Accessory Mythbusting: 5 Ways You Should be Accessorizing in 2021

In The Wild

Accessory Mythbusting: 5 Ways You Should be Accessorizing in 2021

December 17, 2020

  • By John Taylor

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.