The Complex Guide to Men's Accessories

Finding the right details to finish off an outfit isn't something most guys think about. From neckwear, glasses, belts, and socks, there's easily a bunch of ways to look like you're trying way too hard.

Fortunately, we're here to differentiate what regular guys can pull off as opposed to the type of outlandish things only rappers and celebrities can get away with — and even then, we got some tips on how to channel a similar vibe. Check out The Complex Guide to Men's Accessories.

Jack Spade Coca-Cola Ball Cap, $55
Gant Rugger Fair Isle Hat, $98
Barbour Bushman Hat, $69

A hat is a great addition to your outfit. Casual hats give a playful vibe to tailored gear like sportcoats and topcoats, but not the other way around. For example, throwing on a pom beanie with a navy blazer, khaki chinos, work boots, and a patterned scarf is a great touch. It shows you put effort into your outfit but don’t take yourself too seriously. Save the wide-brimmed hats for special occasions, though. You wouldn’t want to be the idiot caught in a wide-brimmed fedora, hoodie, jeans, and high-tops. Even rappers like Theophilus London throw on a blazer and buttondown shirt with their wide-brimmed hats, and keep it street with a sick pair of J's on their feet.

Selima Optique "Vincent" Eyeglasses, $360
Selima Optique "Pimp" Sunglasses, $400

With the many frame styles out there, finding the right pair can be complicated. Be sure to know your face shape to have a general idea of what you're looking for. You can tell what your face shape is by the area around your eyes to your cheekbones. Every frame works for oval faces, while rounded frames are better suited for square faces. It's all about contrasting the natural curves of the face with the angles of the frames. Heart-shaped faces should try bottom-heavy frames that don't accent the top of your face, while triangle-shaped faces should do the opposite and consider half-rimmed glasses with heavy detailing at the top. Consider these things when shopping for both eyeglasses and sunglasses.

Woolrich Woolen Mills Chatnam Scarf, $150
BOSS Black Woven Cashmere Scarf, $145
Gant Rugger Fair Isle Scarf, $115

Since winter’s getting closer, you better be prepared with your scarf. Loop knots (fold the scarf in half and put the loose ends through the loop) protect your neck best or you can get a more stylish look by swinging the scarf around your neck and letting both ends hang on each side. A bright or patterned scarf is a great touch to your outfit. Don’t worry about matching it, let it pop by itself and draw attention. Make sure to take it off indoors, too, unless you want people making "hipster" jokes behind your back.

The Hill-Side Blanket Lining Stripe Necktie, $90
Brooks Brothers Black Fleece Tattersall Bowtie, $85
Alexander Olch Tartan Tie, similar $140

Ties aren't just for the office anymore, they can be worn casually with a pair of jeans and desert boots, and also slightly undone up top to make you look put together but still a little rough around the edges. If you haven’t noticed, straight leg and slim cut jeans work great with a shirt and tie. Save the wide, silk ties for your pops and pick a narrower tie in a fun plaid or tartan pattern for a more casual look. Switch to wool or cotton fabrics on your tie to add a little extra swagger in cold weather. If you can’t tie a Windsor knot, don’t fret, just stick to the versatile four-in-hand knot. That's the only one you ever really need to know.

Paul Smith Gingham Handkerchief, $43
The Hill-Side Selvedge Ticking Stripe Twill Pocket Square, $44
Aubin & Wills Limited Edition Handkerchief, $45

A handkerchief is the ultimate gent accessory. If used as a pocket square, there’s several ways to fold it, the three most popular being a flat fold, one peak, and two peaks. You don't even need a fancy silk one, a great vintage bandanna channels a badass biker dude, while companies like The Hill-Side have been making them in tough fabrics like denim. Sometimes, dudes just throw it in the pocket and let it bunch, which is always dope.

Dunhill Classic Reversible Belt, $235
Gant by Michael Bastian Web Striped Belt, $125

Match your belt and your shoes on a formal occasion. Belt rules are different for everyday style. First off, wearing slimmer pants means you have to wear your real waist size, and if that’s the case a belt is optional and not necessary for holding up your pants. On the other hand, you can add some fun to your outfit by wearing a canvas/leather belt with the right color that will fit your outfit. Also, keep in mind that your "belt size" is about two to three inches arger than your waist size, so when you buy one be aware of that, and definitely try it on. For raw denim fans, getting a thick belt in an untanned natural leather is an ideal accessory, as it will age and get more comfortable like your jeans, developing a nice, natural shade known as a "patina."

Tateossian Pisces Silver Black Cord Bracelet, $125
Giles and Brother Railroad Spike Cuff in Brass, $88
Miansai Beacon Bracelet, $95
Tateossian Silver Lobster Trancoso Bracelet, $250

This rocker style found its way into hip-hop thanks to Kanye. They all wear their wrist accessories properly too by not letting them dangle. For cuffs by jewelers like Philip Crangi, opt for a distressed metal finish, you don't want your wrist to be shining like that. Also, don't go for those chain bracelets either, unless you have a velvet sweatsuit and matching necklace to rock it with. The overall key is not overdoing it. If you’re going to pick up surfer-inspired cord style bracelets by brands like Miansai and Tatteosian, stick to just one or two at most, and rock it behind your watch. Keep it subtle, don’t wear too many or you’ll risk looking like Maximus. No one gives props to the gladiator style.

Falling Whistles Gunmetal Necklace, $44
Sterling SIlver Square Link Men's Chain, $400
Sterling Silver St. Christopher's Medal, $29

Are you a rapper? No? What are you doing with a huge chain then? Lately necklaces have been comedy gold for groups like The Lonely Island, and also seen on the necks of douchebags in deep v-necks. Still, some guys opt to rock one out of sentimental value or other personal reasons. If that's you, we advise keeping it hidden when wearing something other than a T-shirt. If you want to rock one right, a simple gold or silver chain in a medium width that isn't too thick or too thin is an ideal amount of metal to be rocking around your neck.

Indian Head Silver & Turquoise Ring, $150
Dark+Dawn x Blood is the New Black Sterling Silver "You're Welcome" Ring, $300
Verameat Dino Eating Fried Chicken Ring in Silver, $132

Rings should be worn just one on one hand for beginners. You don't even have to wear it on your ring finger, but take cues from rockers and rappers before you start piling them on. One ring on the index or middle finger says more than three on one hand. Like bracelets, distressed metal finishes are ideal as you don't want yours too shiny. Channel motorcycle culture with turquoise and Native American-inspired jewelry. Brands like Dark+Dawn and Chrome Hearts make masculine rings with the right amount of thickness and industrial looks that scream more "badass" than feminine. Pinky rings are a cool option for guys that want to be a little bolder in their style. Unless you're Drake though, you only need one. Lastly, don't wear your class ring unless you're at a reunion, and even then — that's pushing it.

J. Crew Timex Military Watch, $150
G-Shock DW6900, $105
Nixon The Time Teller Watch, $100

A great watch makes a huge statement. You’d be surprised how well your casual watch goes with everything. Lately, affordable watches have been getting stylish upgrades from the variety of different bands available from retailers like J. Crew. Opt for a nylon or cotton band for a casual look, while a leather band transforms that same watch into a watch for a formal occasion. Or you know, switch things up by rocking a colorful watch strap with a sportcoat and buttondown shirt. For watches with a metal clasp, getting it adjusted by a jeweler is key, you don't want it dangling off your wrist when the clasp is fastened, drapey jewelry is not a good look for a dude.

Polka Dot Socks, similar here $12
Florsheim by Duckie Brown Colorblock Socks, similiar here $23
Paul Smith Ombre Thin Stripe Socks, $30

Keep thin socks for your shoes, athletic or standard socks for your sneakers, and thicker socks for your boots. Don’t go overboard with very bright socks either. If you choose to rock socks with a little pop, keep the outfit chill so the socks can grab attention. If you already have some color going on, wear socks with a subtle color, but add some variety with a funky pattern like polka dots or stripes. You can also achieve the sockless look without worrying about stinking up your kicks with a pair of low-cut socks, some of which are even made from anti-microbial fabric like bamboo.