The art of choosing the right watch
A watch is more than a tool for telling the time: it is a marker of style, status and personality. It should be chosen with care, according to the occasion, your style of dress and even your build.
A watch on a brown leather strap brings a touch of classic elegance to a formal outfit, while a steel watch with a clean design is the perfect partner for a smart-casual look.
Avoid overly chunky models if you have slim wrists, and favour understated dials so as not to steal the show from the rest of your outfit.
Belts: discretion and consistency
Often overlooked, the belt nonetheless plays a fundamental role. A smooth black or brown leather belt, well matched to your shoes, brings elegant consistency to your silhouette. It should be discreet but well made, with no visible stitching and no flashy buckle.
Avoid novelty belts with big logos or loud patterns, unless you are deliberately going for a more eccentric outfit. As a rule, the less attention it draws, the better it works.
Glasses: an accessory that frames the face
Glasses, whether prescription or sunglasses, are one of the few accessories that change how your face is perceived. Choose them carefully according to the shape of your face:
- Round face: go for angular frames
- Square face: choose rounded or oval shapes
- Oval face: almost anything goes, as long as the scale is balanced
Choose understated colours for the office, and dare to wear more original frames at the weekend.
Men’s jewellery: less but better
Necklaces, bracelets, rings… yes, men can wear jewellery, provided they follow one golden rule: less is more.
A leather or natural bead bracelet can add a bohemian touch, while a simple ring on the ring finger shows a confident, masculine elegance. The important thing is to stay subtle and consistent with your overall style.
Other accessories that make a difference
Here are some other often-underestimated accessories that deserve real attention:
- Socks: they should be clean, free of excessive patterns, and matched to your trousers or shoes.
- Scarves: perfect for adding depth to an autumn or winter outfit.
- Bags: a well-kept leather bag says a lot about your rigour and your taste.
How to avoid lapses in taste
To accessorise an outfit well, follow these simple principles:
- Don’t mix too many metals (silver, gold, bronze)
- Keep the balance between accessories and outfit (don’t overload an outfit that is already bold)
- Think about the context: a diving watch with a suit is a no
- Coordinate colours: belt, watch, shoes and glasses should ideally be in similar tones
- Quality over quantity: two good accessories are better than five gadgets
