Fashion: Classic Men's Accessories

In the world of men's fashion, little thought is often given to wardrobe accessories. However, a man's accessories are a better reflection of individuality and refined taste than the clothing itself. Wearing a baseball cap with an Armani suit can completely detract from a man's overall appearance, however wearing a fedora with jeans and a dress shirt can complete a man's appearance. They say the devil is in the details, and this is especially true when it comes to men's fashion. Here are a few essential classic accessories for men:

1. Belts. A belt can say a lot about a person, and I'm not even talking about a belt buckle emblazoned with a vehicle logo, sports team logo, or favorite Nascar driver. Belts do not need to be fancy, they only need to be functional and match the rest of the wardrobe. A black leather belt is a must in every man's wardrobe, since it can be worn with virtually any outfit. Belt width should depend on the style of pants. High-waisted or pleated pants look best with a narrow belt, while most other types of pants look best with wider belts.

2. Hats. It is truly a shame that we live in a generation where hats are no longer part of standard men's attire. It is hard to imagine certain men without hats, such as Frank Sinatra or Humphrey Bogart. Today, men are limited to two choices: cowboy hats or baseball caps. Neither of these are bound to make a fashion statement. If you truly want to make a statement, get yourself a fedora, making sure to wear it at a slightly jaunty angle.

3. Money Clips. What is the difference between an executive and a truck driver? One has a money clip, the other has a wallet. A sterling-silver monogrammed money clip is a sure bet for any black-tie affair. Wallets have no place in formal men's attire, since they are often bulky and can leave an unsightly bulge in your pants. However, if you must carry a wallet to a formal occasion, carry it in a front pocket, never the rear pocket. Ever rent a tuxedo and wonder why the back pants pocket is sewn shut? Now you have your answer.

4. Handkerchief. There ought to be a law requiring a handkerchief in the left breast pocket of every suit jacket. Forget pocket squares; those little scraps of fabric designed to replace the traditional linen handkerchief. Pocket squares are the equivalent of clip-on neckties. There are several different folds for men's handkerchiefs, some fluffy, some pointy. I prefer the classic British method, which is not a fold at all. With the handkerchief on a flat surface it, grab the center with your thumb and forefinger. With your other hand, form a ring and pull the handkerchief through the hole. Fold in half and insert into the pocket, pointy side out. Make sure your handkerchief is starched, or else it will hang pitifully out of the pocket. Think of starch as Viagra for a handkerchief.

5. Pocket Watch. I don't care how expensive your Rolex or Tag Hueur is, wrist watches are far too casual for formal events. Get yourself an engraved pocket watch, and don't forget about the fob. Unfortunately, if you have no idea what a fob is, you just might be beyond help, in which case I would recommend getting a subscription to GQ or Esquire. These magazines provide a useful education for those interested in men's fashion.

Fashion Tip: How to Choose the Right Tie

Men do not often have the luxury of accessorizing. We seldom have the chance to wear necklaces or earrings or carry around handbags. For most of us, a tie is the only way we can accessorize our look; however, wearing the wrong tie for the wrong occasion can make a guy look completely out of place. Here are a few guidelines that can help you choose the right tie for the right situation.

1. Color. While everyone has their own preferences, I tend to lean towards classic and traditional looks. Traditionally, a tie should be a lighter color than one's jacket, and darker than one's shirt. The tie should not match the color of either the shirt or the jacket, however. For example, with a white shirt and black jacket, a red tie is appropriate, as would be blue or yellow. Wearing a black tie with a black jacket will make you look like a 1950's FBI agent, an undertaker, or a maitre d'.

2. Pattern. I detest patterned ties. In my opinion, they are tacky and do not match many outfits. One would never wear a striped tie with a corduroy jacket, for instance, or a paisley tie with a houndstooth jacket. Stick to solid colors and you will never look out of style.

3. Fabric. Silk ties are perfect for virtually any occasion, they belong as much in the board room as they do in a wedding ceremony. I also like ties made out of synthetic materials, since they tend to hold their color longer and do not fade with washing. When dealing with removing a stain from a tie, it is always best to leave the cleaning to a professional dry cleaner.

4. Width. Skinny ties should only be worn by skinny men. If you are a bigger guy, avoid the skinny tie, unless you want to look like John Belushi's character from the Blues Brothers.

5. Length. The universal rule regarding tie length is that the pointed end of the tie should reach just above the belt buckle. Of course, the location of your belt buckle is going to be different if you wear high-waisted pants. In this case, it is perfectly acceptable for the tie to reach the belt buckle. In no circumstance should the tie extend below the belt buckle.

6. The Knot. Knot size is often a matter of individual taste, though some knots tend to be more stylish and trendy than others. Currently, fatter knots are in style. Some knots are also better suited for more formal occasions, such as the Windsor knot and the half-Windsor. The most common knot, which is also the easiest to tie, is the four-in-hand knot. This knot is used by about 80% of tie-wearers, and while it is acceptable for work situations, it is generally considered too informal for weddings and special occasions.