Written by Menswear Style in Tips & Advice on the 18th February 2021

Accessorising refers to adding items like jewellery or even footwear to add more beauty to the outfit that you are wearing. Some of the benefits of accessorising include making an outfit go from basic to extraordinary. What you wear says a lot about who you are and the accessories that you add to your outfit help you to express your personality. Accessories also help to flatter your physique e.g. wearing a belt on loose trousers. Accessorising also has a sentimental component and it is easier to choose accessories as gifts for your friends than it is choosing an outfit for them. It is however not advisable to over-accessorise. Below are some tips on how you can choose accessories that will define your style.

Determine Your Style 

The first step before accessorising is knowing what your style is. This is by far the most crucial step of accessorising. Think about whether you prefer a classy or edgy look. Find out what accessories are essential to you e.g. a hat, a watch, or even rings. You can then choose the best accessory to make you feel confident and comfortable with how you look. There are different types of accessories that you can add to your outfit which include earrings, necklaces, watches and bracelets. Jewellery is by far the most common accessory that people wear. Footwear is a bit different from other accessories in that you need to wear shoes daily. However, shoes can spice up your outfit but ensure that you are comfortable with the colour and style. Belts are another type of essential accessory which come in various widths and buckles. Bags are another type commonly used accessory used daily e.g. backpack, document holder, or even a long wallet for men. Other types of accessories can be seasonal such as stylish leather gloves and wool hats.

Choose a Statement Accessory 

Sometimes you may have a hard time choosing an accessory for the outfit that you are wearing. This can be overwhelming. To avoid this, select a signature piece of accessory that can go with different outfits. You can then add other subtle accessories to complement, but the statement accessory should be what stands out. 

The Event Matters 

Not all accessories are versatile and some won't be suitable for all events. The event of the day plays a great role in determining the type of accessory that you choose. For instance, a pendant necklace and rings will look better with your outfit when you are attending an art gallery vent but it will not be the best accessory when you are going to a formal dinner. Choose an accessory that is most appropriate for each event that you are attending and then you can spare other accessories (which might be your favourite) for another suitable time. 

Choose the Right Colour 

When you are wearing an understated muted outfit you can accessorise it with a colourful accessory. However, it is important to ensure that the colour of your accessory will complement your look. Depending on your style, you can dare to wear contrasting colours but ensure that they aren't too much or distasteful. You can also choose a subtle complementary colour for an accessory. You can even go with monochrome depending on whether you want a subtle look or a lively one.

Size is Important 

It is important to choose the correct size and proportions of accessories that you wear. The ideal size depends on your body size e.g. a chunkier watch for big wrists and hands and a smaller one for the opposite. Simply put, a smaller guy would look better with smaller accessories than large ones. Choosing the right size accessories helps to create a more balanced look for your outfit and avoids exaggeration. Accessories are there to help polish and spice up an outfit as well as define your personality.

We look at statement accessories in the right colour and size in this blog post on how to choose artisan accessories that define your style.