15 Menswear Accessories You Won’t Want to Share

By Alison Syrett Cleary (Text) and Sam Broekema (Market)
Updated: Sep 02, 2016 @ 11:49 am
Bettmann Archive

While menswear for women is a consistently winning mix, menswear on women has a far less reliable track record. Consider the last time you quite literally “borrowed from the boys:” Did that boxy sports coat magically fit like an oversized blazer? Could you really belt a giant oxford like a tunic dress? Did you make any sense of an inseam that ran 6 inches too long?

If you’re still vehemently shaking your head no, no, and oh heck no, we’ve got a less hazardous way to shop the guy’s section (or, you know, the closet of a particularly stylish male friend): stick to accessories. Free of fit issues but brimming with effortless tomboy edge, any adornment originally meant for a dude delivers the laid-back attitude you crave without any potential fashion disasters. Here, InStyle’s accessories director Sam Broekema (who’s all too familiar with fashion girls raiding his wardrobe) shares 15 perfect add-ons from his side of the store worth picking up for yourself. 

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1 of 16

Filson Bag

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$297
from brooksbrothers.com
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Give your tote bag game a utilitarian upgrade with a cargo pocket style in color-blocked khaki.

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2 of 16

Paul Stuart

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$435
from paulstuart.com
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Rakishly peeking beneath a tuxedo blazer, wrapped into an elegant turban, tied on your bag handle—there’s no end of uses for this long, vibrantly printed scarf.

3 of 16

Gucci Belt

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$395
from bergdorfgoodman.com
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Nothing like the canvas belt your little brother used to wear with OshKosh B’gosh.

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4 of 16

LONGCHAMP briefcase

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$410
from longchamp.com
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Thanks to its resume-friendly shape and clean lines, an ideal bag to carry on interviews.

5 of 16

UNIFORM WARES Watch

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$500
from uniformwares.com
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One striped T-shirt and trench away from French girl perfection.

6 of 16

Thom Browne Backpack

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$1,490
from barneys.com
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A geometric design and sporty color scheme give the high school knapsack a commute-ready upgrade.

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7 of 16

Our Legacy Scarf

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$246
from eastdane.com
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With a tweedy overcoat and wide leg trousers, instant Annie Hall vibes. 

8 of 16

TÄRNSJÖ-GARVERI portfolio case

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$750
from matchesfashion.com
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The ultimate desk-to-drinks essential: a structured document pouch that doubles as a clutch.

9 of 16

Uniqlo Hat

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$20
from uniqlo.com
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To keep a boyish brimmed hat from feeling too conspicuous, mix with pieces that share a similar aesthetic, like vintage jeans and camel overcoat.

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10 of 16

Braun Watch

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$800
from mrporter.com
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Versatile enough to go with everything, but especially chic peeking beneath the cuff of a shrunken cable knit sweater.

11 of 16

Tom Ford Belt

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$390
from mrporter.com
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For a striking, high-contrast effect, layer with a few delicate gold bangles.

12 of 16

RAF SIMONS Scarf

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$330
from matchesfashion.com
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A brilliant way to fake fall layering before sweater weather hits.

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Paul Smith Pocket Square

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$75
from eastdane.com
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Just long enough to diagonally twist and wear like a choker.

14 of 16

Gap Belt

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$40
from gap.com
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Don’t be afraid of extra length! Purposefully tucked just so to the side, a dangling leather strap is go-to detail for street style stars. 

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FELISI Bag

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$675
from barneys.com
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Equestrian-inspired details instantly up the sophistication factor of a roomy top-handle handbag.

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