Accessories for the Style-Conscious Man
Accessories are key to creating a refined and stylish look. Good clothing and well-groomed styling form the foundation, but accessories are essential for truly completing an outfit. In this blog, we will show you which accessories are available and how best to use them to enhance your look.
Shoes: The Foundation of Every Outfit
Your shoes are an important part of your outfit and are often one of the first things people notice. Therefore, it's crucial that they are not only well-maintained but also match the rest of your look. There are some unwritten style rules for shoes:
- Match with Your Belt: Coordinate your shoes with your belt. If you have black leather shoes, pair them with a black leather belt for a polished look. Cognac-colored shoes go perfectly with a belt in the same shade, especially in a formal setting.
- Style and Occasion: The style of your shoes should match your outfit and the occasion. For a classic look, formal Oxfords or Monkstraps are a good choice. For a more casual look, you can opt for lace-up boots, Chelsea boots, Chukka boots, loafers, or sneakers.
- Dress Up or Dress Down: The same outfit can be made more casual by wearing lace-up boots, Chelsea boots, Chukka boots, loafers, or sneakers. Generally, a formal outfit can be made more relaxed with casual shoes, but a casual outfit cannot be made more formal just by adding classic shoes. For example, pairing a suit with sneakers gives the entire outfit a more laid-back appearance, while a casual outfit with Monkstraps is often not a good match.
Bags: Ensure They Complement Your Outfit
A bag can either enhance your outfit or detract from it. For women, this is a given when choosing a bag. However, many men are still often unaware of its importance.
The practical function of bags is usually the primary concern for men. That's why they often choose practical bags with a technical look, made of synthetic materials. While these bags certainly have their time and place, we believe they aren't always the best choice for most outfits.
A refined (leather) bag can immediately elevate an outfit. Think of a classic leather briefcase, a leather crossbody bag, or a leather backpack. It's important that the bags are elegantly designed and made of high-quality materials. We prefer premium leather, such as full-grain or top-grain leather. Genuine leather, however, is something we advise against, as it is the lowest quality of leather.
We recommend choosing a bag in a color that is easy to match, such as dark brown, black, or cognac. These timeless colors ensure that your bag fits effortlessly with the rest of your accessories. We have a variety of bags available in our webshop—shop your leather bags here. A luxury leather bag is not only a stylish accessory but also a practical tool that helps you stay organized and efficient—perfect for a workday, sports, or travel.
The Watch: Timeless Elegance
A watch may be the most personal accessory of all. It not only shows class but also adds a personal touch to your look. Therefore, it’s difficult to impose strict style rules for watches, as there are many exceptions and personal preferences.
- Match the Watch with Your Outfit: Make sure the watch you choose complements the rest of your outfit and accessories.
- Limit the Smartwatch to Sports: Smartwatches have become increasingly popular in recent years, and we understand why. They offer interesting features such as sleep and heart rate tracking, and the ability to play music or make calls without a phone. However, we do not consider them the ideal choice for a stylish look. Therefore, we recommend not wearing a smartwatch outside of sports activities. Ultimately, it's up to personal preference.
- Choose the Right Color Leather Strap: If you opt for a watch with a leather strap, make sure that the color matches your shoes and belt. A black leather watch strap pairs perfectly with black leather shoes and a black belt.
The Leather Belt: Functional and Elegant
The belt is an accessory that may not always be directly visible in every outfit. However, it's still important to pay attention to the belt, even if it doesn't immediately stand out. A well-chosen belt not only keeps your trousers in place but also helps make your entire outfit cohesive. According to style rules, a belt should not be necessary to hold your trousers up.
- Color Coordination: Try to coordinate the color of your belt with your shoes. Dark brown shoes pair perfectly with a dark brown belt, and the same applies to black or cognac items. Matching the colors creates a refined look.
- Mind the Details: Ensure that the buckles of your belt and the metal details on your shoes are in the same tone. This attention to detail adds an extra level of sophistication to your look.
The Small Details: Bracelets, Jewelry, and Sunglasses
Besides larger accessories like bags, watches, belts, and shoes, there are smaller details that can complete your look. Think of a bracelet, jewelry, or a stylish pair of sunglasses that perfectly matches your outfit.
- Bracelet: A bracelet can be a subtle yet stylish addition to your look. The most important thing is that it matches your personal style and the rest of your outfit. Not everyone can pull off a bracelet, so determine if it's an accessory that suits you and your image.
- Sunglasses: Choose sunglasses that align with the rest of your style. A classic outfit calls for a timeless, understated pair of sunglasses, whereas a sportier outfit is better complemented by a modern design. When choosing sunglasses, also consider the shape of your face; there are many online articles that can help with this.
- Jewelry: Jewelry like rings, earrings, nose rings, and necklaces can add an extra personal twist to your overall look. Assess whether they fit your outfit and personal style to create a harmonious ensemble.
The Golden Rule: Balance and Consistency
When combining accessories, it's essential to maintain balance. Avoid wearing too many different styles or colors, as this can make your look messy. Choose a maximum of three to four accessories that complement each other. Coordinating colors, materials, and textures ensures a cohesive and stylish appearance.
Conclusion: Stylish and Elegant
Accessories are a powerful way to showcase your style and personality. In our opinion, elegant leather bags are an essential foundation for men. This is also the reason we started Andavour. In our webshop, you can find several leather bags for men with a minimalist and timeless design. By combining these bags with a nice watch, a matching leather belt, and stylish shoes, you create a complete and cohesive look.
It's all about the details: from matching colors to choosing high-quality materials. If you follow these guidelines, you will always exude sophistication. Lastly, our advice is to always invest in quality.
