by Ifeanyi Dike Jr

For the typical man, only a game of soccer and a bottle of scotch can heighten his pulses. Not for much longer, perhaps.

In recent times, the typical man has become arguably untypical. Suddenly, men’s shopping lists have grown as long as their female counterparts, thanks to a steadily dynamic flow of clothes and accessory makers cashing in on men’s newly found taste in fashion.

 Here are 7 accessories that will dominate the male kingdom this year. You cannot be found wanting.

1.      Wristwatches

Set your phone and table clocks to the right time because in 2012, wristwatches will lose their primary goal in life as timepieces. Brands like Ice have watches that are young, fresh and casual with a wide range in colours and glow-in-the-dark effects while Monaco wristwatches will draw more attention to your wrist than your entire outfit. Monaco boasts a distinctive brushed and polished steel casing, and features sleek, geometric lines and elegant styling. 

Wear it: Wear the classic chronograph with your smart wears and suits and the Toy watches with your favourite casual wear.

Get it: TagHeuer.com, Ice-watch.com. 

 

2.      Brooches

Never has any femininesque male accessory gotten so popular in a short time and with almost no prejudice. Brooches on blazers and jackets gained visibility in 2011 and show no signs of slowing down this year. This comes as no surprise following its previous success and its ability to turn up an outfit in a snap, added to the fact that brooches can make the style-less look stylish quickly while pulling an entire outfit together. We would consider a brooch and a pocket square at the same time a tad too much though.  

Wear it: Wear a brooch on the lapel of your suit or blazer.  

Get it: Topman.com.

 

3.      Sun glasses

Sunglasses have long ago lost their initial purpose of creation. We are not complaining because when there are thousands of shapes, sizes and colours of sunglasses to pick from, wearing them for fashion’s sake is the only way to go. Whoever you are, wherever you are, there is definitely one for you. Not to mention that retro styles are making a comeback this year.  

Wear it: Every time and everywhere, except indoors (except of course you are blind, or famous or Karl Lagerfeld) 

Get it: Everywhere

 

 4.      Rings

We could say that rings became popular following the trilogy fantasy flick ‘Lord of the Rings’, but I doubt it. Jewellers are finally able to tempt us with a variety of male rings, my favourite this season being the double, triple or quadruple finger ring. Three words to describe this ring: deep, artsy and stylish (you will accomplish at least one of these traits). 

Wear it: You have 10 fingers to choose from, so take your pick.

Get it: Asos.com, Topman.com. 

 

5.      Coloured Socks

Argyll, black, navy and brown socks once the most stylish are experiencing fashion extiction, they have made way for the surprisingly mature looking coloured socks. Apparently, there is something brave about a daring colour peaking from your ankle when your trouser goes up a bit.  

Wear it: With your suit and casual smart outfits that require socks.  

Get it: Maiatafoinspired.com

 

6.      Gadgets

While we cannot say that functions of these gadgets are lost on its owners, we are certain they serve as much accessorial purpose as function. The line-up for toys to come out this year with combined high-tech and style qualities makes them irresistible.  

Wear it: It’s not like you can make it past 5minutes without your phone.  

Get it: Apple.com, Blackberry.com. All others can suck it.

 

7.      Bags

Now that men are okay with carrying bags (‘well, only the ones the manufacturers call Man-Bags’ they usually argue), you have to wonder where they kept all that baggage. From suitcases to messenger bags, satchels to bowling bags, there is something for the different genres of men. This year, leather bags are adding an extra something to men’s outfits.  

Wear it: Suit cases and bowling bags with suits, smart outfits and casual smart outfits. Satchels and messenger bags go well with casual outfits. Heck, carry the damn thing when necessary, even when not necessary.

 Get it: Riverisland.com, Asos.com, Topman.com, Urbanoutfitters.com, and Zara.com.