Accessories are the finishing touches that complete an outfit, transforming a simple look into a stylish statement. Whether you're dressing casually for a day out or preparing for a formal event, the right accessories enhance your appearance, express your personality, and boost confidence.
This guide covers how to accessorize for men and women across all seasons and includes essential accessories like shoes, belts, socks, handbags, watches, sunglasses, jewelry, wallets, fragrances, makeup for women, pocket squares or handkerchiefs, scarves, hats & caps, gloves, cufflinks, ties & bowties, hair accessories, and tech accessories.
1. The Art of Accessorizing: Basic Principles
Before diving into specific accessories, keep these principles in mind:
Balance is key – Too many accessories can clutter a look, while too few may make it feel incomplete.
Match metals and materials – Gold, silver, leather, and fabric should coordinate with your outfit.
Consider proportions – Delicate accessories suit minimalist styles, while bold ones work with statement outfits.
Dress for the occasion – Formal settings require elegance, while casual looks can be playful.
Coordinate your accessories – Ensure colors and styles complement each other without clashing.
A. Shoes
Shoes set the tone for an outfit and should match both the formality and the season.
For Men:
Casual: Sneakers, loafers, boat shoes, espadrilles
Smart Casual: Leather loafers, Chelsea boots, monk straps
Formal: Oxford shoes, dress loafers, brogues
Seasonal:
Spring/Summer: Lightweight sneakers, breathable leather loafers
Fall/Winter: Leather boots, dress shoes with wool socks
For Women:
Casual: Sneakers, ballet flats, sandals
Smart Casual: Ankle boots, block heels, espadrilles
Formal: Stilettos, pumps, elegant flats
Seasonal:
Spring/Summer: Strappy heels, mules, lightweight sneakers
Fall/Winter: Knee-high boots, suede booties, heeled loafers
B. Belts
Belts add structure to an outfit and define the waistline.
For Men:
Casual: Woven, canvas, or braided belts
Formal: Leather belts in black, brown, or oxblood with a sleek buckle
Rule: Match your belt with your shoes (e.g., brown belt with brown shoes)
For Women:
Casual: Thin belts over dresses, wide belts for a cinched waist
Formal: Sleek leather belts over tailored outfits
C. Socks
For Men:
Casual: Ankle socks or no-show socks with sneakers
Formal: Classic black, navy, or dark gray dress socks matching trousers
Statement: Patterned or colorful socks for personality
For Women:
Casual: Cozy crew socks, lace-trimmed socks with flats
Formal: Sheer socks or hosiery for elegance
D. Handbags & Wallets
For Men:
Wallets: Slim leather wallets, cardholders for minimalism
Bags: Messenger bags, leather briefcases, stylish backpacks for work
For Women:
Casual: Crossbody bags, tote bags, mini backpacks
Formal: Clutch bags, structured handbags
Seasonal:
Spring/Summer: Canvas totes, woven bags
Fall/Winter: Leather handbags, structured satchels
E. Watches
A watch elevates any outfit and reflects personality.
For Men:
Casual: Digital watches, sport watches, fabric or rubber straps
Formal: Leather or metal bracelet watches, minimalist designs
For Women:
Casual: Feminine leather-strapped watches, smartwatch styles
Formal: Diamond or metallic watches, delicate bracelet styles
F. Sunglasses
A good pair of sunglasses enhances your look while providing eye protection.
Face Shape Guide:
Oval faces: Almost any style (aviators, wayfarers, round)
Round faces: Angular frames, square sunglasses
Square faces: Round, oval, or cat-eye styles
Heart-shaped faces: Aviators, rimless or rounded frames
G. Jewelry
For Men:
Rings: Simple signet or wedding bands
Bracelets: Leather, beaded, or metal cuffs
Necklaces: Minimalist chains or pendant necklaces
Earrings: Studs or small hoops for a subtle touch
For Women:
Earrings: Hoops, studs, statement chandeliers
Necklaces: Layered chains, pearls, chokers
Bracelets: Bangles, charm bracelets, cuff styles
Rings: Stacking rings, cocktail rings for statement looks
H. Ties & Bowties
For Men:
Formal: Silk ties in solid colors or subtle patterns for business and evening wear
Smart Casual: Knit ties or patterned bowties for a relaxed yet stylish look
Casual: No tie required, but a thin tie can add flair to a casual suit
Coordinating Tip: Match ties with pocket squares, but avoid exact matches—opt for complementary colors instead.
For Women:
Statement Scarves or Neckties: Used as stylish additions for business or fashion-forward looks
I. Pocket Squares & Handkerchiefs
A pocket square adds refinement to a suit or blazer. Choose a color that complements, rather than exactly matches, your tie for a sophisticated appearance.
J. Scarves, Hats & Caps, Gloves, Cufflinks, Hair Accessories, and Tech Accessories
These additional accessories add personality, function, and style to any outfit.
Scarves: Lightweight for spring/summer, wool or cashmere for fall/winter.
Hats & Caps: Fedoras, beanies, baseball caps, sun hats.
Gloves: Leather gloves, driving gloves, touchscreen-compatible styles.
Cufflinks: Essential for French-cuff shirts in formalwear.
Hair Accessories: Headbands, clips, stylish pins, scrunchies.
Tech Accessories: Designer phone cases, stylish AirPod cases, smart jewelry.
Accessories are the secret weapon to creating a unique and polished look. Whether dressing for a casual day or a formal event, the right shoes, belt, watch, or jewelry can define your personal style and set you apart. Explore Onassis Krown's men's fashion and women's fashion to find the perfect clothing and accessories for your style!
