You’re never fully dressed without a few accessories. Whether it’s the addition of a million-watt necklace, a bold scarf, quirky cufflinks or a statement hat, an outfit without the right accessories is a lot like a cupcake without the frosting. It will do in a pinch, but, for the most part, it’s bland, boring, and won’t garner many likes on Instagram.
For Fall 2016, designers are looking to up the “flare” factor. Blinged-out gold and crystal jewellery, oversized hats for both men and women, and brightly hued ties, pocket squares and plush scarves are musts if you want to escape the doldrums of cold-weather dressing.
Don’t let hats intimidate you. It’s been a few decades since classic headwear styles such as the Trilby, the Pork-Pie and the Newsboy have been at the forefront of men’s style, but these time-honoured pieces are making a huge comeback this fall. Whether you want to embrace tradition with a felt fedora, or you want to experiment with some of this season’s more off-the-wall colours and patterns, there is a hat out there for every man.
Ties and pocket squares are still the most popular ways for men to add some excitement to a formal or business-casual wardrobe. Once again, the bolder, the better when it comes to outfitting this season. Designers are churning out a multitude of unconventional prints and colour combinations, so don’t be shy to play around with what suits your personality best.
For years, men haven’t had access to the breadth of accessories that are available for women, but the tide has steadily been turning when it comes to spicing up your look. Quirky lapel pins and cufflinks, elegant bracelets and high-end pocket pens are an excellent way to update your style this season and add some visual interest to an outfit.
High-end casual is once again a trend in men’s fashion. Add some personality and flair to your look by choosing accessories that will keep your outfit looking polished instead of sloppy. Shop for high-quality wool pieces – like a great hat and statement scarf – as ways to add visual interest to your look while staying warm.
Tip: The leather sneaker is the must-have footwear for men this fall. It is a perfect combination of a sport and dress shoe, and it will instantly update your wardrobe.
Tassels and fringe are huge trends this season, so play around with pieces that you can add to your existing wardrobe. Necklaces and bags are easy and affordable options for trying out the trend without looking like you’re just counting down the days until you are back at Coachella.
Tip:Tuques are a low commitment option for experimenting with adding some fur to your wardrobe. Whether you opt for an all-over fur look like the one that we have chosen here or a hat with a little bit of fuzzy trim, you’ll look cool without feeling cold.
Jewellery is anything but shy this season. Necklaces, bracelets, rings and even hair clips are all about adding some shine and sparkle to your fall wardrobe. Warm tones of yellow gold offset with glitzy crystals, gems and pearls are great ways to play around with infusing your outfit with some glamour for both day and night.
There is nothing more exciting than a new fall wardrobe, but we can’t ignore that the changing seasons bring about plunging temperatures. Layers are essential for adjusting to colder autumn days and, this season, it’s all about finding statement toppers to help you stay warm.
A structured felt hat is a great way to keep your head sheltered from the inevitable chill that accompanies the falling leaves. Choose classic styles like wide-brimmed fedoras and riding caps to finish off your fall wardrobe. Hats come in all shapes and colours this season, so don’t be afraid to experiment with something new.
Fur and faux-fur are everywhere for fall 2016. Designers showcased a variety of interpretations of this trend during fashion weeks across the globe earlier this year, and now stores are stocking up on these cozy accessories. You can choose to go big with one of this season’s oversized fur collars, or play around with a little taste of this trend by accessorizing with a plush pom-pom adorned tuque or keychain.
This article appears in the September 2016 issue of Avenue Edmonton. Subscribe here.
