Accessory Mythbusting: 5 Ways You Should be Accessorizing in 2021
If there’s anything that 2020 has taught us, it’s that life’s too short and a lot of the things we thought mattered, really don’t. Being stuck at home this year has transformed the way I dress. The imaginary rules of fashion that always seemed to deter us from certain style decisions now seem insignificant to how we feel when we look in the mirror. And when I look in the mirror, I just want to smile. I’ve found that accessorizing is one of the fastest ways to inject some fun into my day. Some people like to apply a lot of boundaries to the what/where/when/why/how of accessorizing. I’ve officially decided those folks are killjoys and their rules are ready to be broken. Here are five fashion myths we can leave behind as we roll into 2021.
Myth #1 - Don’t Over-Accessorize
In these unprecedented times, over-accessorizing is a matter of survival and common sense. Keys, mask, sunglasses, winter cap, headphones, phone, wallet, watch, and a pocketknife—we kind of need all these as part of our EDC. We’re already accessorizing like never before—so why not take it over the top? It’s okay. Lean into it.
Get The Look
- Shirt: Topo Designs Field Shirt - Plaid
- Pants: Topo Designs 5 Pocket Pants - Twill
- Beanie: Topo Designs Ski Cap
- Boots: Vasque Sundowner GTX
- Socks: Topo Designs Mountain Socks
- Belt: Topo Designs Web Belt
- Watch: VAER C3 Tradition
- Strap: ADPT Strap Single Pass
- Kerchief: Cantonment Opti Set
Myth #2 - Avoid Over-Matching
Part of what makes accessorizing fun is making everything match. There’s something that feels purposeful and thought-through when everything is extra matchy-matchy. You might get the occasional eye roll from some, but you’ll bring a smile to the faces of so many more, because matching your watch strap to your shoelaces is for winners.
Get The Look
- Shirt: Topo Designs Mountain Shirt Heavyweight
- Tee: Topo Designs Original Logo Tee
- Pants: Topo Designs 5 Pocket Pants - Denim
- Hat: Topo Designs Nylon Camp Hat
- Boots: Vasque Clarion ‘88 GTX
- Watch: VAER S5 Standard Issue
- Strap: ADPT Mil Strap
Myth #3 - Accessories Should Complement the Outfit
Talk to any watch enthusiast or sneakerhead and you’ll quickly learn your outfit should complement your accessories, not the other way around. It's a fun, daily challenge to wake up in the morning and build an entire outfit off of a specific accessory. Give it a shot, it won’t disappoint.
Get The Look
- Shirt: Topo Designs Mountain Shirt - Plaid
- Tee: Topo Designs Classic Tee
- Pants: Topo Designs 5 Pocket Pants
- Hat: Topo Designs Global Hat
- Boots: Vasque Clarion ‘88 GTX
- Watch: VAER S5 Standard Issue
- Strap: ADPT Strap Single Pass
Myth #4 - Base Your Wardrobe Off of Three Colors
Sure, in practice, this makes perfect sense—get the most out of your wardrobe by having interchangeable items. But don’t be afraid to rock an outfit and accessories that just work all by themselves, and that don't necessarily go with anything else in the closet. There comes a time in the rotation when you just need to have a complete change of pace.
Get The Look
- Pack: Topo Designs Rover Pack Mini - Canvas
- Jacket: Topo Designs Dirt Jacket
- Tee: Topo Designs Classic Tee
- Pants: Topo Designs Boulder Pants
- Hat: Topo Designs Nylon Ball Cap
- Boots: Vasque Sundowner GTX
- Watch: VAER C3 Tradition
- Strap: ADPT Strap Single Pass
Myth #5 - Style Should Look Effortless
No matter how hard I try to look effortless, I never do. (Wink, wink.) I’ve realized that I can’t not care about what I wear. So what if your style looks effortful instead? I’ve determined to just go ahead and be intentional in my wardrobe, to care all the way down to the most minute detail. Yes, I want the dial of my watch to sync with my shirt. Tryhard is the new effortless.
Get The Look
- Shirt: Topo Designs Dirt Shirt
- Tee: Topo Designs Waffle Tee
- Pants: Topo Designs Dirt Pants
- Beanie: Topo Designs Watch Cap
- Boots: Vasque Sundowner GTX
- Watch: VAER C3 Tradition
- Strap: ADPT Strap Single Pass
About the Author
Kyle Snarr is a marketer and creative consultant who’s worked with digital platforms and publications such as Vox, The Verge, Eater, Flipboard, Gear Patrol, and Watchonista. He’s also the cofounder of the accessory brand Cantonment. Kyle lives just outside of NYC and spends his free time car-spotting, gear collecting, and camping with his wife and their four kids.
