How To Accessorize

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.

2. Accessories by Type: How to Wear Them

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.

Final Thoughts: Elevate Your Style with Confidence

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!