Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I've heard a lot of professional businessmen say that they especially like to spend a good amount of money on ties, cuff links, wallets, and all these accessories even if they don't spend as much on normal clothes. They aren't wearing cheap clothes by any means, but they aren't using high-fashion brands such as Armani, Gucci, etc. on clothes (except for suits/jackets) like they are on what I consider accessories. I can understand suits/jackets since they are a staple that you rarely replace, but why is there so much hype on accessories? As you get older, is that what people notice more?
If one is young one might consider my husband to be "an older man"; but I (female) find them to be very important since it is hard to find something tackier than cheap accessories. Ties, pocket squares, tie tacks, cuff links and money clips add last touch to an outfit that most people will register (even unconsciously).
It is like the equivalent of wearing a pretty, nice quality dress with a pair of Wal Mart costume jewelery- it can ruin the entire effect.
Nice quality Men's accessories are very affordable (we prefer Brooks Brothers) and we have has several pairs of custom cuff links made which add a personal meaning to the item.
Too many males are unkempt and live in cargo pants/shorts and jeans and far too many have no idea how to iron their clothing(or have items pressed). It all depends upon your career and personal taste. I can assure you that my two sons (early twenties) have wonderful accessories that will last them their lifetime.
I've heard a lot of professional businessmen say that they especially like to spend a good amount of money on ties, cuff links, wallets, and all these accessories even if they don't spend as much on normal clothes. They aren't wearing cheap clothes by any means, but they aren't using high-fashion brands such as Armani, Gucci, etc. on clothes (except for suits/jackets) like they are on what I consider accessories. I can understand suits/jackets since they are a staple that you rarely replace, but why is there so much hype on accessories? As you get older, is that what people notice more?
Older? My son is 16, and he is very conscious of such accessories that he wears. It's more the person, and how you have been raised to dress, rather than the age.
Older? My son is 16, and he is very conscious of such accessories that he wears. It's more the person, and how you have been raised to dress, rather than the age.
I suppose, but I'm on the west coast where wearing Air Force Ones with an Abercrombie polo and faded denim is considered "well dressed". It's astounding how poorly dressed 90% of people are here, but also kinda nice since I can get noticed style-wise from something as simple as a blazer and dark jeans with boat shoes .
But I didn't mean specifically older guys (although, given where I've grown up, those guys are the only people with any idea of what a clean cut appearance means), and I know that on the east coast, there are plenty of teenagers that know how to dress, so sorry about the confusion there.
My question still remains though that why is it so important to buy the big name accessories instead of buying the bigger names for normal clothes? Let me give you an example: one guy I met wore a J. Crew suit (not the cheapest thing in the world, but it isn't exactly RL Purple Label either) but dropped $200 on a Hermes tie, Salvatore Ferragamo shoes, Armani Wallet/Eyeglasses, etc. Why didn't he just buy a Purple Label suit and decent accessories? I am no connoisseur of fine clothing, but I've never been able to tell the difference between an expensive tie and a cheap tie or something like that, so I don't see the point.
It comes down to finances. People are brand conscious and can drop $300 on an Hermes or Brioni tie, but most can't afford the 6K RL Purple Label suit.
And I think men's accessories are more noticeable/obvious than the suits they wear. My husband wears custom suits & dress shirts and tailored Canali dress slacks, but nobody asks "Where'd ya' get the suit?" They often comment on his ties and cufflinks because they're unique or more obvious when compared to the suit. My husband has some high end cufflinks (Cartier), but he tends to prefer stuff that's "different" like Babette Wasserman, Tateossian, etc.. He's also particular about ties, but I'm definitely more of a tie snob than he is, especially since I'm the one usually doing the selecting.
It comes down to finances. People are brand conscious and can drop $300 on an Hermes or Brioni tie, but most can't afford the 6K RL Purple Label suit.
Exactly. And with a trip to a good tailor, a less expensive suit can look great. Proper fitting (in all the small ways that only individual tailoring can achieve) makes a very noticeable difference.
And I think men's accessories are more noticeable/obvious than the suits they wear. My husband wears custom suits & dress shirts and tailored Canali dress slacks, but nobody asks "Where'd ya' get the suit?" They often comment on his ties and cufflinks because they're unique or more obvious when compared to the suit.
Right, men's professional clothing can be a little bland, and the accessories are where they get to show a little personality.
Based on my experience, a suit is like a Christmas tree, except that it comes in either charcoal or navy. From a distance, both look alike. Up close, most observers today are incapable of distinguishing a suit made mostly by hand in Italy versus a suit mass produced in China. To have an exceptionally looking tree, one adds decorations. Likewise with suits. Men purchase expensive ties, cufflinks, belts, shoes, watches and other small accessories to distinguish themselves from the crowd.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
