11 Basic Accessories Every Man Should Own

There’s no shame in checking out the cover of GQ and wishing you had a little bit more style in your wardrobe. Whether you’re new to dressing to impress or simply need a wardrobe revamp, each accessory can make or break an outfit.

Instead of dropping money on a bunch of items that won’t work with what you have, focus on neutral, understated essential accessories that you can mix and match with every outfit. Accessories should elevate your look, not steal the show.

You don't have to spend hours trying to find the right accessories to amp up your look, just check out these 11 basic accessories every man should own. 

Accessories for Men’s Everyday Use

1. Classic Sunglasses

Classic sunglasses are a must-have for men’s accessories. Whether you want to dress them down with a crew neck tee and jeans or dress them up with your work attire, they're an essential accessory that can go with anything. However, depending on your face shape, the frame style will be different for every guy. 

For example, if you’ve got a round face (think Leonardo DiCaprio or Chris Hemsworth) then you need sunglasses with angles. Square men’s sunglasses or aviators will look great on you. But if you’ve got a square face (think Robert Pattinson or Henry Cavill), then you need to go with round sunglasses to balance out your harsh lines.

With sunglasses, don’t assume a high price tag means they’re quality. Brands like WMP Eyewear or Warby Parker offer well-made classic sunglasses without the high markup of more popular brands.

2. A Weekender Bag

If you’re still using your high school gym bag or a rundown backpack from ten years ago as your carry-on item for flights, it’s time to retire it and purchase a weekender bag. Weekender bags are made of durable material on the outside, usually leather or canvas, to survive a decent amount of wear and tear.

The interior may have one pocket or none at all, but it will be big enough to fit everything you need for a couple of days. Finish this off with an adjustable strap, and you have the perfect bag for your next trip with friends or the gym after work (and you can even match it with your dress shoes so you won’t be embarrassed taking it into the office with you). 

3. A Casual Watch

You could use your phone to check the time, or you could top every outfit off with the quintessential men’s accessory: a casual watch. There are five main categories of watches to choose from, including dress, chrono, diver, pilot, or field. 

All of these can work for business casual or casual, but if you just want one watch, then don’t pick one with tons of flair and opt for a metal band rather than a leather one. 

Some popular inexpensive yet refined casual watches for men include the Orient Mako II Automatic Black Dial Men's Watch as a dive option or the Tissot Men’s Heritage Visodate Stainless Steel Mesh Bracelet Watch as a dress option.

4. A Pocket Knife

Give up the struggle with your packages and fix loose strings at the office in seconds by purchasing a pocket knife. Every man should have one in their arsenal because they’re a helpful tool to deal with everyday annoyances, and soon everyone will be coming to you for help at work or home.

There are three types of pocket knives. A jack knife has one hinge and one blade (sometimes more) and is great for outdoor activities. A pen knife usually contains two hinges and three blades but is smaller than a jack knife, so it’s better for daily use. Last, a multi-purpose knife, more formally known as a Swiss Army Knife, contains multiple blades and tools.

5. A Simple Bracelet

To add a bit of flair to your wardrobe, every man needs a simple bracelet. Wear one on the arm opposite your watch so that they don’t scratch each other.

For a rugged accessory in your wardrobe, check out the Knox bracelet from WMP Eyewear. But if you’re looking for a more understated and gender-neutral option, the stainless steel Ash bracelet offers a simple silver twisted style.

Men's Accessories for Special Occasions

6. Pocket Squares

When you need to level up your dress shirts for a board meeting or a nice night out with your parents, have a pocket square on hand. You can choose a simple white one if you don’t want to rock the boat too much.

Many men are wearing floral pocket squares or even polka dot ones for a splash of color at a friend’s wedding - they even like to match them with their socks. Since pocket squares are an affordable accessory, have three to five on hand of varying fabrics and colors so you’re prepared for every occasion.

7. Cufflinks

If an event calls for a suit, then every man must have a pair of cufflinks to go with it. That way, if you take your suit jacket off, you still look dressed for the occasion. These small but mighty pieces also work well for anyone working in a corporate setting. 

For a man that wants just one pair of cufflinks, choose a simple design in a metal that matches your other accessories, like your watch or belt buckle. If you plan to purchase multiple pairs, then you could also opt to buy cufflinks that match your hobbies or interests.

8. Tie Bars

Tie bars upgrade any formal outfit and keep your tie in place so you always look put together (and it'll never fall in your food). The tie bar should cover approximately ¾ of the width of your tie. You should opt for brushed silver or black while purchasing your first tie bar, since these understated colors will work with most outfits. If you want to expand your collection, then you can venture out into other fun colors and shapes.

Accessories for a Day in the Sun

9. Sport Sunglasses

Sports sunglasses are designed to protect your eyes from multiple angles of sunlight and stay better on your head while running or sweating. For a fashionable pair of sports sunglasses, Harvey is a top pick that offers a modern take on the classic aviator with extra thick frames to keep light out.

If you simply need a pair that you don’t care about so you don’t ruin your classic sunglasses, then you can buy the KastKing Toccoa Polarized Sports Sunglasses on Amazon.

10. A Wide-Brim Hat

Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays can also be a fashion statement! Every man should own a wide-brim hat to shield their neck and keep the sun out of their eyes for the outdoor essentials, like a pick-up game of volleyball on the beach.

Opt for a classic wide-brim sun straw hat or if you’re feeling fancy, you can rock a felt fedora or cowboy hat.

11. A Durable Watch

If you like to play as hard as you work, it wouldn’t hurt to have a second watch in your accessory collection. Look for a waterproof watch that you’re comfortable wearing for things that will cause some wear and tear, like hiking on the weekends or running in a Tough Mudder.

G-Shock is a go-to durable watch brand. With a wide variety of quality options for every budget, you'll be sure to find one close to your own personal style. Plus, you can choose watches with fitness tracking options for an additional cost to get back in shape or level up for that race you just signed up for.