This guide will help you better understand what counts as a fall accessory, learn how to style them and decide which accessories are best for you.
Who else is excited about fall accessories? Yes, layers are exciting, but those fall accessories breathe personality and life into every outfit. Who doesn’t love a good cap or scarf?
Let’s start with the basics: what is an accessory? An accessory is anything that doesn’t serve as a core element of your outfit. Non-core elements are anything outside of shirts, pants, coats, and shoes.
Although, some would argue that shoes count as accessories. If your main garments are the cake, accessories are the icing. In other words, your outfit would be complete without accessories, but it wouldn’t be as fun.
Throughout history, accessories often showed social class and economic status. The more you could adorn yourself, the more visibly well-off you were. That’s not totally untrue today, either, but at least accessories are available in a wider variety of budgets now.
For this guide, you can consider anything an accessory that isn’t the primary building block of your outfit. These are the elements that help you stand apart.
Are you wondering how to accessorize your ensembles for the fall successfully? Let’s learn what accessories you should wear this season and how to style them.
What Makes a Fall Accessory?
There aren’t specific rules for what makes something a fall accessory vs. a summer one. However, colder months make it easier to layer accessories. Because of their materiality, items like scarves, hats, and gloves are reserved for fall and winter. Light items like jewelry work year-round.
You can also lean into autumnal hues and fabrics. Think colors like mustard yellow, rust orange, navy blue and burgundy. Or, stick to neutral tones like black, gray, or cream.
On the fabric front, you’ll want materials to help keep you warm when the temperatures head south for the season.
Wool, cashmere, and leather are all great for the season and are traditional so that you can wear them year after year.
When to Accessorize
There’s never a bad time to accessorize. Though, I should mention that you caught me in a “more is more” mindset. Accessorizing allows you to personalize your outfit and make it more “you” than a uniform everyone else wears.
That being said, some accessories are more formal than others. Dress codes are factors. Bolder, brightly colored, funky, and patterned accessories make an outfit feel more casual if they’re too overdone.
Simple accessories like watches, bracelets, rings, and glasses work for almost any situation. Keeping them minimal makes them more appropriate for fall business casual or business formal situations.
Louder accessories like chunky necklaces or stacks, pins and brooches, funky glasses, and wild ties make statements. Sometimes, those statements are more distracting. The right amount of boldness can add personality to a formal look. Keep this in mind if you’re working with a strict dress code.
When in doubt, keep it simple and go with your favorite pieces. When you have more freedom in casual settings, experiment with more unique accessories and combinations.
How to Style Fall Accessories for Men
While accessories make an outfit more exciting, styling them without making them feel like an afterthought can be a little overwhelming. If this is how you feel, we have you covered. Here are a few things to consider as you gear up to accessorize this fall.
1. Choose the Right Accessories
There’s no real right or wrong answer, but you can easily sway into maximalism if you swing for the fences. Start with 3-5 categories spread across your body.
You can have 1-2 types on your hands and wrists, like watches and rings. One type on your face, like sunglasses, and maybe one on your neck, like a necklace or tie.
You can stack rings or necklaces and count that as one category. This just ensures that you’re not going overboard, especially if you’re just dipping your toes in.
2. Choose the Right Colors
There are always two ways to pick the right colors for your accessories. You can complement and match the colors or throw caution to the wind and amp up the contrast.
Matching your outfit colors is always a safe bet. It makes the decisions more simple. Pick colors from your base outfit and bring them into your accessories.
This works well for fabric-based accessories like ties, scarves, hats, and watch straps. Jewelry will usually stand out, but clean silver and gold designs go with almost anything.
Contrasting accessories create more of a pop and are eye-catching. Let your accessories stand out if you want them to get noticed and complimented. Choose a bright pocket square against your navy jacket or even a chunky tortoiseshell frame for your glasses.
3. Stack Your Accessories
Layering and stacking accessories is like a neverending puzzle because you create something new each time you do it.
This works best with jewelry. Pair short necklaces with longer chains and pendants, adorn multiple fingers with rings, stack more than one ring on one finger, or add bracelets to your watch hand. The bulkiness of the stack creates something more bold and unique.
The best stacks play with sizing. That includes the size of the accessories themselves as well as the patterns and designs on them. Wear your chunky pieces with your slim ones. Pair your paisley with your little polka dots. Even if it feels reckless, just try it.
Don’t be afraid to mix your metals. That old rule is so outdated. You can pair any metals you like if you think it looks good.
The Best Men’s Accessories for Fall
The season’s beauty is that there are so many accessories from which to choose. The ones featured here include staples and fun options. Use these as inspiration for your own fall outfits.
Hats for Fall
Now, there are a lot of options when it comes to hats, and it depends on your style and preference. These are just a few that may spark some interest and work well for fall.
- Baseball Caps/Trucker Hats. These span the range from fun and quirky to classy and stylish. Classic baseball caps add a cool casual personality to a smart casual or even a casual suiting look. It says, “I dress well, I’m a little sporty, but don’t ask me about the team.” Ok, that last part isn’t true for everyone. Trucker hats are a beefed-up version of a baseball cap. They are definitively more casual but are often a lot more fun, too.
- Vintage Caps. These give a nod to the Peaky Blinders era of fashion. They’re vintage and refined but work with almost any kind of outfit or styling.
- Fedoras and Wide Brims. It seems like the fedora took a back seat in recent years, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a good accessory. Just look at Pharrell’s clocked catalog of the widest-brim hats. They’re easy to customize and give off an instant cool vibe. Top off smart casual work street style-inspired looks with a wide-brim hat and don’t be surprised by the turned heads as you strut down the street.
- Cowboy Hats. Maybe it’s because Beyoncé released a country album, or maybe because they’ve always been rad, but cowboy hats are a statement. They’re not always the easiest to style, but they definitely make an impact. Wear your favorite flared denim, tank, and button-down with a cowboy hat to give yourself a country star edge. You don’t always have to swing country. The juxtaposition of a cowboy hat against other styles is what makes it a fun piece to add to your collection.
- Beanies. The fall season may start warm, but as we get closer to winter, there’s nothing that keeps your head warm quite like a beanie. This kind of headwear tends to lean a bit more casual, so keep one hand on it to complement your athleisure or casual wear.
Scarves
Cue the artistic loverboy in any Hallmark movie. How could you head into fall and not have a scarf? You’ll most likely encounter finite scarves as opposed to their infinity fraternal twins. They come in a variety of lengths and widths, so it’s up to you to find the one that’s just right for you.
Start with practicality. Above all else, scarves should keep your neck warm. Make sure the one you select is long enough for at least a couple of wraps.
They come in every color, print, and fabric, so if you’re just starting, consider something versatile for your wardrobe. You want to be able to wear it with multiple coats and outfits, so something neutral to start is a safe bet.
As you get comfortable with your scarf, you can experiment with multiple ways to tie and wear it.
Watches and Bracelets
Watches might be year-round accessories, but they’re a lot easier to wear and pair with other items when sweat isn’t an issue. Wrist stacking, or adding bracelets to your watch hand, is a perfect way to accentuate your watch.
The beauty is that you can choose how much to add to your wrist stack. Keep it clean and simple for more formal events or to make your watch the focus. Or, layer on bracelets that bring out the colors of your strap and watch face.
Rings
Rings are alternate examples of year-round accessories. Wearing more, layering, and stacking become a lot more manageable, and you’re not dealing with summer heat. All the sweaty-hand people rejoice! These are rings for adornment and decor, so think outside the wedding band.
Not sure how to wear rings? Rather than just sticking to one, take this opportunity to play with different combinations. You can stack rings on one one finger. Pair some of your thin rings with your beefier ones to add uniqueness.
Mix metals. If you’re a strict menswear aficionado, that might make you cringe. Take this as your sign to break the rules.
Spread the love between your digits. You don’t have to load up to the max, but you can create balance. Think about adding a few more rings to your non-watch hand to balance the accessories out.
Necklaces
Some people love “more is more,” some love a statement, and others love a little minimal moment. Luckily, there are necklace options for everyone.
A simple chain in gold or silver is a great way to add a little spice to an outfit, especially if you’ve got a few buttons undone. Just like rings and bracelets, you can stack men’s necklaces too. Consider pairing thin chains with pendants with thicker chains or pearls.
The key to creating a balanced necklace stack is varying the length of each one. That way, everything gets some breathing room and creates an overall layered look.
Feel free to mix your metals here as well. Echo what you’re doing with your other jewelry to complete the look. If you’re doing a big statement piece, let it stand alone. Something ornate doesn’t need a lot of extras.
Ties and Bowties
Even though ties and bowties are sometimes requirements for formal attire, they’re still accessories. If you wear them for dressier events, you have a few decisions to make.
Yes, there are different types of ties. The more formal the event, the simpler and more sophisticated you should go. Have the tie or bowtie match your suit, or stick to a solid color.
A slimmer or medium-width tie is always a nice touch. Solid black bowties most often lend themselves to black tie or formal attire.
That doesn’t mean that your ties and bowties should be reserved for special occasions. Wear your ties with any collared shirt.
You can wear them with business casual attire, smart casual attire, or even just regular old casual attire. That is where you get more freedom to play with bold colors and patterns that stand out. The same goes for bowties.
Pocket Squares
Pocket squares are always a fun addition to a blazer or sport coat. Because blazers get a little more use during the fall, these are sure to come out. Even in formal wear, a pocket square is a nice touch.
Since it takes up such small real estate in your overall outfit, feel free to play with contrasting colors and bold patterns. They create a nice visual focal point.
Check out this article on how to fold pocket squares if it seems like you just can’t get the fold right.
Ascots
Ascots and neckerchiefs have gained a lot of popularity over the last year. They’re a fun option that isn’t a tie or a necklace. Quite honestly, ascots are easy style hacks, and you notice anyone wearing one.
They typically earn a compliment because the wearer always looks like they know what they’re doing and how to tie them.
These are casual accessories that can be taken right into fall. Wear them inside your collar with the tail hanging out for a retro-inspired look.
Belts
Belts are easy accessories that almost everyone wears already. To make your belts shine, opt for unique hardware and standout textures.
That also doesn’t mean you have to go buy an expensive belt. Vintage belts with unique buckles and designs are great for vintage and retro looks. This is your time to expand from the simple brown and black belts that match your dress shoes.
Consider woven leather belts, vintage western belts with buckles, or anything that makes a little more of a statement instead of just holding up your pants.
Socks
You can also treat socks like accessories for your outfits. Though they are outfit staples because dress shoes and bare feet are a no-go, they present fun opportunities. Fashion experts always say to match your socks to your pants, but this is your sign to make them stand out.
A patterned or cheeky sock is a fun addition to any look. It’s a great way to show some subtle personality.
Gloves
It’s fall, so chances are you’ll need some gloves at some point. Why stick to the tattered ones with the hole in between your thumb and pointer finger? Level up your glove game with a nice pair of leather gloves.
Shoot for the moon and go for black and brown. Have you ever looked at someone with nice gloves and not noticed them? No, you haven’t it. It’s that simple!
Glasses
Reading glasses, blue light glasses, and sunglasses are all such great accessories. This is your chance to expand your collection beyond just simple and utilitarian.
Bold frame designs and patterns, funky shapes, and oversized options add a lot of character to an outfit. While it might be a little scary to have a statement piece sitting right on the bridge of your nose, it can be a lot of fun too. Just make sure you choose the right glasses for your face shape.
The beauty of glasses is that you can take them off and switch them up. If you have a prescription, opt for a simple pair and a bold pair. That way, you know you have something that works every day and something that is a little more fun.
Bags
Be it a briefcase, a satchel, a tote, a belt bag or a shoulder bag, more men are getting into bags. The days of purses or bags being for women are over. Bags are convenient ways to carry small items without overstuffing your pockets.
Pick a staple bag if you’re just starting out. Something in a neutral color and medium size will go with everything you wear. Then, you can branch out to more colors and styles. It’s hard not to when you start experimenting with them.
Wallets
A wallet is a curve ball here. Most folks need one for its utility, but they can be just as fun to play with. It’s time to declutter, throw away the stacked receipts and old business cards, and go for something a little sleeker and cooler.
Wallets are the perfect way to treat yourself to something a little nicer for your everyday carry essentials. Opt for premium quality with a design element. Someone is going to notice every time you pull it out to pay. The only thing burning a hole in your pocket is straight-up style.
What Fall Accessories Are You Wearing?
As the leaves change colors for the fall, so too should your fall accessories. Accessories give you an opportunity to further express your personal style outside of your clothing choices.
Not only do some of the options on this list serve a helpful function, but they elevate your ensemble and showcase your flair. Just remember that balance is key to successful fall accesorizing.
There are so many options when it comes to the best fall accessories for men. Hopefully, this gave you some ideas for new ones to add to your wardrobe.
Let us know how you’re accessorizing this season. If you have any questions or comments, leave them down below!
