Men’s Gifts and Fashion Accessories
There’s a lot of pressure on men nowadays to present an image to the world that is confident, friendly, immaculate and that conveys a certain sense of ‘self’, whatever that self may be. With so many looks vying for popularity, often it’s hard to cut through the clamor of advertising and identify what it is that will truly allow presenting the truest and comfortable version of yourself to the external world.
On the plus side, it’s a wonderful opportunity to embrace different styles and methods of communicating - to find a way that is uniquely yours to present yourself as you walk into a room. Scientific research has found that it takes only 7 seconds to form our first impressions, and the majority of that impression comes from the way we look.
While there’s a lot more to each of us than mere clothing, hairstyles or fashionable fads, finding your own unique style is a great way to cultivate not only those first impressions in a way you’d like them to work out, but also to give yourself the confidence you need to get through the day in a variety of situations.
Let’s face it, men have it a whole lot easier than women - but even still, it’s no easy task! There are many areas of importance when it comes to style and grooming. We’ve broken down a few of these to help you embark on the task and to have fun in the process.
Much the same as in the world of female and feminine style, hairdressing and styling are a major part of attaining that unique look. Just a quick internet search will emerge article after article listing 20, 40, 80 hot hairstyles for men in 2017. This can be more than a little overwhelming! It’s important to look for a style that not only appeals to you but one which will be achievable on a day to day basis without disrupting your daily routine. There’s nothing worse than getting a great new haircut only to discover it takes an hour in front of the mirror and plenty of frustration to get it to look even remotely close to the way it appeared sitting in your stylist's chair. There’s a reason we pay them the big bucks!
Without further ado, here’s a few cuts to check out for yourself that might make it a whole lot easier to communicate to your stylist when you next find yourself facing their scissors.
Short hair, cropped fringe - many men are embracing a close cut to the side and back of their heads, whilst leaving a noticeable but sharp top half head of hair.
The blunt cut fringe - similar to the cropped fringe, this style has a close shave around the side and back of the head, leaving a shaggy head of hair on top. However, with this style, cuts are far more noticeable with defined, blunt lines which are crisp and sharp.
The buzz cut with a disconnected beard - this style sees a close buzz cut all over, before taking the same approach to a close cut beard which frames the entire face.
Short and textured - this is great for guys looking for a style with little less structure, whilst still being an easily maintained length. With a close shave around the sides of the head, hair is left short but easily textured to achieve a messy, fresh look day to day.
The textured quiff - this is a more extreme version of the short hair, cropped fringe. Hair is kept short and sharp around the sides, with a far more stylized quiff on top. This works well for guys who are looking to bring a little color into their hair as well as the quiff provides a great base to work with when combining colors.
Medium length, textured - more of a classic style, this look screams ‘college boy’. It’s a modern twist on a classic do and presents more opportunities for slick or messy styling depending on your mood from day to day.
The classic pompadour - classy, elegant and sophisticated, this look is favored by suave bartenders pulling together Old-Fashioned cocktails the world over. This is a great look for men who want the same trusted but fashionable look for each day, as long as they can commit to the styling process.
The world of shoes is one space where men can have a lot of fun exploring their personal style. There’s a huge range of options, from casual, to classy, to sporty, to ready-for-action hiking and heavy-duty shoes. The world of sneakers has seen a revival since the height of 90s obsession and as such, men’s sneakers present a great opportunity for some personal expression in a well-loved piece of footwear.
The sneaker - colorful, black and white, modern, retro, supportive, flashy, the world of sneakers is never-ending. Many men end up falling for pairs again, and again, and again until their collection could rival that of any woman’s high heel drawers. Some eye-catching options include the Nike Special Field Air Force One, which is a sequel to Nike’s most recognizable and iconic sneaker. The SF-AF1 draws its inspiration from military service members, adding a militaristic edge to a simple tee and jeans combination. Vans, as well, give Nike a run for their money with just about any of their classic shoe offerings, with a sneaker that’s as iconic to the skateboarding world as skateboards themselves, but none more iconic than the checkerboard pattern. The Air Jordan 1 makes a respectable challenge to the market with a classic black, red, white and blue color scheme, sure to make any outfit feel complete and draw looks of admiration on the morning commute.
The SF-AF1 draws its inspiration from military service members, adding a militaristic edge to a simple tee and jeans combination. Vans, as well, give Nike a run for their money with just about any of their classic shoe offerings, with a sneaker that’s as iconic to the skateboarding world as skateboards themselves, but none more iconic than the checkerboard pattern. The Air Jordan 1 makes a respectable challenge to the market with a classic black, red, white and blue color scheme, sure to make any outfit feel complete and draw looks of admiration on the morning commute.
The Air Jordan 1 makes a respectable challenge to the market with a classic black, red, white and blue color scheme, sure to make any outfit feel complete and draw looks of admiration on the morning commute.
The boot - Boots are the most rugged of footwear, and even when they’re just being worn to the grocery store for an emergency supply run, they harken back to the days of men ‘roughing it out’ against the elements and surviving in the wilderness. Designed for functionality, but with many eye-catching and intriguing style choices, a good pair of boots are integral to any man’s wardrobe in order for it to be truly complete. A good pair of boots is comfortable, reliable, and versatile, able to mix and match with a variety of outfits and dress styles. Whilst boots can be a pricey investment upfront for a decent pair, if they’re looked after, they can last for years.
A good pair of boots is comfortable, reliable, and versatile, able to mix and match with a variety of outfits and dress styles. Whilst boots can be a pricey investment upfront for a decent pair, if they’re looked after, they can last for years.
Popular styles include a leather wingtip, the duck boot (waterproof and sturdy, designed to trudge through snow and slush), the Eisner boot (casual and a go-to style for your everyday needs), the engineer’s boot (tough oiled leather exterior with a cork and rubber outsole, making for the perfect rugged footwear) and the Chelsea boot, which is more of a classic, business-wear quality style.
It’s important to also consider the material your boots are made out of. Whilst some material will make boots heavier and therefore less functional for everyday wear, the type of material you choose will need to reflect not only your lifestyle but your intended use for the boots. Suede will not last as long as leather, for example, but may be a great casual shoe for running around the office or hanging out on weekends. Leather is great for its long-lasting abilities and versatility but requires a little more care and attention when it comes to keeping them in good condition through wet and cold weather, as well as polishing out any scratches or dents from everyday use.
Leather is great for its long-lasting abilities and versatility but requires a little more care and attention when it comes to keeping them in good condition through wet and cold weather, as well as polishing out any scratches or dents from everyday use.
There’s nothing more attractive than a polished man in a well-cut suit walking with confidence. To the outside, naive world, suits look simple, right? The jacket, the pants, a well-cut shirt, and a tie or bowtie to finish it off. However, the world of suits is far more complex, detailed and nuanced, and understanding the many options available when shopping for your trusty suit is an important element to picking one that is best for you, and one that will bring out that confidence the most!
However, the world of suits is far more complex, detailed and nuanced, and understanding the many options available when shopping for your trusty suit is an important element to picking one that is best for you, and one that will bring out that confidence the most!
The first rule is to know what you’re looking for, as suits range in style and level of formality. Do you need something to wear to fancy client dinners when you’re sitting across from your boss? Are you looking for something you could wear day-to-day in the office, or out with friends to a nice bar on the weekend? Identifying what it is you’re looking for specifically (and your price range!) is the first step in knowing you’re going to walk away from that store counter entirely satisfied with your purpose.
Are you looking for something you could wear day-to-day in the office, or out with friends to a nice bar on the weekend? Identifying what it is you’re looking for specifically (and your price range!) is the first step in knowing you’re going to walk away from that store counter entirely satisfied with your purpose.
A good rule of thumb is to understand the two areas which define how dressy a suit is: the lapels and the pockets. Thinner lapels lead to a more elegant suit, while thicker lapels give off a more executive vibe. When it comes to pockets, flapped or jet pockets (tuxedo-style) are the norm, while patch (rounded) pockets will lead to a more casual vibe, which might be better suited for those smart-casual weekend drinks you’ve got lined up.
The next point to consider is color. There’s three standard suit colors: gray, blue, and black. Of course, an entire world of suit colours exists beyond this point, but if you’re looking for something versatile and reliable, it’s best, to begin with, a strong base suit before branching out into, say, a purple suit with a yellow tie (although we won’t be seeing that pop up on the runway as a fashionable style anytime soon).
Gray suits are subconsciously accepted as ‘universal’ - good for both business and pleasure. Blue suits are a little edgier, and not quite as serious as the gray. Black suits - both black dress pants and a black jacket - are reserved for more formal events, unless you want to turn up looking like a butler to your next high-level client meeting.
So you think you can walk into a men’s clothing store or department store, try on a few suits, pick one and be done there? Wrong. This is an involved process with a few crucial steps along the way, but if you commit to doing it well, you’ll reap the benefits.
The area where this concept is most important to grasp is tailoring. Even if you feel like you fit into the standard sizes off the shelf well, a well-tailored suit makes all the difference in comparison to one that hasn’t been fitted to your body. Are the shoulders a little roomy, or do the sleeve end past your wrist? Don’t put up with it just because you can’t be bothered to put in the energy.
When you visit the tailor with your suit, wear reliable shoes and a long-sleeved collared shirt for reference. Reliable measurements to pass on are a request for a 1/2 inch of shirt cuff to show the end of the suit sleeve and a slight break in the pants.
And guess what? This process is not cheap! It’s not worth even beginning to hunt for a suit if you’re not ready to drop some dollars. It’s always tempting to go for the cheaper end of the line, especially if it’s your first time and you’re not sure how much use you’ll get out of it, but if you invest wisely, your purchase could last you for many years. Why go to all that effort only for it to wear out on you at the first distant relative’s wedding you attend?
You didn’t think it was only women who got to have all the fun in the accessories department, did you? The world of men’s accessories is wide, interesting and innovative, and knowing how to add that final touch to your wardrobe before leaving the house can make all the difference in moving your look from standard across to something worth a second glance. Too many men leave accessories to the last minute and maybe think to grab a piece or two right before they’re rushing out the door - arm yourself with this information, and you’ll find yourself standing out from the pack.
Let’s start with the simple accessories every man should have in his wardrobe…
A great watch - it’s amazing the difference a watch can make on its own to an outfit. Sure, you might look pretty good before it, but throw on a great, classy watch before you walk out the door, and suddenly your entire outfit will tie together. Many men opt for a cheap timepiece, but this is not an area to be stingy. Make the investment into one strong, simple statement watch that’s elegant, functional and eye-catching, and remove the risk from having a great outfit be sabotaged by an ugly plastic watch designed only to tell time and add nothing of value to your look.
Make the investment into one strong, simple statement watch that’s elegant, functional and eye-catching, and remove the risk from having a great outfit be sabotaged by an ugly plastic watch designed only to tell time and add nothing of value to your look.
The ties… The more ties a man has in his wardrobe, the better. You never know when a situation might call for a classy but eye-grabbing colorful, textured tie, as opposed to the sleek black tie you’ll need for more formal situations. It’s important to avoid cheap ties when you’re shopping, as the difference in quality will be immediately apparent when you pair it against a quality suit.
There’s an amazing range of ties available for all situations, events, personalities, and styles. Once you’ve got your signature suit on hand, mix and match to create a versatile range of looks, leaving you ready for whatever comes.
The wallet… Too many men go years between replacing their wallets, walking around with a worn-out, seen-better-days wallet in their back pocket when instead, they could be pulling cards and cash out of a beautiful, sleek leather wallet on a daily basis.
Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to wallets. Some people prefer big wallets, with plenty of space for loyalty and credit cards, cash and receipts, notes and business cards. Other people prefer thin and narrow pieces which can easily slide into pockets, be tucked under arms or carried without much impact. It’s hard to go past the beauty and design functionality of the simple bi-fold leather wallet, which is available in a range of colors and sizes. However, for the more streamlined man, there are a number of options available in the leather cardholder range as well, which is a simplified version of the bi-fold, designed for a handle of cards rather than a wad of cash.
However, for the more streamlined man, there are a number of options available in the leather cardholder range as well, which is a simplified version of the bi-fold, designed for a handle of cards rather than a wad of cash.
For the men out there who find themselves constantly losing things, a wallet with a zip so it can be properly closed is probably a wise investment.
There’s even wallets made out of steel, for the man who wants something a little sturdier than leather - although be careful not to sit on this if it’s in your back pocket!
For the more flamboyant, wallets come in a range of animal skins, including alligators… just to remind the world who’s boss.
The bag… This is one area where the world of women’s fashion may dominate when it comes to design and functionality choices. However, no man can go wrong by investing in a trusty messenger bag. Elegant, practical and durable, messenger bags can complement a wide range of outfits and styles and also come in a range of sizes and colors. Again, these are one of those items where the initial outlay may be a little costly, but the investment in a trusty messenger bag to accompany you for years is worth it.
Again, these are one of those items where the initial outlay may be a little costly, but the investment in a trusty messenger bag to accompany you for years is worth it.
Socks… Here’s an area where you can have a bit of fun! In a world where many men are dressing in a smart-casual manner for daily life at the office, embracing your inner desires by the types of socks you’re wearing is a sneaky way to inject some added personality into your day. Unless you’re looking for a clashing effect, look for colors which complement the color of the shoes you’ll be pairing the socks with, and keep in mind sock height - if you’re wearing shorts, this can have a positive or negative impact on the way your outfit comes across.
Unless you’re looking for a clashing effect, look for colors which complement the color of the shoes you’ll be pairing the socks with, and keep in mind sock height - if you’re wearing shorts, this can have a positive or negative impact on the way your outfit comes across.
The world of scarves… Too many men think scarves are only for girls. Well, they’re missing out! When the winter months hit, scarves are a great way to layer some style into your outfit, whilst also acting to keep you warm in a practical manner. Pairing a great scarf in a casual, muted color with a coat or casual jacket is a classic, classy and timeless look.
A durable belt… Not many men would find themselves heading out the door without a trusty belt to complete their ensemble. Just like a great pair of shoes, the right belt can last you for a long time. Black and dark brown are the basic colors that will work in a wide variety of outfit scenarios, but this is an area where you can explore a wide range of colors, clips, and styles until you find what works best for you.
The sunglasses… Sometimes men embrace the iconic sunglass look too much, and still have them on for style when they’re at the pub long after the sun has gone down. Here’s a tip: you’ll never look cool when it’s obvious you’re trying to look cool.
However, sunglasses are a classic inclusion of any complete wardrobe and will stick with you throughout the day as you go about your work. Not only are they functional, but there’s a huge range of styles and colors. Spend some time experimenting before you commit to a purchase, as sunglasses of quality can sit at the pricier end of the scale.
However, sunglasses are a classic inclusion of any complete wardrobe and will stick with you throughout the day as you go about your work. Not only are they functional, but there’s a huge range of styles and colors. Spend some time experimenting before you commit to a purchase, as sunglasses of quality can sit at the pricier end of the scale.
The classic Ray-ban is a great place to start - they look good on just about anyone!
So, you’ve got some great boots, you’re fresh out of the barber shop, feeling comfortable in your new suit and walking down the street with your messenger bag… but what’s in it?
In these modern times, technology is becoming more and more interlaced with our overall style. The brands we choose to buy and the products we use in our everyday life have become iconic, and we often judge different elements of a person’s appearance solely by the type of phone they’re holding. With so many products flooding the market, it’s a great idea to know which brands most closely align with your needs and values, which will give you the most rewarding experience, and which products to invest in now to complete your look on a functional and stylistic level.
With so many products flooding the market, it’s a great idea to know which brands most closely align with your needs and values, which will give you the most rewarding experience, and which products to invest in now to complete your look on a functional and stylistic level.
The phone… Let’s face it, we’re rarely disconnected from our phones in this day and age. We use them for email, texts, calls, photos, restaurant recommendations, directions, cat videos, calendars… anything and everything will pop up on these devices to help us through the day. However, not all phones are built the same. The majority of the world is now using some form or another of the iPhone, which is Apple’s entry into the phone market - or was until it grew to dominate the phone market and change the rules entirely. The other popular choice is an Android phone, which runs on Google software, providing a different hardware system, user interface, and overall experience. Of course, there’s a wide range of phones beyond these two contenders, but it’s safe to say that if you’re looking for something that will help you transition from work, to play, and handle everything in between, these two categories are the best place to begin.
The majority of the world is now using some form or another of the iPhone, which is Apple’s entry into the phone market - or was until it grew to dominate the phone market and change the rules entirely. The other popular choice is an Android phone, which runs on Google software, providing a different hardware system, user interface, and overall experience. Of course, there’s a wide range of phones beyond these two contenders, but it’s safe to say that if you’re looking for something that will help you transition from work, to play, and handle everything in between, these two categories are the best place to begin.
Of course, there’s a wide range of phones beyond these two contenders, but it’s safe to say that if you’re looking for something that will help you transition from work, to play, and handle everything in between, these two categories are the best place to begin.
The majority of the world is now using some form or another of the iPhone, which is Apple’s entry into the phone market - or was until it grew to dominate the phone market and change the rules entirely. The other popular choice is an Android phone, which runs on Google software, providing a different hardware system, user interface, and overall experience. Of course, there’s a wide range of phones beyond these two contenders, but it’s safe to say that if you’re looking for something that will help you transition from work, to play, and handle everything in between, these two categories are the best place to begin.
Of course, there’s a wide range of phones beyond these two contenders, but it’s safe to say that if you’re looking for something that will help you transition from work, to play, and handle everything in between, these two categories are the best place to begin.
Of course, there’s a wide range of phones beyond these two contenders, but it’s safe to say that if you’re looking for something that will help you transition from work, to play, and handle everything in between, these two categories are the best place to begin.
The smart watch… Off the back of the smartphone came the smart watch, introducing wearable technology to the everyday consumer. Now, we not only receive messages on our phone but also on our wrist! If you’re looking for another way to stay connected, smart watches are a great place to begin. Notable entries include the Apple Watch, the Pebble Steel, the LG G Watch R (which operates on the Android software) and the Sony Smartwatch.
The home control systems… Any fans of Back To The Future 2 here? When the filmmakers envisioned what the world would look like in 2015, then-older Marty McFly walked into his electronic home and talked to his walls, his printer, and his TV, sending orders as to what he wanted them to do. Now, our dreams of embodying this are a little closer to reality, with devices such as the Amazon Echo system allowing for home control via technology to take place. This is a gadget which will make your day-to-day far easier, positioned in the market as a ‘revolutionary smart assistant’. With one command, you can ask Echo to play your
Now, our dreams of embodying this are a little closer to reality, with devices such as the Amazon Echo system allowing for home control via technology to take place. This is a gadget which will make your day-to-day far easier, positioned in the market as a ‘revolutionary smart assistant’. With one command, you can ask Echo to play your
This is a gadget which will make your day-to-day far easier, positioned in the market as a ‘revolutionary smart assistant’. With one command, you can ask Echo to play your favorite music, to tell you about the weather, give you an update on how the local traffic is flowing, and control your lights and thermostat. Now you’ve got even more reason not to get off the couch - just ask Echo to do it for you.
The headphones… With so many of us commuting to work, a pair of great headphones is a must-have. When designed well, headphones allow you to immerse yourself into a different world, escaping into music and melody. There’s a range of beautiful and powerfully designed high-functioning headphones out in the market and many are customized to a wide range of listening habits. Wireless headphones are even more useful for those morning commutes through a bustling train station or crowded bus.
The fitness tracker… It’s hard enough to fit exercise into our busy schedules, but if you’re not tracking your fitness progress, how will you know when you’re effectively moving towards your targets? There’s a huge range of wearable fitness trackers on the market which offers a wide range of functions - everything from counting your steps, to tracking your heart rate, and even reporting on the quality of your sleep.
There are trackers for the everyday jogger, for the busy dad, or for the serious fitness fanatic, so with a little bit of research, you’ll be able to arm yourself with a powerful tool on your wrist that packs a punch in the data it’ll send back for you to review and utilize.
Lastly, for all those men heading into wedding season, any well-rounded man is not complete until he’s got a great handle on the current range of gifts available as groomsmen presents. It’s often one of those last-minute scrambles, but by having an idea of the range available, you’ll be able to invest in a gift that’s thoughtful, memorable and meaningful.
A great steak knife set - If you’ve got a member of your bridal party who’s a great grill master, you can’t go past a reliable and powerful set of steak knives.
Natural bristle shaving brush - Classy and hearkening back to a simpler time, the natural bristle shaving brush will give your groomsmen a reason to love lathering up.
A suave aftershave - Each man needs a little help in the scent department from time to time, so why not cover your friend’s back by investing in a signature scent for him?
Monogrammed iPad cases - For the friend who’s always dripping in screens and gadgets, a timeless and sophisticated monogrammed iPad case is a great way to say thank you for their help in getting you through the big day.
Classy cufflinks - this is a double whammy of a gift, as not only will your groomsmen be able to hold onto these as a memory of your wedding forever, but they’ll be able to wear these to the big event, adding a touch of class and elegance to the wedding suits. Two birds, one stone!
Drink rocks - let’s be honest, after a long wedding reception, we all need a stiff drink from time to time. These drink-safe rocks can be frozen ahead of time and are designed to keep cocktails chilled without diluting them. What better way to have your friends’ backs?
