• Men’s Fashion Trends

Four Key Men’s Accessory Trends For SS16

Accessories really come into their own in the warmer spring and summer months; they’re the finishing touches to any outfit. But when your outfit consists of a T-shirt and shorts, sometimes they’re the only touches that you can add, at least without spontaneously combusting. Thankfully, there are other ways to look fire in the heat: or more specifically for this season, four of them, which we’ve identified here. (You could even wear all of them at the same time without overheating, if you’re so inclined.) What’s more, these additions are also a useful and affordable – well, in most cases – way to freshen up your wardrobe without forking out for a whole new one. If you’ve got an eye for up-to-the-minute details, then these are the details that you should have your eye on for SS16. Because we’re all about seasonal ingredients.

Backpacks

Backpacks have been a carryover trend for the past couple of seasons. But for SS16, they’re holding an even higher status. “We’re seeing really strong sales of what we’ve dubbed the ‘boardroom backpack’,” says Damien Paul, head of menswear at MATCHESFASHION.com. “Backpacks have been one of our strongest bag categories for some time, but this season they’ve become much more polished and grown-up.” Think exquisite leather, high-end hardware and a vibe that’s less oversized and tippexed than the baggy, low-slung versions of your school days. “We’re selling versions from Bottega Veneta, Fendi and Valextra, and they’re being used as a more modern update on carrying a briefcase everywhere,” says Paul. One that you can also get your gym kit in. Fashion brands are all aboard the backpack bandwagon. But Darren Skey, head of menswear buying at Harvey Nichols, is tipping an OG luggage-maker. “As menswear has become progressively functional in recent seasons, so have accessories for SS16,” he says. “Japanese accessories brand Porter-Yoshida is renowned for intricate design and manufacture. The aesthetically slick bags – still made in Japan today – are constructed in durable nylon that is impervious to both dirt and water.” And sand, presumably. (Related: 10 sleek and stylish backpacks you can wear to work) A word of warning: if you’re taking your upmarket backpack to the boardroom, keep the straps away from the delicately constructed shoulders of your tailored jackets. It’s enough to make us (and your blazer) weep.

Key Styles

• Dexter Roll Top Backpack
• Porter Force Black Nylon Backpack
• Want Les Essentiels De La Vie Kastrup Canvas Backpack
• Saint Laurent Hunting Canvas And Leather Backpack
• Reiss British Christys Wool Baseball Cap

Jewellery

Hopefully by now you’ve come to terms with the concept of ‘mewellery’, if not the cringeworthy nomenclature. Because, according to those in the know, things are about to get a lot more bling. “We’ve seen a move on from bracelets in the jewellery department for SS16,” says Simon Spiteri, accessories buyer at Mr Porter. “More is more in terms of jewellery trends. Bracelets are still prevalent, with the addition of necklaces by brands like Peyote Bird, who have a rich cultural heritage in the southwest of America and specialise in turquoise – which are made for layering up with other types of metals, leather and beading.” We’d suggest keeping the layering to your wrist, lest you start to give off Mr T on a gap year jaunt round southeast Asia. Joking aside, if you’ve got the stones to pull it off, then a necklace is a good way to add interest to an otherwise plain T-shirt or vest. And if you don’t want to stick your neck out, there’s always your wrist. (Related: The new commandments of men’s jewellery) “Layering these different types of metals, leathers and beads also works really well when accompanied with a watch,” says Spiteri. “Opt for a classic style of watch to balance out a bolder choice of bracelet.” And dial down the hippy overtones by giving the impression that you still have to be on time for something.

Key Styles

• Peyote Bird Sterling Silver Turquoise Jet And Shell Bracelet
• Seven London Leather Wrap Bracelet In Brown
• Ted Baker Bracelet Plaited Leather Wrap
• Miansai Nylon Woven Bracelet With Gold Bead Detailing
• Simon Carter Leather And Semi Precious Bracelet Pack Exclusive To Asos
• Maison Margiela Engraved Silver Bar Necklace
• A.p.c. Coin Necklace
• Vivienne Westwood Necklace With Tooth Pendant
• James Tanner Sterling Silver Geometric Pendant Necklace

Final Word

Is the style god in these details? Or are these accessories to the fashion crime? Make your case in the comments below.

Jamie Millar

Formerly online style and grooming editor at GQ, Jamie Millar is a contributing editor to Men’s Health and a correspondent for outlets such as Mr Porter, Amuse and The Gentleman’s Journal. (Follow him on Instagram @mrjamiemillar.) With a frankly alarming number of years’ experience under his waistband, he’s equally comfortable dispensing advice about classic style or high fashion, Swiss watches or fitness and nutrition – because he’s probably wearing (tailored) sweatpants while he does so.