Less Really Is More
Men's accessories can make an ordinary outfit look more attractive, but that doesn’t mean every option is a slam dunk. Certain choices have the opposite effect, and while some guys believe a particular hat or expensive item makes them irresistible, women don’t see it that way! Here are 20 that might not be getting the positive attention men think they are.
1. Bluetooth Earpieces
There's something really unappealing about a guy who walks around with an earpiece practically sewn to his ear. Sure, these devices are useful for hands-free calls, but wearing one throughout dinner does not make a guy look important or wealthy. It makes him look like he doesn’t care.
2. Fingerless Leather Gloves
Some men still think fingerless leather gloves give a special bad-boy flair that will draw women like a moth to a flame. Unfortunately, wearing them to a restaurant can look rather theatrical, especially when there's no reason for them. Women might appreciate a rugged man, but that doesn't mean they want their date dressed for a Harley ride.
3. Giant Designer Sunglasses
Expensive sunglasses aren't automatically attractive, and the excitement dwindles even more when the frames cover half your face. Oversized Gucci or Versace shades with heavily embellished arms are unnecessarily flashy, even if they cost several hundred dollars.
4. Novelty Cufflinks
A tasteful pair of cufflinks elevates almost any suit, but some men take the opportunity to display their entire personality on their sleeves. Tiny golf clubs, miniature beer bottles, and superhero logos might seem amusing when you're getting dressed, but they can look childish at a formal event. There's a time and place for everything, gentlemen.
5. Tactical Phone Holsters
You'd be surprised how many guys still rock a phone holder—and you’d be even more surprised to learn how many of them are covered in camo. Those bulky holsters with Velcro closures rarely complement an outfit, especially when they're hanging beside a neatly tucked dress shirt. Your phone might be easier to reach, but women would prefer it tucked into your pocket.
6. Decorative Scarves
Scarves are wonderful accessories…when the weather calls for them! Some guys can’t help but arrange oversized cashmere scarves around their necks, and the thing is, refusing to remove your winter accessories can seem more affected than fashionable.
7. Skull-Shaped Rings
There's nothing inherently unattractive about men's rings. If anything, some women love a man who sparkles a bit. But enormous skull designs are a lot harder to appreciate. A bulky silver ring with red gemstone eyes might appeal to biker culture, but it won't necessarily impress someone who prefers understated jewelry. Besides, a giant skull scraping against a woman’s hand sort of kills the mood.
8. Headphones Around the Neck
High-quality headphones have become fashion accessories in their own right, but maybe it’s time we ended that. Some men leave huge headphones resting around their necks throughout social gatherings, mainly because they think the look is fashionable. For a lot of women, it isn’t.
9. Flashy Tie Clips
Tie clips were originally designed to keep neckties neatly in place, but just like with cufflinks, certain decorative versions became unnecessarily elaborate. Gold clips covered in rhinestones, oversized initials, or extravagant designer emblems can make an otherwise handsome suit dated.
10. Leather Wrist Cuffs
Wide leather wrist cuffs have really stuck around among alternative fashion, particularly those inspired by rockstars. But unless you’re dating a groupie, the heavily studded versions look intimidating, especially when paired with everyday outfits. There's nothing wrong with embracing an unconventional style, but a massive leather cuff isn't everyone's idea of an attractive finishing touch.
11. Novelty Neckties
A man in a Christmas tie at the office party? No problem. A man with cartoon characters at brunch? That’s a bit weirder. Women who appreciate a well-dressed man might wish he'd chosen something a little more appropriate for the occasion.
12. Decorated Cowboy Hats
Say what you will about them, but cowboy hats look cool when they're worn confidently and suit someone's style. That being said, it’s best to stick to basics. Adding feathers, oversized ornaments, decorative chains, and elaborate leather bands makes an already noticeable accessory way too busy.
13. Pocket Watch Chains
A vintage pocket watch turns just about any guy into a fancy lad, particularly with traditional formalwear. But you need to break it out when it makes sense. Elaborate chains draped across jeans or vests—without a pocket watch attached—isn’t as cool as you think. What might seem like a distinguished Victorian-inspired detail looks out of place to the average woman.
14. Oversized Earrings
Men's earrings have become increasingly versatile, and plenty of ladies love everything from small studs to tasteful hoops. However, dangling crosses or heavily jeweled earrings reaching toward the shoulders dominate someone's appearance in ways that aren't always flattering. Those dramatic designs have their admirers, yes, but they aren't necessarily the romantic statement some men imagine.
15. Suspenders With Casual Outfits
Suspenders were once the talk of the town, and it’s easy to assume women still love them. Well…they’ve become considerably harder to appreciate when paired with ordinary jeans and a graphic T-shirt. Some men wear brightly patterned suspenders over casual outfits, and that’s not really quirky or sophisticated. Depending on the styling, the result just reminds women more of an outdated costume.
16. Decorative Collar Chains
You've probably seen dress shirts with small chains on either side of the collar. If you haven’t, you’re bound to one day! While these accessories can complement certain formal outfits, combining them with patterned shirts, additional necklaces, and elaborate jackets just feels too complicated.
17. Embellished Driving Gloves
Traditional driving gloves have their uses, but try to think of them like fingerless leather gloves: there’s a time and a place. Wearing perforated gloves with decorative snaps just to walk into a coffee shop looks far too dramatic. Unless you're actually behind the wheel of something special, leave those gloves in the car.
18. Designer Keychains
Some men proudly display their expensive keychains by attaching them to their jeans or even a shoulder bag—unfortunately, an oversized Louis Vuitton charm can make an otherwise polished outfit look cluttered. The constant jingling doesn't help, either.
19. Elaborate Lapel Pins
A small lapel pin can add personality to a jacket, but covering your blazer with decorative flowers? That’s not going to get the reaction you want. Metallic animals, oversized brooches, and sparkling badges won’t, either! An excessive collection of decorations gets pretty distracting.
20. Ascots
Don’t get us wrong, there's a place for ascots in men's fashion. However, pairing a brightly patterned silk ascot with an ordinary short-sleeved shirt can seem way too formal for a simple lunch date. Confidence is attractive, but a neatly opened collar makes a better impression than an accessory that requires constant adjusting.
