• Men’s Fashion Trends

Men’s Spring/Summer 2014 Accessory Trends

On Trend Summer 2014 Accessories

Summer can be a frustratingly difficult period to dress well for. During autumn/winter layering is imperative and adds both texture and character to any outfit, while a strong piece of outerwear can quickly hide a lazy look, elevating it in an instant. In contrast, summer dictates your ensembles be stripped back in order to counteract the rising temperatures, leaving less room for creativity.

Yes, classic t-shirt/polo/shirt and shorts combinations can quickly become boring. However, as always, the devil is in the details. The warmer months of the year may not lend themselves to sharp jackets and multiple layers, but you can still individualise any look with the right accessories. A considered, seasonally-appropriate choice offers an effortless way of taking your attire up a notch without sacrificing comfort.

With this in mind, we take a look at the five major accessory trends for SS14…

1. Neckerchiefs

A couple of years back the neckerchief underwent a mini renaissance, although it seemed to fall out of style as quickly as it arrived. Nevertheless, this summer the industry is set to rekindle its love affair with this most bohemian of pieces, and once again they are back on the menswear radar.

Oozing continental flair, the ‘necker’ will bring a touch of panache to any simple linen shirt and shorts combination. Roll up your sleeves, leave a couple of buttons undone and finish with suede loafers to really nail that look of considered nonchalance that our Mediterranean cousins pull off so well.

That’s not to say the neckerchief should be confined to casual looks. Trying pairing one with lightweight, seasonally-appropriate tailoring – they make a noteworthy alternative to a tie and will be far less stifling in the heat.

Prioritise cotton versions over silk to help maintain breathability and comfort while simultaneously avoiding any dandy or international playboy vibes.

Video: How To Tie A Neckerchief

Check out the video below for three easy ways of tying a neckerchief:

Lookbook Inspiration

Key Pieces

• Topman Black Mystic Bandana
• Topman White Dogtooth Bandana
• Topman Red Bones Washed Bandana
• The Kooples Sport Bandana-style Sports Scarf
• The Kooples Microstars Scarf
• Alexander Mcqueen Morphing Python And Skull-print Scarf

2. Bracelets

Men’s jewellery has made the leap from style sin to wardrobe staple in recent years, and bracelets have lead the charge. Arguably the easiest piece of jewellery for the modern man to wear and pull off, a bracelet adds a touch of personality to a look without going into full-on Johnny Depp mode.

For a contemporary feel, consider nautical-inspired wristwear. The anchor motif was extremely prominent last spring/summer, with specialist brands like Miansai cornering the market by producing a wide variety of high quality, understated hook designs that have become synonymous with the growing trend. Likewise, Trashness’ rope bracelets with anchor fastenings have quickly risen to prominence due to their undeniably masculine feel and affordable price point.

If you desire something more classic, simple leather, woven and metal bracelets are timeless and can quickly develop into one of your signatures. These materials are also extremely masculine and versatile, with minimalist versions looking just as good with a t-shirt and jeans combination as they do with a suit during the working week.

Don’t shy away from doubling or even tripling up your bracelets. So long as you keep the colours reasonably restrained – stick to the rule of two out of three, i.e. at least one neutral to every two colours – you can’t go wrong. Just don’t go stacking them half way up your forearm, this isn’t the noughties.

For more information on the current bracelet trend, check out our comprehensive guide.

Lookbook Inspiration

Key Pieces

• Asos Wraparound Bracelet With Anchor
• Yuvi Silver And Woven Cord Bracelet
• Miansai Rope And Silver-plated Hook Bracelet
• Anchor Bracelet Navy
• M.cohen Brown Chunky Single Bracelet
• Nialaya Tiger Eye Bracelet
• Luis Morais Gold And Glass Bead Symbol Bracelet
• Miansai Woven Cord And Metal Wrap-bracelet
• Maison Martin Margiela Engraved Sterling Silver Cuff
• Paul Smith Shoes & Accessories Woven-leather Wrap Bracelet
• He By Mango Double Leather Bracelet
• Miansai Leather And Enamel Anchor Wrap Bracelet

3. Bucket Hats

Easily the most controversial accessory on our list, the bucket hat is back and in a big way. Yes, after almost a decade spent in the fashion wilderness, this particular style of head wear is being revived as the 1990s continue to tighten their stranglehold on the industry.

Having laid the foundation for their comeback in streetwear circles, the design is now set to go mainstream. The likes of A.P.C, Rag & Bone and Mark McNairy put them front and centre on the SS14 runways, and the high street has been quick to pick up the trend.

For those of you who haven’t immediately dismissed the bucket hat, the only way to wear one is with rock solid confidence and a touch of nonchalance. If you are considering taking the plunge, we recommend sticking to neutral colours that are both versatile and easier to wear. As with any piece of head wear, they make a statement on their own, so try to avoid garish prints and/or bold colours.

In terms of styling, don’t over-think it: simply throw it on with any of your casual high summer looks or, if you want to make more of a statement, try combining with some laid-back seasonal tailoring, as suggested by GQ US (see lookbook below).

Just remember that this fisherman’s friend isn’t for everyone – the bucket hat may be at the forefront of the current chapeau conversation but there are other stylish alternatives out there for you to consider, from panama hats to straw trilbies. Pick the one that best suits your face shape and personal style, rather than blindly following what the industry is telling you to wear.

Lookbook Inspiration

Key Pieces

• Topman Navy Floral Bucket Hat
• Fred Perry Bucket Hat In Olive
• Patagonia Bucket Hat El Cap
• Vans California Parkway Bucket Hat
• Fred Perry Classic Bucket Hat
• Lock & Co Hatters Reversible Water-resistant Bucket Hat
• River Island Stone Contrast Turn Up Bucket Hat
• Stussy Paradise Bucket Hat
• Thom Browne Seersucker Fishermans Hat

4. Statement Sunglasses

A genuine essential summer accessory, sunglasses are not only effortlessly cool but also offer a variety of health benefits. Although aviator, wayfarer and clubmaster shapes remain popular and will never fall out of style, SS14 sees the rise of statement frames and lenses.

Everything from modern D-frames to retro round silhouettes are now available in a plethora of bold colours and patterns, meaning you can make as much of a statement as you feel comfortable with.

Yet the industry’s new found penchant for colour hasn’t been restricted to the frames – lenses have received similar treatment. From yellow and blue tints to gradient fades, coloured lenses are able to completely transform even the most classic frames. The key is to not be greedy: pick a statement frame OR lens, not both.

One particularly prominent combination that has been spotted in a number of influential SS14 lookbooks sees clear acetate frames paired with coloured mirrored lenses. It’s an undeniably striking combination that manages to somehow retain a sense of timelessness – something a leopard print or multicoloured frame isn’t able to achieve.

Of course, no matter what colour frame/lenses you opt for, it’s imperative that you pick a shape that suits your specific face shape – for help on finding your ideal pair of sunglasses, take a look through our comprehensive guide on the subject.

Finally, before taking the plunge with any pair of shades, try them on – you might be surprised at what you can or can’t pull off.

Lookbook Inspiration

Key Styles

• Illesteva Leonard 2 Blue Sunglasses
• Oakley Acid Frogskin
• Vintage Renewal Colour Rounder Sunglasses With Red Lenses
• River Island Blue Metallic Retro Sunglasses
• Dolce & Gabanna Aviator Sunglasses
• L.g.r Tripoli Acetate Square-frame Sunglasses
• Cutler And Gross Transparent Frame Sunglasses 144780
• Thierry Lasry Mastery Acetate Sunglasses 191788
• Oliver Spencer Sid Round-frame Tortoiseshell Sunglasses
• Ray-ban Clubmaster Acetate And Metal Mirrored Sunglasses
• Ray-ban Aviator Sunglasses
• Cutler And Gross Metal Aviator Mirrored Sunglasses

5. Lightweight Ties

Formal/office wear can quickly become stifling in the summer if you don’t get your materials right. Tailoring is one aspect of the male wardrobe that almost dictates that it is split into seasonal halves.

Of course, a warm-weather tie is not going to make you feel noticeably cooler in the heat – the suit and shirt made from breathable cotton, linen or tropical wool will do that – but applying this same lightweight, textured approach to your entire ensemble shows style consistency and will mark you out as a man that pays attention to the finer details.

As a perennial spring/summer accessories trend, lightweight neck wear is actually timeless move and something you will continue to get good wear out of for many years to come. Cotton, linen or, if you must persevere with silk, knitted ties should be the only thing hanging on your rack once the temperatures begin to rise.

Wear them for weddings, in the office and for any other occasion that requires you to knot up when the sun is out.

Lookbook Inspiration

Key Styles

• Atkinsons Contrast-check Linen Tie
• Navy Tie
• Reiss Exmouth Plain Linen Tie Navy
• He By Mango Silk Linen-blend Striped Tie
• He By Mango Chambray Tie
• Pure Cotton Chambray Textured Tie
• Marwood Flecked Woven-cotton Tie
• T.m.lewin Grey Green Club Stripe Tie
• Drakes Knitted Cotton Tie

Final Word

When accessorising your looks, exercise caution and consideration. Throwing all the above into the mix is always going to come across as try hard, particularly if your canvas is as simple as a shorts and t-shirt combination.

But, most importantly, always dress for yourself rather than blindly following trends – accentuating your own personality is key.

So, what do you make of the accessory trends showcased today? Will you be introducing any into your own wardrobe this summer?

Let us know in the comments section below…

Alex Woodhall

A student and self-confessed fashion fanatic whose articles mainly focus on seasonal topics varying from trends to guides. As well as being a contributing writer at FashionBeans Alex maintains his own blog over at wardrobewarrior.co.uk.