While men’s fashion may not change as dramatically or as quickly as women’s fashion, there are definitely changing tides that need to be observed. In the course of updating your fashion, a popular approach worth considering is finding accessories and other smaller updates to equip a classic style with modern fashion trends. Men have more freedom than ever before when it comes to accessorizing, meaning there is plenty of creativity that can go into this process.
And with so many options available, men can pick and choose their additions to cater to their personal style and fashion preferences. In 2013, practicality will be embraced. Here’s a quick rundown of the top accessories for men this year.
Bags
Purses and handbags are no longer just for women. While designers aren’t comfortable enough to market these items as “man-purses,” that’s more or less what they are — designer bags that men can use to store various items. These bags more closely resemble a backpack and are typically slung over the shoulder, but they offer beautiful designs and colors that will look fashionable whether at work or play.
Shoes
The big trend in 2013 is that dress shoes are taking a backseat to alternative forms of footwear, in particular the boot. Matching boots with suits and other semi-formal attire — as well as casual clothing. Of course, that doesn’t mean dressy mens shoes are going extinct — you’ll still want to have some dress options available in your wardrobe. Your best bet is shoes in an Oxford style. Make sure they’re built for comfort and support, offering a reinforced heel and good arch support to keep your feet in good shape.
Hats
Men’s hats can boast plenty of options depending on the occasion and your personal tastes. Explore different options and see what works for you. Men have the choice of wearing berets, beanies, traditional caps, or even older styles of hats like cloches, trilbies and trappers. Not every outfit — or every occasion — will be complemented by a hat, but you should put together some different options to give yourself flexibility as you put together different ensembles.
Watches
Sure, maybe some men have turned away from watches because our phones now handle that task for us. But a watch is still an impressive accessory that goes well with almost any ensemble. Today’s popular watches feature large faces and shimmering finishes, whether it’s brushed metal, gemstones or a combination of both. Men should check out the various watches being produced by today’s most fashionable watchmakers, including Patek Philippe, Rolex, Hublot and Richard Mille. And even though it’s not exactly a necessary feature, it’s still nice to have a watch on your wrist — you’ll be able to check the time without committing the faux pas of pulling out your phone in an inappropriate setting.
While it’s easy to go the conservative route and choose a time-honored suit that won’t ruffle any feathers or draw unwanted attention, men should approach their fashion with a little more bravery. The rules governing 2013 are clear enough that you don’t have to go out on a limb in an effort to flex your style. Just try some new things and follow the lead of other trendsetters to refine your personal tastes for this year and going forward.