We’re going to briefly go over the essential Summer accessories every man should consider grabbing for this time of year. If you haven’t downloaded the free Summer Ebook, you’re missing out!
Woven Belts
With your warm-weather outfits, there’s nothing that looks better than a woven belt. Either in leather or fabric. For a little extra casual flair, get the belt a little longer and let it dangle a bit. As for colors, you can have some fun with them and get some browns, navy or even gray options.
We talked about it in our Summer Style Mistakes Video and now it’s time to pull out the brown/tortoise shell and/or colored frames to go with your lighter-colored clothing.
Whether you go a little more polished and formal with a leather penny loafer of suede driving moc or a pair of slip-on sneakers, it’s the beginning of slip-on season!
If you’re not a jewelry guy, then swapping your watch bracelets or straps for fabric, suede or even rubber straps is a fun, quick and easy way to enhance an outfit and change up the appearance of your watches.
Hopefully, you’ve already got the wardrobe, grooming and other accessories locked down, so now its time to give your shoes some much-needed attention.
Use shoe trees
They keep your shoes odor and moisture free and also help maintain their shape when you’re not wearing them. They’re a great investment that you’ll use for the next few decades, promise. In a pinch, you can also use the original paper inserts. Favorites: These, or These
Use a shoe horn
When putting on your shoes, if you’re stomping your foot in, or tearing some of the skin off your fingers while using them as a shoe horn, you’re ruining the backs of your shoes, you fingers, or both. Whether they’re sneakers, dress shoes or boots, there’s nothing worse than the backs of your shoes getting wrinkled and faded because you’re not using a shoe horn. Favorites: Choice #1, Choice #2
Tie your shoes properly
It may sound trivial, but where you separate the men from the boys is by paying attention to the details like how you tie your shoes. So you should definitely learn how to tie your shoes so the laces lay flat, at least, but frankly, there’s an even better solution in the next point.
Hide the laces
Nothing ruins a great outfit more than long, floppy and/or ill-tied shoelaces. What you really should do is hide them and the best possible way to do this ever is by using these special laces we found a few weeks ago that makes laces that are meant to be hidden. You only have to tie them once and suddenly all your sneakers and dress shoes are now slip ons with amazing looking laces. Seriously, they’re game-changers.
Keep them clean
Give them a quick rub down about once a week with a moist rag, sponge or paper towel, or as they get dirty. Then once a month, do a little deeper cleaning with a proper shoe cleaning kit for about 5 minutes once a month. If you’ve got dress shoes, you can also polish them, but typically, a little cleaning every few days goes a long way.
Get Rid Of The Stink
What some people don’t know is that actual smell is bacteria, and it’s living inside your socks, shoes, and on your feet, so it’s imperative that you kill the pesky bacteria before it turns into a foot infection or worse… There’s a spray that is fantastic and kills bacteria in 10 seconds and has a nice citrus smell. When storing your shoes overnight, pop these in them, as needed.
Buy Multiples
If you have a pair of shoes that you love and fear their eventual demise, the best thing to do is buy multiple pairs of them and swap them out to give them some rest. Coupled with using shoetrees and keeping them clean, your shoes will last significantly longer if you give them breaks between wearing.
Winter can be a tough time for your personal style, plus the weather and elements require special attention for your wardrobe and, more importantly, your accessories. That said, the right winter accessories will bring both function and personality to your wardrobe. It doesn’t all have to be about keeping warm (though that’s definitely important), it’s a great opportunity to add some extra style to whatever you’re wearing. For more basic tips, make sure to check out all of our Winter Essentials and our article on Winter Style Do’s and Don’ts
Here are our picks for the Men’s Winter Accessories That Every Man Should Own!
Cashmere / Wool Knit Hat
A must when it’s freezing. Go for a thicker rib knit and try cashmere for a luxurious touch that’s soft, light, and warm. Don’t be afraid to try a pop of color here too!
The perfect time to add some color or pattern into the mix. Just a hint of it peeking out from under a coat is a sharp, stylish look. Cashmere is a great option here too, it’s very light and warm.
We’re not talking about thick ski-style gloves, but something lighter but still warm. Look for knit versions in wool or cashmere or lined leather options for a sharp touch (especially if you dress up often).
Add in a thin watch that toes the line between dressy and casual so you can dress it up or down. Layered and formal outfits need a watch that’s not big and bulky. Wearing a big, sporty watch with dressier looks can just throw off the proportions. Luckily our friends at Nove watches have the perfect styles. Their watches are high-quality, Swiss-made, and come in a variety of slim styles that work well with a range of looks. Plus, we’ve got a special deal for you guys. Use offer code AW20 for 20% off your purchase.
Merino wool has incredible technical properties (warm, lightweight and dries quickly) and there are great options out there that are lightweight, warm, and stylish.
We discussed in our Winter Do’s and Don’ts, and the right pair won’t be bulky or too hot and can easily layer underneath both casual and dressy clothes. We really like our go-to pick below because they are very light, warm, and won’t break the bank.
Nobody likes the look of dull, dry skin and the cold, dry air can be brutal on your hands and face so take extra care to moisturize properly. The right products and a solid morning routine and evening grooming routine will really help keep your skin looking great during the winter.
Proper boots for the winter are crucial and if you’re dealing with a lot of rain and snow you want to make sure your boots are protected and have a rubber sole for traction and durability. Some of our picks below have a Dainite sole which is the gold standard in terms of protection and grip in wet, snowy conditions.
Winter can be a tough time for your personal style. Cold weather and the elements can lull you into just giving up, but don’t do it! These few simple tips can keep you looking sharp and feeling great, no matter how cold it gets! For more tips, make sure to check out our Fall/Winter Essentials Series!
Here are our Winter Style Do’s and Don’ts!
Winter Style Do’s
Do Add Some Colorful Jewel-toned Accessories
The right hats, scarves, and gloves are crucial for warmth and style. They’re also a great opportunity to add some color and pattern to brighten up your look. Colors like emerald green, a mustardy yellow, dark purples, reds, and blues are all easy to incorporate into your winter wardrobe and pack a stylish punch of color.
We talk a lot about where and when to invest, and outside of dress shoes & boots, outerwear is the other major area we really recommend investing in. You get what you pay for and with the right investment, a high-quality coat,peacoat, or jacket will last for years to come, keep you warm, and have you looking stylish.
There are many great brands offering very thin/lightweight thermals that’ll layer comfortably underneath your clothes and keep you warm. The key is to get a trim fit, that way they’ll lay flat and layer easily under everything from jeans to suits. Our pick below is light, warm and you can wear these as a base layer underneath your clothes or on their own as a long sleeve shirt.
You may not think so, but cold-weather skincare is just as important as warm weather skincare. The cold, dry weather can be incredibly harsh on your skin and strip away it’s protection, so it’s super important to cleanse and moisturize properly and stay hydrated. There’s nothing more distracting and unattractive than dry, dull skin.
Luckily, our friends at Geologie have you covered. Geologie puts together a simple routine formulated for daily use. The products are personalized to your skin’s needs and work great for every skin type. We tested out their set that comes with 4 different products: Everyday Face Wash, Vital Morning Face Cream w/ SPF, Repairing Night Cream & Nourishing Eye Cream. It even includes 2 bottles of face wash, one for your sink and one for your shower or to take with you to the gym. Plus, just for our readers and viewers, you can get 30% off your purchase with code Ashley30! Shop here and enter the code at checkout.
Don’t Forget To Layer
We talked about it for Fall, and it’s just as applicable in Winter. Proper layering can help you regulate your temperature and look stylish no matter how cold it is, making sure you’re comfortable going from the cold outside to warm inside (subway, office, etc.).
Don’t Forget To Winterize your boots
Boots are essential footwear for Winter (our go-to picks for this year are right here) and the right pair can look amazing and last a long time. But, you’ve got to prepare them with the right leather treatments to keep them from getting ruined in the inclement weather.
Once you’ve got the basics of style down, it’s important to focus on those little things that can make or break your personal style and everyday look. Something as simple as a little mistake can totally throw off your look or ruin otherwise good style choices. Oftentimes its something as simple as how you present a particular choice. No matter what it is, focusing on the proper details and nailing those can save you from potential disaster. Some of these mistakes might be obvious but some you may not even know you are doing!
So, here are 10 ways you may be killing your style!
Being Overly Self-Conscious
Trying too hard can be as bad as not trying at all. Wearing trendy items that aren’t you or not wearing things that make you feel comfortable and confident are quick ways to ruin your overall style. People notice how you feel and if you’re feeling good about what you’re wearing and looking good, it will stand out.
Wearing Clothing That Doesn’t Work for your body type
Working with your body type is a huge part of getting well-fitting clothing. Choosing items that will flatter and fit well is crucial. Some easy items to avoid are henley shirts if you’re not fit or muscular, Chelsea boots if you’re a bigger guy, and classic straight-legged jeans if you’re a thinner guy. Check out all of our Fit Guides for tips about different body types and how things should fit.
Over-accessorizing
Yikes, this can go wrong so easily, over-accessorizing can be a huge problem. Johnny Depp, you are not. Go easy on rings, bracelets, and other flashy items and go for more subtle, refined accessories to show some personality or flair. Stick with 1 or 2 items max, like a pocket square and a watch.
Wearing too much cologne
A little goes a long way, and there’s nothing worse than smelling someone from 5 feet away. Nobody (especially women) wants that. If you can smell yourself, it’s too much.
Not paying attention to the details
Again, the little things matter, so take care to focus on them. Things like not lint rolling your clothing (especially dark shirts, suits, and jackets), wearing wrinkled clothing (just get our recommended steamer), and not tucking in your shoelaces really matter with your overall look.
Speaking of tucking in shoelaces (something Ashley is always super focused on as a stylist), our friends at Straight Laces have an ingenious shoelace set up that creates a clean, tucked look and basically turns all your shoes into slip on’s. It’s such a smart, useful product and we’re using them on all our shoes personally and with Ashley’s clients. Seriously, they’re that good. Just for our readers and viewers, we’ve got a deal for 40% off 3 or more laces! Shop here and use code AshWeston40.
Not dressing your age
We’ve discussed how to dress well in your 40’s before and a big part of it is embracing your age and wearing items that are classy and age-appropriate.
Wearing dirty, old shoes
Hopefully, this goes without saying, but a bad pair of shoes can absolutely ruin your entire look. Keep them in good condition and shined up.
Not Grooming Regularly
Overgrown hair, beards, and fingernails are no bueno. Make sure you’re taking proper care of your grooming and putting your best foot forward. Especially important in professional environments. We’ve got a ton of tips in all of our grooming guides.
When items are faded (especially shirts, pants and sweaters), it’s time to send them off to the donation bin and get some replacements. If your sweaters are pilled, you just need to get a sweater shaver (we like this one best) to remove the little balls and get it back in good shape.
We often talk about how important accessories are to your overall look and wardrobe. When done well, they add that extra 10% that pulls everything together and really lets your personality shine. We don’t recommend a ton of accessories but watches are one of the most important ones. It’s true that the watch you wear says a lot about you, whether you like it or not. That’s especially true when it comes to the opposite sex. Since you’re probably going to ask, no, it doesn’t matter AT ALL how expensive your watch is, let’s just get that straight. But that doesn’t mean watches aren’t something women care about.
Here are the reason why a man’s watch matters to women!
SHOWS SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR LIFESTYLE
Whether you’re wearing a Timex, Apple Watch, or a Rolex, the watch you wear will give a woman a few clues as to what your lifestyle is like, and that’s important when we are getting to know you. Maybe you’re a sporty guy and you’re into a G-Shock. Or, you’re more of a tech guy and an Apple watch is your vibe. Either way, it lets women know a bit about who you are.
SHOWS YOU PAY ATTENTION TO THE DETAILS
Like with all of your wardrobe, the details matter and women notice the details. From the fit of your clothes to your haircut, each small component combines to form an important part of the whole. Watches are no different. The right watch and style choices on your wrist show you care about the right details.
SHOWS HOW CULTURED YOU ARE OR AREN’T
Maybe you think watches are redundant since you have a phone, sure, we get that. But, going that extra step is going to add another layer to your style and show that you’re about more than just the absolute bare minimum, and that’s definitely really sexy. But, it’s important to consider what you’re wearing and when just like your shoe choice. You wouldn’t wear Jordans to a wedding so you should consider what watch choices you’re making too.
INDICATES WHERE YOU MIGHT BE IN LIFE
No matter where you are on your journey, personal or style-wise, your watch choice is a big indicator of where you are and where you are going. Like we said before, women (well, the right women anyway) aren’t concerned with how fancy or expensive your watch is, but knowing where you’re at and where you’re going is important.
Sometimes a few simple hacks can make a huge difference in your overall look, and trust us, women are definitely going to notice. The great thing is, these are super simple, in some cases, cost zero money, and are tricks that anyone can pull off.
Here are 5 style hacks women LOVE, and will notice!
Tuck in your shirt in the front just a bit
A small move that adds a little bit of polish but never looks too formal, this quick trick is a super-easy way to show you’ve got some serious style skills.
There’s something really sexy about this item, it’s just a style that compliments every man no matter his body shape, height or age. Obviously there are other jacket styles out there but this one is always so irresistible because it looks so fresh and understated. It’s great casually or dressed up and goes with every type of pants.
Sometimes (ok, most often times) less is more. At the end of the day, it’s when you look like you’re trying too hard that turns women off. Our favorite formula women will definitely love? A great-fitting tee, tucked slightly in, some slim dark wash jeans, a bomber jacket on top and a pair of fresh kicks on the bottom. Understated, stylish and very sexy.
A fresh haircut
Yup, it’s that simple, and there’s nothing sexier. It might not seem like a big deal or even noticeable, but trust me, women notice. We’ve run down all of the best haircuts women love before, (and a few women don’t like) so check those out!
Ties are a fundamental accessory in a man’s essential wardrobe, they can add personality, elegance, and formality to many types of looks, no matter what your personal style is. Rules about style and formality, in both work and social settings, are changing so quickly that it can be tough to know when you should and shouldn’t wear a tie.
So, in this episode of 2 Minute Tuesday we’re discussing when and how men should wear a tie! For a full breakdown on our favorite ties and specific tips, make sure you check out our tie article!
With What?
A key thing to remember about ties starts with what you should be wearing them with. Dressier looks like suits and sport coats are definitely options you can and should wear a tie with. For more of a hybrid look, try wearing a tie with a bomber jacket, it can give your casual look a cool dressy vibe. One word of warning though, you don’t want to wear just a tie on its own without a jacket, it just doesn’t look right.
With What Types of Dress Codes?
When to wear a tie can also be determined by the dress code or how formal your place of work happens to be. Dress codes like “Formal”, “Cocktail Attire” or “Cocktail Party” often call for a suit and a tie. Business casual tends to lean slightly more casual but a tie can be appropriate given the right scenario. One tip we love, try a knit tie in those less-dressy situations, they’re not as dressy as a silk tie and will give your look a cool vibe.
If you aren’t totally sure about dress codes, ultimately you want to go with the crowd and let that dictate when a tie is appropriate. Always being stylish and a bit more dressed up is a great thing most of the time. But, you don’t want to be significantly overdressing for occasions or workplaces that don’t call for it. It can seem like you’re trying too hard or attempting to stand out, and not in a good way.
