Ask dapperQ: Masculine Accessories?

My girlfriend is constantly asking about masculine and androgynous accessory options for individuals, such as herself, who aren’t into the whole bow-tie/necktie trend. Similarly, Harley Nash, Creator of and Contributor for Tips for Trans Men tweeted a request for us to create a guide to accessories.

As I’ve said before, the Devil is in the details: It’s the small things, like accessories, that make an outfit. Accessories, especially signature pieces that represent something unique about you, such as an heirloom, can help you define your overall style. Don’t believe me? Take a look at Shana Natelson’s most recent Seven Days of Dapper feature as an example of how accessories bump outfits up a notch. Her simple, clean ensemble in this photo is pulled together nicely with special accents: belt, bracelets, watch, pocket kerchief. Imagine the outfit without those pieces:

Shana Natelson of Jack Tar 207

So, here are my recommendations for accessories beyond the tie:

POCKET SQUARES

via dapperQ’s Tumblr

Via Blazer Tag

via Flyover Fashion

via Thomas Hays My Style on Pinterest

via The Style King

via Visual Inspiration

via Fresh Wall Street

via dapperQ

Here’s what I love about pocket squares:

1. You can wear them with both casual and formal outfits.
2. They can range in price from low to high.
3. They can be made from a variety of fabrics/materials.
4. You can get them in interesting colors and patterns for color blocking and pattern mixing.
5. If you like a trend, but feel like it may be just a flash in the pan, you can use pocket squares to add a splash of a specific trend (like camo above) without investing a lot of money in an item that will be out of style in a year.
6. They are easy to wear:

via Good Days Media

SUSPENDERS

Photo by Belle Ancell Photography

via Dean Jone’s Pinterest Board “The Suspense Is Killing Me“

via Street Etiquette

Women’s linen suspenders from Peter Fields

via Street Etiquette

via Dean Jone’s Pinterest Board “The Suspense Is Killing Me“

via Dean Jone’s Pinterest Board “The Suspense Is Killing Me“

Here’s what I love about suspenders:

1. Like pocket squares, they can be dressed up (think suit/tux) or down (with t-shirt or polo).
2. Also like pocket squares, they come in a variety of price points and materials (anywhere from fabric to leather).
3. They can be styled to represent a variety of looks, from feminine to masculine and from hipster to prepster.

Qwear has a great guide to suspenders that includes fit tips! Highly recommended. Check it out here.

JEWELRY

via Style Like U

via Nice Things Daily

via Fractured Air

via Street Etiquette

via Street Etiquette

Whether you’re talking rings, necklaces, watches, side chains, or bracelets, here’s my two cents: Invest in a few statement pieces and a few pieces of junk jewelry (aka, costume jewelery). Your statement pieces work best when they have some personal meaning (represents your heritage, an heirloom you’ve refurbished, etc.) and reflects your style. Junk jewelery can be trendy pieces that are inexpensive and can be stored when they go out of style. (Store – don’t throw away – because trends are always recycled.) Oh, almost forgot my second cent: Don’t be afraid to commit. Most people put on one tiny piece of jewelry and expect it to make a huge impact. Unless it’s a statement piece, layer, layer, LAYER.

SCARVES

Anonymous model via dapperQ

via Trashness

Zave via dapperQ

Scarves come in a variety of materials, from wool to silk, so they can be worn all four seasons. Check out our post on how to wear/tie scarves here.

SOCKS

Another reader asked how to wear cool socks. I’ve outlined tips on how to pull off stylish socks here. The best part about socks: They are one of the cheapest ways to add kick to your ensemble. I mean, just imagine the two above pictured outfits with just plain white or black socks. Eh. So, so, right? Just a small sliver of interesting sock can make all the difference!

BELTS

via dapperQ Tumblr

from LK Weiss’ Seven Days of Dapper. Photo by TT Tappan

via Trashness

via Trashness

If you’re going to put a rope-like contraption around your waist to keep your pants up, why not make it count? Play with color, patterns, texture, etc. Of course, you will need the staple solid color leather belts, but have some fun with alternatives and build a diverse belt collection.

What are your favorite accessories? How do you style your outfits using them?