The Verdict
Of these 12, only five matter on day one: a simple watch (Seiko 5 SNK809, ~$120, or a Timex Weekender, ~$50), a slim bifold or card case in vegetable-tanned leather (Bellroy Note Sleeve, ~$99), one black and one brown leather belt with a 1.25–1.5 inch strap, a pair of Wayfarer or Clubmaster sunglasses (Ray-Ban, ~$163), and a clean navy baseball cap with no logo. Buy those first, in that order.
Everything else — pocket squares, tie clips, dopp kits, scarves — is a level-2 purchase. Skip novelty ties, statement buckle belts, leather bracelets, multiple chunky rings, and anything with a visible designer logo. The rule: accessories should support the outfit, not announce themselves. If someone notices the accessory before they notice you, it's wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best accessories to wear for a formal event?
Some of my favorite accessories for more formal events include:
- Classic tie or bowtie
- Cufflinks
- A pocket square
- A stylish watch
- A well-fitting belt
- A tie clip
What are the worst accessories a man can wear?
For me, the worst accessories a man can wear are ones that clash with his overall style or appear tacky and out of place.
Some of the worst offenders include:
- Overly flashy or gaudy jewelry
- Ill-fitting belts
- Novelty ties
- Mismatched socks
- Overly trendy or outdated hats (bucket hats, trucker hats, fedoras)
What is the one accessory every man needs?
I personally think that a classic wristwatch is the one accessory EVERY guy should own.
What watch should I get?
I go into detail about this exact topic in this article!
How can men incorporate accessories into their everyday style?
It's always best to go with a 'less is more' approach.
Accessories can add a personal touch to your outfits, but it's important to not overdo it and not wear something that steals attention from your overall look.
What are the best accessories for business casual outfits?
Some of my favorite business casual accessories include:
- A stylish watch
- A classic leather belt
- A good quality briefcase
Ties and pocket squares usually depend on the formality of the workplace/event. If you want to learn more about this particular dress code, I go into great detail in this guide.
Watch
Whether you're a watch guy or not, any self-respecting man should own a watch or two. Learn more about which ones to get and how to wear them in this article.
Dopp Kit
This item goes great with any bag you own and it doesn't matter if you're traveling to another city or to the gym, a dopp kit is essential because it'll keep your grooming products organized and contained in a stylish, classy and respectable manner.
Pocket Square
As I've mentioned before, every man should have at least one good suit, even if he only wears it once a year. Along with that, looking well dressed is always about the details and a white pocket square is an easily overlooked item that really does make a big impact and it'll only set you back a couple of bucks.
Belts
Every man needs 2-4 good belts. Want to know which ones to get? Check out this article.
Backpack Or Briefcase With Detachable Strap
Depending on what you do for a living, if you live a more casual lifestyle or you're a student, then a backpack is great. If you are in a more professional environment, a briefcase with a detachable shoulder strap, not a messenger bag, is best.
Socks
Your socks are one of the few menswear items with which you can go absolutely crazy with the colors and patterns. Learn more here.
Baseball Cap
We all have those lazy bad-hair days, myself included, where you just have to say 'FK it, I'm gonna throw on a hat'. Just don't go too crazy with the logos or colors.
Sunglasses
Whether you're a sunglass man or not, sunglasses are important because they're going to protect your eyes from the sun, prevent you from squinting, which creates wrinkles around your eyes, and they can add a stylish, cool touch to your outfit.
Scarf
Keeping your neck warm should be a priority in colder months or climates, but why not choose a scarf that adds to your overall appearance?
Wallet
The things a man carries say a lot about him and that's no more true than with your wallet. Go for a plain leather, or leather alternative bi-fold if you're carrying cards or cash or a card case if you're just carrying cards.
Solid Black And Navy Ties
These two ties will work for any suit you have in your closet, making them an absolute must-have. Make sure the width of your tie complements your body type.
Tie Clip
A tie is great and all but a tie bar is something that adds that special touch to your outfit. They're also very cheap to own so order it once and you'll never think about it again.
How to Build Your Accessory Wardrobe
You don't need all 12 pieces tomorrow. Buying everything at once leads to mismatched styles, wasted money on items you rarely use, and a closet that looks like a department store instead of a curated wardrobe. Build in three phases over 12–18 months and prioritise pieces that work in three or more outfits already in your rotation.
Phase 1: Foundations (Month 1–2, ~$300 total)
Start with what you'll actually wear every day. Skip the tie clip until you own a suit you wear at least monthly.
- Brown leather belt — Allen Edmonds Wide Basic ($95) or Anson Belt ($69 starter kit). Match it to your most-worn pair of brown shoes.
- Slim bifold wallet — Bellroy Slim Sleeve ($89) or Trayvax Ascent ($75). Stop carrying a brick.
- Everyday sunglasses — Ray-Ban Wayfarer Classic ($163) or Persol PO3019S ($240) in tortoise. Universally flattering on most face shapes.
Phase 2: Elevators (Month 3–9, ~$400 total)
These add personality and seasonal versatility. Pick the ones that match your actual lifestyle, not the ones that look good in editorial spreads.
- Quartz everyday watch — Seiko 5 SNK809 (~$110) or Timex Marlin (~$200) on a leather strap. A watch reads as intentional dress in a way a phone never will.
- Merino wool scarf — Drake's plain merino ($175) or Uniqlo Heattech ($30) in charcoal or navy. Wraps you for 6 months of the year.
- Black leather dress belt — Only if you wear suits or dress trousers monthly. Allen Edmonds Wide Basic in black ($95).
- Quality dopp kit — Filson Travel Kit ($110) or Bellroy Toiletry Kit ($89). Lasts 10 years.
Phase 3: Specialists (Month 10–18, ~$300 total)
These are situational. Buy each only as a real need surfaces — a wedding, a new job that requires suits, a season that finally turns cold enough.
- Backpack or briefcase with detachable strap — Bellroy Classic Backpack ($179) or Filson 256 Briefcase ($395). Replaces the gym bag you've been using to client meetings.
- Baseball cap — '47 Brand Clean Up ($25) or Ebbets Field Flannels ($55) in solid wool. Plain navy or charcoal beats any logo.
- 3–5 pairs of patterned dress socks — Bombas, Mack Weldon, or Falke. Burgundy, forest, navy stripe.
- One pocket square — Drake's white linen with hand-rolled edge ($60). Always presentation-fold for the first year.
- One solid navy or black knit tie — Drake's wool/silk knit ($165) or The Tie Bar ($25). Knits work with both blazers and suits.
The "skip" list
Three accessories the menswear internet pushes that you can safely ignore for the first three years: tie clips (only useful if you wear a tie 3+ days a week), fedora-style hats (almost no one pulls them off in 2026), and leather bracelets** (read as costume on most men over 25). Spend that money on better shoes instead.