Be it carrying a handbag or layering up with jewels, accessorising is no more a trend, it’s a cardinal rule. Here’s your accessories update for 2022 

With A$AP Rocky and the Machine Gun Kellys of the world taking over, it’s time to pay equal attention to your accessories, as you would to your outfits. Thanks to the demand for intricate pieces and colourful carry bags, the accessory market is booming.

“I think we’re going to see a lot of men wearing rings this year, along with neck chains with maybe a charm or two. You may also see men’s ears dressed up with little cuffs or small but statement pieces. I think the shift to gender-fluid fashion is going to go a step further this year, and I can’t wait to see that unfold,”  says Eishhita Puri, founder and jewellery designer of Eurumme.

In 2022, versatility and styling will be the key to wearing any menswear jewels. Sasha and Kaabia, co-founders of Outhouse, explain. “We strongly believe that versatile pieces that can be styled in multiple ways are going to be huge in 2022. Our predictions and the key to a conventional yet stylish 2022 when it comes to accessories are statement link chain necklaces layered with minimalistic pendants, masculine sleek cuffs for the hand, thumb rings, and stacked statement signet rings.”

To weigh in from a designer perspective, fashion designer Raghavendra Rathore says, “Take the weather into account before selecting your outfit. You should also consider what your usual style is, and maintain a degree of consistency with your usual look, understand what is expected and then design your outfit according to your goals. A few timeless, well-tailored items are worth investing more in. Wear an achkan, paired with breeches which have more structure and are made with heavier fabric to emphasise the evening party element, and separate it from daily wear. Once you have the classics in place, you can add personality to your outfit by playing with luxurious fabrics such as silk or cashmere and bolder colours. These should be reserved for your accessories such as your pocket squares and jewelled buttons.”

 Designer Sawan Gandhi believes that to accessorise a look, the right choice of belt, shoes, and brooch can bring out the zaniest best.

“The key is not to overdo it. Men’s jewellery ranges from cufflinks, lapel pins, watches, and rings to tie bars, collar pins, neck chains, bracelets, and so on. Take your pick,” Gandhi adds.

Here are some of the key pieces to add to your closet this year

MISHO 

Misho, a classic homegrown label, is a hit among celebrities such as Kendall Jenner, Kim Kardashian, and Deepika Padukone among others. The label is now catering to men, with Misho Man. From the classic Zodiac Medallion, Lapis Bracelet, Textured Initial necklace to Bauhaus rings, these pieces add a strong sense of personality to any look.

OUTHOUSE

Outhouse’s latest OH Poppi collection is truly versatile — the accessories can be mixed and remixed to create your own unique styles. The mens’ range comprises bolt necklaces, rings, and cuffs, which are ideal options for someone who is starting out with jewellery.

TOKIKE

The Jack in the Block collection is an ode to eccentric Dutch painter Piet Mondrian’s painting called ‘Composition with Red, Blue, and Yellow’. The designs are made from cotton canvas and polyester/nylon, handcrafted with upcycled stock load fabrics stitched together precariously, staying true to our experimental nature of fashion. The capsule range consists of 11 bags, which see negative spaces be redefined in technicolour shifts in blocks.

EURRUMME

Based in New Delhi, Eurumme is a hand-crafted jewellery label that focuses on gender fluid pieces. They do minimal rings, statement neck pieces, and thick cuffs, and thanks to their contemporary and timeless touch, they can be paired easily with everyday and occasion wear.

TUMI

For this season, Tumi has relaunched its Alpha Bravo collection, which was first introduced in 2010 and brought in the modern utilitarian bags trend. Crafted with the brand’s signature ballistic nylon, some styles feature the addition of vibrant scratch-resistant coatings. Key pieces this season include the Recruit Chest Pack, Navigation Backpack, and the Mason Duffel. Another addition is the new Iridescent Blue colourway for the Tahoe and Devoe collections, a stunning metallic sheen that makes a statement with a sleek, minimalist silhouette.

ALDO

Another addition to your accessory list this year should be a classic messenger bag. Aldo has introduced a variety of menswear bags, which are a perfect addition to your everyday looks. This wear-anywhere messenger bag comes with practical features such as an adjustable shoulder strap, an exterior front pocket, and a magnetic snap closure for easy access.

GUCCI

To celebrate the year of the tiger, Gucci has introduced a special collection — Gucci Tiger — a wide-ranging selection of ready-to-wear and accessories, for both men and women, featuring various renditions of the animal, which is a mainstay of Creative Director Alessandro Michele’s collections. The new print, which is a reinterpretation of a late 1960s archival design by Vittorio Accornero, depicts the tiger against a colourful backdrop of greenery and flowers in a pastel palette.