tie-bar shaped like a pineapple, you’re going to look like a mess.
I always play cufflinks a bit more seriously. A simple silver with onyx or indigo inlay will be a classy accompaniment to anything you wear it with. And for your second, more “outgoing” set, find something in gold or sterling silver that speaks to something you feel deeply.
I have a set of sterling silver lion heads that I usually reach for when the occasion calls, and they mean a lot to me. While I love a good tie bar, I can’t say I’ve ever felt a special connection to one like I have with my cufflinks.
Finding decent cufflinks online is relatively difficult—this piece of menswear hasn’t adapted to the digital age as well as other accessories, so a trusted brand like Benson & Clegg or Brooks Brothers is the way to go.
My Top Pick: Benson & Clegg Cufflinks
Benson & Clegg is a London-based classic menswear brand has been outfitting the Jermyn Street elite for over 80 years. They have a solid spread of cufflinks for guys with any sort of budget, ranging from $50 to $1,000.
Their links are made from metals, not metal coated plastics like you can get duped with from other retailers.
Benson & Clegg has a robust collection of classy links with tiger’s eye and onyx—both of which are solid choices in a formal or black tie setting, and they also have more story-driven links like university symbols, battalion signets, and the emblems of nations and honors societies, so you can grab a second pair that tells your story a bit more.
Why I Like It
Cufflinks are the kind of accessory you can pass on to your children.
Many men value their accessories because they carry special meaning, and cufflinks are near the top of the list for emotional significance (likely because they can be passed down from generation to generation).
Benson & Clegg has classy and more personality-driven links available at the affordable, splurge, and heirloom price levels—all are a great value.
This London-based classic menswear brand has been outfitting the Jermyn Street elite for over 80 years. They have a solid spread of cufflinks for guys with any sort of budget, ranging from $50 to $1,000. Their links are made from metals, not metal coated plastics like you can get duped with from other retailers.
11. Scarf
Like many accessories, a top quality scarf can make even the most basic outfit look sophisticated and stylish.
You never want to go full Lenny Kravitz and wear a blanket around your neck, but you should be considering the texture of the scarf against the rest of your outfit.
Scarves are appropriate for any level of formality, so long as it’s chilly enough outside to warrant a jacket (i.e. don’t wear a scarf and t-shirt).
For more business-like attire, like a thick wool overcoat, wrap a thinner cashmere scarf up in a parisian knot.
If you’re more casual, with an unbuttoned camel blazer, try a simple draped wool scarf in a complementary muted grey.
Having a stable of scarves for the winter months is not just a good idea for style purposes—this accessory is just as necessary for comfort in colder climates.
My Top Pick: Banana Republic Scarves
Banana Republic always has a decent collection of scarves with a variety of textures and colors. In the early fall, they carry a lot of thinner Donegal and wool scarves with brighter pops of color, and in the winter, they tend to go ham on the cable knit.
I usually pick up one new scarf per year (and usually in the spring when they’re essentially giving them away for free—that’s why I love big brands like J.Crew and Banana Republic for this kind of thing).
After two or three years, you have a decent collection of scarves and can really start to see how versatile and stylish this accessory really is.
Why I Like It
Scarves don’t just have versatility in their texture and color—you can also play with how you knot them to really tailor the style to your outfit.
They’re not just classy-looking—they also keep your neck nice and toasty.
Big brands like J.Crew and Banana Republic clear out their inventory every spring and put hefty discounts on really high quality scarves, so you can easily score a great deal.
Banana Republic always has a decent collection of scarves with a variety of textures and colors. In the early fall, they carry a lot of thinner Donegal and wool scarves with brighter pops of color, and in the winter, they tend to go ham on the cable knit. You can often snag a discount as they clear their stock every year.
Should You Get Designer Accessories?
There’s no need to spend extra on designer accessories. Yes, you should opt for quality items, but you don’t get the added prestige from a brand-logo when you can’t even see it on products as small as a pen or a bracelet.
These small accessories stand out on quality alone, so this is where you can cut your teeth on finding the best value. Shop around a bit. Even try asking others who might be in the know about the particular accessory you’re thinking about picking up.
For instance, I have a few knives myself, and I take them with me when I head to the family cabin in the summer. But when putting together this list, I didn’t just go with my gut. I reached out to someone on Instagram who takes beautiful photos of knives for a living.
I figured who better to ask than him. And he pointed me straight to the Civivi Elementum. Not only did I get an awesome recommendation from someone who collects and appreciates the smallest details on a knife, but I also got to reach out and connect.
Don’t think because Gucci puts out a bag that it’s immediately the best quality. You can find plenty of bags that are much higher quality, more thoughtful, and at a much better price point.
I’m not a fan of designer clothes, but I can see the value of a branded shirt. With accessories though, that value diminishes so much that it’s negligible, and certainly not worth the price hike.
Where Should You Store Your Accessories?
There are a few different ways you can store your accessories, though the undoubted worst is to throw them all into a drawer and shut it as fast as you can.
I usually store my accessories in three places.
Because I have an embarrassingly large collection of watches, I can’t keep them all on my clothes dresser. In my closet, I keep a 20-seat watch box where I keep all my quartz timepieces and any automatics I only wear on certain occasions.
For my more frequently used automatics, I keep them on a watch winder.
Neither of these things are necessary though if you only have a few watches, though.
If you’re only storing a core selection of accessories, consider a nice leather valet tray. You can put this on your kitchen counter, bedside, on top of your dresser—wherever is convenient and easy to get to.
I have a valet tray on my bedside table. That’s where I keep my wallet, watch, cuff, and ring—the things I use every day.
If you’re in the market for a high class valet, check out the Courant Catch:3. Made with Italian pebble-grain leather, this valet tray lends a special significance to whatever you put in it.
For the best of both worlds, check out something like the Houndsbay Commander. It’s big enough to almost be a piece of furniture, but it can store up to six watches and has plenty of room for everything else on this list except the bag and scarf.
Take Your Style to the Next Level
We all have a favorite shirt, or maybe that lucky pair of socks.
But nothing quite gets us ready to take on the world like a few of the perfect accessories.
Maybe it’s just me, but I feel like having the perfect watch brings me more confidence. Decking my suit and tie with a matching tie bar and complimentary pocket square elevates my appearance and spirit. Throwing a heavily textured scarf around my neck brings a new dimension to my style.
For most of these items, it’s far better to spend once and buy high quality. And for some, like the cufflinks and watch, you may even want to pass them on to the next generation.
You can’t say that for your lucky shirt, can you?
FAQs
How many rings should a man wear?
You should certainly wear one ring if you’re married and your partner expects you to wear it. Otherwise, it’s a matter of personal style and comfort. Some guys prefer to wear no rings at all, which is perfectly fine. However, if you’re going for the large, signet ring style, you should wear no more than three signet rings total, and no more than two on one hand. Otherwise, you risk overdoing it.
Are accessories clothing?
Accessories can be clothing but they don’t have to be. For instance, a watch is an accessory, but isn’t clothing. A pocket knife is an accessory, but isn’t clothing. A scarf is an accessory, and can be considered clothing.
Should men wear bracelets on the left or right?
Men should wear their bracelets on their non-dominant hand unless they’re already wearing a watch on that hand. If you have a watch on, avoid wearing the bracelet and watch on the same hand. In this case, the watch takes precedence, so you’d wear your bracelet on your dominant hand. I.e. you’re right handed: you’d wear your watch on your left, and a bracelet on the right. If you were not wearing a watch, you’d wear your bracelet on the left and have your right hand open.
