With the New Year’s sales coming to a close, you’ve probably copped a haul of new threads. So, what to do now? Buy some must-have accessories to go with them, of course. From a sleek and slim card holder to a pair of Pitti-worthy lenses, invest in the below items and you’ll be covered for every occasion – from the morning commute to a Riviera getaway – in the next 12 months.
A card holder
Take a quick survey around any high street checkout and more often than not you’ll see men unlimbering bulky and over-worked wallets from their trouser pocket. Yet, in a world that’s slowly going cash-free, this accessory (and overstuffed ones, especially) are slowly being made redundant.
So, discard those old receipts, loyalty cards and expired train tickets, and instead invest in something which fits easily in the pocket without disrupting the lines of an ensemble and can carry the day’s necessities; a card holder that has around six slots fits the bill perfectly. After all, slim and light is the order of 2018.
Decluttering your bulging wallet and extracting the few items you actually use on a daily basis might seem like time wasted, but once you’ve sorted out your new minimalistic set up, your tailored trousers and well-lined suit will thank you for it.
Something from the kings of luxury – Bottega Veneta and Aspinal of London – won’t disappoint you.
A premium tote bag
Almost every weekday this year you’ll be slogging to your workplace via public transport. It makes sense, then, that your newest investment should be a work- and commute- friendly, bag.
While backpacks are generally paraded as the accessory of choice for riders of the bus and underground, they don’t always fit well on top of a gargantuan winter coat, and can also be an irritant for fellow passengers. Instead, consider a luxury tote that’s both practical and stylish; this organic cotton canvas option from cult brand Want Les Essentiels is clean and minimalistic, and features four deep interior pockets for storing away earphones or pens.
This number by Saint Laurent is also easy to carry about and will bring a dash of finesse to work and travel.
Grown-up socks
If you consider yourself a gent of impeccable style, then we’ll assume that you’ve invested in some timeless formalwear from Savile Row and the like. It’s imperative, therefore, that every part of your outfit should be premium and far from outlandish – we’re talking muted colours and luxury materials. And, however trivial you may think they are, socks are subject to this rule.
As Christmas has just dropped by, it’s likely that you were gifted some novelty, brash socks; either hand them down to a younger family member or, more harshly, bin them. A big and bold kitsch pair will only take attention away from the rest of your outfit. By contrast, some basic wool options (think black, navy and grey) will pair with pretty much anything and work just as well with your weekend gear as they do with your office attire.
This offering by John Smedley has been knitted with extra-fine merino wool to ensure a butter-soft touch while the construction prevents any slouching around the ankles. Thom Browne’s mid-calf sock will also feel premium when worn inside your ones and twos.
Timeless sunglasses
If you’re not in the office or at home in your Sunspel loungewear, you might well be hitting the eateries and cocktail bars of the Amalfi Coast. And, if you want to fit in with the crowd and add a dash of Italian sprezzaturra to whatever you’re wearing (we suggest a navy polo and tailored shorts, but that’s just us), then a pair of wayfarers should be your go-to.
Glasses trends may come in and out of fashion, but few frames are as flattering, or as future-proof, as the wayfarer. Perfect for those with square, oval, round or long faces, it’s an investment item you definitely need to consider purchasing this year as it’ll save you money from having to buy a new pair every summer.
Ray Ban introduced the first wayfarer in 1952 and it’s been worn the likes of David Beckham and Bob Dylan – so it’s likely that you’ll never be disappointed by anything from the brand.
The Wolfgang by Scandi label Han Kjøbenhavn is equally as sleek and stylish, so consider these as well.
A versatile fragrance
Strictly speaking, a fragrance isn’t a wardrobe accessory – but it’ll certainly help elevate an outfit to new heights. Why? Because it’s an exceptionally personal statement that’ll let others know about your tastes and what type of man you are.
Moreover, in this age where we have to move from home to restaurant by way of the office, having a small bottle that can be stored away in a bag and sprayed on-the-go will serve you well in the long-term.
Although we don’t know your personal preferences, we are certain that Gyspy Water by Byredo and No.89 by Floris are two of the most versatile scents on the market.
Looking to gift someone an investment piece this year? Here’s what to buy,
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