From aviator sunglasses to a luxurious Cuban link chain, you’ll have plenty of options for accessorizing during your vacation. The trick is figuring out how to balance the demands of travel, the appropriateness of the item for the occasion, and the personal sense of style that you wish to convey. Here are some ideas for men’s vacation accessories.
Tip 1: Hats
Hats are some of the most versatile accessories in men’s fashion, especially in the summertime when dress codes are more casual. You can wear trilbies, flat caps, baseball caps, bucket hats, and more. Other options include straw versions of popular hat styles like fedoras and pork pies. It’s easy to overheat in the sun with a covered head, so choose a lightweight material with moisture-wicking properties.
Tip 2: Choose a Belt That Complements Your Outfit
A leather belt can be an investment for years to come, especially if you splurge on authentic, full-grain leather. That said, you don’t have to limit yourself to plain leather belts in dark shades. Opt for light-colored suede to complement a pastel shirt or slacks. Try a braided leather belt for a preppy look. Experiment with different buckles or clasps like D-rings.
Tip 3: Show Off Your Bling With Eye-Catching Chains
Another benefit of casual summer fashion is being able to drape yourself in T-shirts and luxury chains. You can have the best drip on the block when you rotate through a collection of gold chains with pendants. Just make sure that you’re investing in genuine, high-quality metals. The sweat from a summer’s day can quickly oxidize cheaper chains, discoloring your skin and exposing the item’s lesser quality.
Tip 4: Make a Statement With Your Watch
If you aren’t really the jewelry type, you might prefer to wear a watch. It’ll give you some style points while serving a functional purpose. You can find men’s watches in everything from workout-friendly elastomer to crystal-lined gold and titanium. You can also opt for a vintage look with a watch connected to a pocket chain. Additionally, if you’ll be attending any black-tie events during your getaway, a dress watch is a must. The general rule of thumb for dress watches is that light-faced watches are worn during the day while dark-faced watches are donned in the evening.
Tip 5: Select the Perfect Bag To Complete Your Ensemble
Plenty of 21st-century men carry bags. They do it for work, travel, or simply style. You just have to figure out which type of bag is right for you and your vacation experience. Are you going to hike up a dormant volcano? Invest in a sturdy backpack with adjustable straps. Will you be stuffing your luggage in a lot of overhead plane compartments? A cross-body canvas bag can take a beating and bounce right back.
Tip 6: Stride With Confidence and Own Your Look
You’ll probably be walking a lot during your vacation, so choose comfortable footwear. Leave the loafers at home — it’s better to wear men’s sandals, boat shoes, loose slip-ons, or canvas sneakers. If you need formal footwear, choose something with a breathable design and lightweight bottoms made from a material like cork. Socks can be optional depending on your footwear type.
Tip 7: Keep Your Essentials Organized With A Fashionable Wallet
Wallets are like watches in the sense that they’re classic men’s accessories. Carrying them can be both timeless and trendy, especially when you invest in something fashionable. For wallets, this means high-quality materials with modern features like RFID-blocking technology. You’ll look good, and you’ll protect your essentials while traveling in parts unknown. It’s smart and stylish at the same time.
Tip 8: Elevate Your Look With Rings and Bracelets
Draw every eye in the room when you dine at a restaurant. Gold rings for men can be made with all kinds of gemstones, and they’re available for every finger as well, so don’t limit yourself to the wedding-band hand. Pinky rings and thumb rings can gleam in the light just as brilliantly. Bracelets, too, can be made with all manner of gems, so you just need to figure out which you like best.
Tip 9: Add Flair With a Trendy Scarf
Summer scarves are lightweight accessories meant primarily for decoration. However, they can also serve as cooling elements if you buy fabrics with open weaves or moisture-wicking properties. Another thing to master is how to tie a summer scarf. The right knots can make all the difference in how they fit and channel air. You can also choose not to tie them at all and let them drape over your shoulders for a more casual look.
Tip 10: Make A Bold Statement With Statement Earrings
Earrings give you an easy way to add a little visual interest to your outfit. They can act as subtle statement pieces. Think of earrings such as studs, plugs, and small hoops. Dangling earrings are also a possibility if you’re feeling bold, but be careful with anything overly long while you’re living it up on vacation. Big jewelry can be a hazard on things like zip lines and roller coasters.
Tip 11: Protect Your Eyes and Look Stylish With Trendy Sunglasses
Sunglasses are more than just a fashion accessory — they’re also a defense against ultraviolet light that can damage your eyes. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends sunglasses that can shield you from both UVA and UVB rays. You can also invest in polarized lenses that reduce the reflected sunlight from ocean waves, snowy mountains, and other vacation-likely destinations. These features should be kept in mind even more than the usual buying decisions like shape and color.
How to Choose Men’s Fashion Accessories for Summer
Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to accessorizing for a vacation. The right pieces depend on where you’re going, what adventures you plan on having, and what your personal sense of style is like. Feel free to play around with different looks until you find your favorites. Summer is a time to be bold!