Trendy Gay Hipster: You Have to Accessorize, Darling!

Each and every week for several months now, I’ve had the pleasure of sharing everything that my little ole’ heart knows regarding men’s fashion with all of you fabulous AfterElton.com readers! From discussing my never-ending love of cardigans to lending advice on how to revive your work wardrobe, I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to voice some of my fashion tips and tricks to help get you through your everyday life out in the world.

As great as it is to share what’s hot in today’s fashion amongst fellow AE readers, I haven’t yet had the chance to feature what actually brings together a man’s outfit and helps define his style — the accessories, of course! Accessories are to an outfit what wine is to a French cuisine — it can be fine without it, but with it, the meal tastes absolutely delicious.

It’s my humble opinion that more men should take chances with accessorizing their outfits. Whether it is adding a shoulder bag or wearing a few bracelets, including some sort of accessory can complement any sort of garment. And when it comes to accessories, there is an array of options to choose from, including these must-haves in your wardrobe for this and every season.

One accessory I highly recommend every man add to his wardrobe is the shoulder bag, also known as a satchel or “man purse.” Shoulder bags have become a nifty item among many of today’s hip men — both gay and straight.

When searching for the right kind of bag, be sure to consider both style and quality. Although you may want to show off your individual panache by sporting an accessory that’s likely to turn heads, you want to make sure the quality is long lasting. Because if you’re like me and have a tendency to carry around your entire life in a bag, you'll want to be sure to invest in one that will last a long time and can hold all of your belongings. Plus, making sure it looks cute is always a plus when shopping around.

Many bags that you’ll find in retail may look shoulder-worthy when on the rack; however, you may find that many bags quickly fall apart — leaving your shoulder bag-less and all alone.

I get emotional just thinking of such a horrid image!

When the sun’s UV rays are beaming down upon our fragile eyes, we all know that we have to keep them protected, right? What better way to do so then with a good pair of sunglasses, another awesome accessory just in time for the warmer sunny weather.

The current trend for sunglasses with many optical retailers is the vintage look. There are plenty of men’s sunglasses that have that classic wider frame that captures that early Hollywood glamor. And that is most appealing when you happen to be wearing a vintage outfit.

With the summer season quickly approaching, finding a pair of frames that have a blast of color can be quite pleasurable when accessorizing your ensemble. It's a great way to snazz up your style and show your fashion confidence. Besides, what goes better on a bright summer day than equally bright color on your person!

When you’re shopping around, make sure to find a pair of sunglasses that really flatter your face and features. If your face is already wide, then a really wide pair probably aren’t right for you!

Since there are tons of styles of glasses in different shapes and sizes, you’re bound a find a couple of pairs that just won’t do. Shop smart and give those glasses a good test drive before making that final purchase.

Another accessory that never grows old and that comes in a plethora of looks are hats, just ripe for the picking. A good hat is always a great addition to your outfit, really completing your overall look, and expressing your true style. Plus, with all of those cruel UV rays, the right hat provides you with protection from the sun.

Fedoras are one of my personal favorites, since they are a classic style that can easily make your look extroverted. To expand on the Fedora look, try experimenting with different patterns including burlap woven, plaid, and pinstripe. Keeping an open mind with color delivers a certain edge to your attire.

If you’re more of a laid-back type of guy who also wants more comfort in your headwear, there are plenty of beanies available to explore. Can I just say, I’m such a sucker for a man who can pull off a beanie, but this kind of chapeau can be difficult to master — it can either look horrible, or completely sexy.

Oversized beanies are currently trendy and are a look that many guys mesh into their outfits, either casual or high fashion.

Just like with any clothing, try your hat choice out in the store to see how it looks. If it doesn’t feel comfortable or doesn’t look right on you, don’t buy it! Not every person can make every hat look like it’s a fierce piece of art — well, except maybe Johnny Weir. The girl is an elegant piece of work, okay?

So make sure you love it before you buy it, and if you can't find something stylin' and new, it’s not the end of the world. Continue on your shopping journey!

Finally, don’t just stop your accessorizing with the hats, sunglasses, and bags. You should expand on your options by including jewelry, belts, scarves, and more! Accessorizing your clothing can be a fun activity. But don’t despair if you’re okay with keeping your look simple — because that’s fine too! Just make sure you have the strut, nerve, and attitude to make up for it.

Trendy Gay Hipster

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