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50 Essential Accessories for Men Over 50

These amazing accessories will instantly elevate your style.

white man wearing watch putting on cufflinks
Shutterstock/Dima_Skorina

As George Michael once said, “Sometimes the clothes do not make the man.” We like to think he meant to add, “But the accessories do.” When it comes to elevating your style game, there are few things that can completely transform your look like the right accessories, whether you’re buying a stylish pair of sneakers or treating yourself to an heirloom-quality watch. However, when you’re over 50, the accessories that you wore as a 20-something don’t always cut it. That’s why we’ve rounded up the 50 best men’s accessories for the over 50 set—so read on to discover the perfect outfit add-ons for leveling up your wardrobe this year.


Best Life's editors have scoured the internet to bring you the best products out there, and we're hoping you'll love them as much as we do. Full disclosure: we may earn a commission for anything you purchase through links on this page, but that doesn't mean you'll pay more for them (we'd never do that to you!). Pricing and availability are accurate as of the piece's initial publication date, but it's the internet and we can't guarantee that these sweet, sweet deals will last forever, so scoop them up before someone else does!

1 | A set of stylish face masks

four pack of masksNordstrom Rack

Just because you have to cover up right now doesn't mean you have to resort to wearing a boring surgical mask day in and day out. With this handsome four-pack of masks, you can stay safe in style.

Nordstrom Rack
$20

2 | Luxe weekend sneakers

white lace-up sneakersVionic

No need to reinvent the wheel, guys. You need a good pair of sneakers that aren't built for your workouts but can handle your walkabouts—and your brunches. Here's the thing: you don't need to spend a fortune on them, either. This pair in white from Vionic will look great with absolutely everything you wear, and aren't so pricey you'll feel the need to save them for a special occasion. Because, you know, they're sneakers.

Vionic
$130

3 | A better gym bag

duffel bagNordstrom

Enough with the sweat-stained gym bag you've been lugging around for years. It's high time for an odor-proof upgrade. This duffel from Herschel is lined with polyester for industrial-grade stink protection. But the real selling point here is the extra shoe compartment: That way, you can keep your sneakers (and their scent) away from the rest of your gear.

Nordstrom
$90

4 | A professional business card case

black card caseCole Haan

Face it: No one's gonna connect with the guy who hands out a bent-up business card. Keep yours in tip-top shape with a handsome leather carrier that oozes composure.

Cole Haan
$48

5 | A heavy duty scarf

blue and white checked scarfGap

For blizzards and other wild winter weather, you'll want a scarf that can take a beating. (And you'll want it at a price point where, if it doesn't hold up, you won't be upset.) This Gap scarf does exactly that, keeping you warm (and looking cool) no matter what Mother Nature throws your way. 

Gap
$30 $18

6 | A leather luggage tag

colorful leather luggage tagsMark & Graham

Monogrammed luggage is the height of luxury. And if you've ever part of a mistaken luggage kerfuffle, you'll know it's the height of travel insurance, too.

Mark & Graham
$55

7 | A leather chronograph

black leather chronograph watchAbout Vintage

Watches are a status symbol among men. Set yourself apart by choosing a luxury chronograph like this one. It's the perfect watch to wear dressed up or dressed down—it looks every bit as good with a pair of jeans as it does with a suit.

About Vintage
$335

8 | A pair of stylish boxers

blue giraffe pattern boxersBanana Republic

Arguably the most important layer of any dude's outfit, by the time you hit 50, you'd best have your underwear game on lock. If not: Take a look at the offerings from Banana Republic. They're perfect for a bit of fun underneath that otherwise buttoned-up look.

Banana Republic
$19 $12

9 | A braided belt

brown braided leather beltL.L. Bean

Looking for the perfect Casual Friday belt? Look no further than this stylish braided number. It looks great with everything and with no notches, it even gives you a little extra room when necessary. 

L.L. Bean
$50

10 | A set of subtle collar stays

gold collar straysSaks Fifth Avenue

Fact: every button-up looks best when it's brand new. With collar stays, your shirts can always look good as new, even if it's been kicking around your closet for years. And if you pick up a pair of indestructible metal ones, you won't have to swing by the dry cleaner to restock on flimsy plastic stays every few weeks.

Saks Fifth Avenue
$18

11 | A do-it-all tote

green canvas tote with leather strapsFilson

The tote is the best bag a guy can own: Just throw all your stuff in and go—no need to spend time organizing files and pockets and flaps. And, by investing in an über-stylish option, like this one from Filson, you'll still look like an adult for whom everything is in its right place.

Filson
$195

12 | An everyday tie

blue tie with white polka dotsAmazon

The next time life calls for a tie—a Monday morning meeting, a white tablecloth dinner date—eschew the wide silk necktie. Instead, grab a stylish tie that works with your entire wardrobe. This offering from Tommy Hilfiger comes in all manner of versatile patterns, from a vibrant purple plaid to a reserved blue with red polka dots.

Amazon
$25

13 | Chelsea boots

black Allen Edmondschelsea bootsAllen Edmonds

You may think the Chelsea boot is reserved for aging rock stars. But there's no easier way to knock a few years off your look than by slipping into a sleek Chelsea boot. If you want a pair that both looks great and will last forever, look no further than Allen Edmonds' practically bulletproof Liverpool.

Allen Edmonds
$495

14 | A pair of standout cufflinks

blue and silver globe cufflinksPaul Smith

Yes, Paul Smith's dinosaur cufflinks are a total blast. But if you're looking for something a bit more demure, this globe set from Paul Smith is the perfect blend of fun and function without going fully jurassic.

Paul Smith
$150

15 | A robust pocket square collection

five pack of pocket squaresTie Bar

Now that (most) workplaces don't require neckties, the pocket square has ascended to the throne of mandatory suiting accessory. In other words: If you're rocking a blazer or suit and you don't have a pocket square, you're doing the bare sartorial minimum—when you're more than capable of infusing some style into your look. This starter pack of black, gray, and white squares will get your collection started on the right foot.

Tie Bar
$45

16 | An all-occasion tie clip

banana republic silver tie clipBanana Republic

Even though ties aren't mandatory these days, if you're going to wear one, you'd best do it right. A tie without a tie clip is like a suit jacket without a pocket square. It works, sure. But why condemn your wardrobe to permanent B-minus status? The good news: There's no need to be fancy. A simple silver-tone piece, like this trusty option from Banana Republic, will work with your entire wardrobe.

Banana Republic
$40 $27

17 | And a personalized tie clip, too

silver monogrammed tie barEtsy

Weddings. Graduations. Anniversaries. Milestone birthdays. Sometimes, life requires you to dress to the nines. A customized piece, like this monogrammed tie clip, is the perfect way to upgrade any outfit.

Etsy
$24 and up

18 | A wallet worthy of your money

brown leather walletAmazon

When it comes to the thing that holds your money, it's worth investing in quality. This handsome leather wallet from Frye is timeless and durable, meaning it'll look just as good today as it does a decade from now.

Amazon
$116

19 | A jeans belt

black leather beltNeiman Marcus

The right belt can make any pair of jeans look more polished. This classic, masculine style from Shinola will make your more casual days a little dressier and your formal days and little more comfortable. That's what we call a win-win.

Neiman Marcus
$125

20 | Top Gun aviators

green aviator sunglassesSunglass Hut

It's no surprise that the aviator is a well-minted classic: the style works with everything, every time. If you don't have a trusty pair by now, it's time to change that. Thankfully, nailing the action hero look is as simple as sliding on a pair of Ray-Ban's original model.

Sunglass Hut
$204

21 | A smart pair of leather gloves

brown driving glovesPaul Fredrick

Because what guy doesn't want to ooze Ryan Gosling in Drive vibes?

Paul Fredrick
$85 $25

22 | A reliable weekender

brown leather duffelTecovas

With handsome burnished leather on the outside, this truly be the toughest duffel in history. Best of all, it's downright beautiful, meaning it's the type of bag you could just as easily lug along on a long weekend in Milan as you could an escape to Yellowstone.

Tecovas
$295

23 | A reissued vintage watch

tissot watch with brown strapTissot

Vintage watches look great, but you can quickly run up a five-figure tab tracking one down. Thankfully, companies these days are reissuing styles straight out of last century. It's the old look, but good as new—and cheaper, too.

Tissot
$1,400

24 | A timeless cashmere scarf

burberry check scarf in burgundyBurberry

Everyone knows the camel-based Burberry check. But nowadays, it's available in nearly 20 different shades, so you can hew to tradition and stand out from the crowd at the same time. (We're partial the the roguish "claret check," pictured.) The scarf is a bit pricey, sure, but it's carefully made—pure cashmere, hand-crafted—and is the type of iconic accessory that instantly conveys well-earned gravitas.

Burberry
$470

25 | A loud-and-proud sock collection

striped and brightly patterned socksNice Laundry

Just like some bold ties look great, and others just grate on nerves, the same is true with over-the-top socks. Nice Laundry does, well, a nice job giving your sock drawer depth and dimension without making you look ridiculous.

Nice Laundry
$49 quarterly

26 | An idiot-proof umbrella

black travel umbrellaAmazon

Show of hands: Who's struggled with opening or closing a finicky umbrella in the threshold of a busy walkway? Well, with Davek's compact, easy-use travel umbrella, such inconvenience will become an instant thing of the past. One click and it's open; another, closed. Plus, it's huge (big enough for two people), and comes in six colors (though we're partial to the black). In other words: This beats the stuffing out of garden variety throwaway umbrella you picked up at the pharmacy for ten bucks.

Amazon
$115

27 | An instantly recognizable scent

aventus creed cologneCreed

Every man should have a signature scent as part of his wardrobe by the time he hits 50. This head-turning fragrance is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on anyone you meet. It's no wonder that since its launch around a decade ago, this has become the best-selling fragrance in the entire history of a brand that has been around since the 18th century.

Creed
$435

28 | A pen with permanence

silver fountain penCaran D'ache

There's just a thing to fountain pens. They're regal, classy, and ooze gravitas. They're also inconvenient—and (generally) expensive. But if you pick up a well-crafted writing utensil, like this palladium-coated pen, you can reap all of those benefits without breaking the bank.

Caran D'ache
$295

29 | An heirloom timepiece

silver watch with blue faceTag Heuer

By the time you hit 50, you should have a signature timepiece—something that's less a watch than it is an investment. It's the thing you're gonna give your kid, and he's gonna give it to his kid, and on (and on). Let's be clear, though: This is not the type of thing you'll want to buy willy-nilly.

If you need a starting point, check out the peerless wares of Tag Heuer. Their top-notch materials and elegant designs project a globe-trotting sophistication that's impervious to the fickle and ever-changing tides of fashion trends.

Tag Heuer
$1,600

30 | A  leather attaché

brown leather portfolioMr. Porter

There are times in a man's life when he needs to keep documents clean and pristine, with or without a briefcase. This perfectly sized leather portfolio from Valextra will take the wear-and-tear on behalf of your important papers, and look better everyday by doing so.  

Mr. Porter
$1,250

31 | A wrap bracelet

white man's wrist with brown leather braceletEtsy

Less is usually more when it comes to a man's approach to accessorizing, and that couldn't be more true when adding a little flare to the wrist. A simple leather wrap bracelet like this one adds a subtle touch of sophistication to your appearance. 

Etsy
$24

32 | Double monk strap shoes

to boot new york double monk strapBloomingdale's

Give your lace-ups a rest. A double monk strap is just as professional, just as elegant, and infinitely more unique. And if you get a stylized one—like this pair from To Boot, which features a handsome burnished patina—it's just another way to amp up your style.

Bloomingdale's
$395 $277

33 | A canvas laptop bag

brown canvas laptop bag with leather handlesLands' End

If you're working from home in 2020, it's a good bet your laptop is your most essential possession, so keep yours safe with cushioned laptop bag. This one from Lands' End, is more than just a protective shell, though: it's also a beautiful piece in its own right, with a waxed canvas exterior and sturdy leather handles.

Lands' End
$130

34 | A watch box

watch boxThe Container Store

If you've invested in a watch collection, it's worth dropping a few extra bucks on a safe storage space. By keeping your off-duty timepieces stored on watch rounds (those are the bars), leather bands will maintain their shape. Plus, a handsome wooden lid keeps dust from impacting mechanics on automatic timepieces.

The Container Store
$30

35 | An envy-inducing knapsack

brown leather knapsackRalph Lauren

Sure, your instinct might tell you that backpacks and knapsacks are childish, a relic from your high school or college days. But it doesn't have to be like that. With the right bag, like this certified Italia leather knapsack from Ralph Lauren's high-end line, it can be the pinnacle of luxury. Plus, it's practically bottomless, and sure to get you where you need to go with all of your gear intact.

Ralph Lauren
$995

36 | A subtle lapel pin

gold flower lapel pinEtsy

When suited for occasion, every man should have a tie—that's a no brainer. But today, there are often times where a tie alone just doesn't cut it. Solution? An understated lapel pin. This floral lapel pin adds a touch of flourish without overdoing things.

Etsy

37 | A forever pair of loafers

george cleverly black loafersMr. Porter

The one shoe that always screams elegance? A pair of leather loafers. This pair, from the esteemed shoesmiths at George Cleverly, may look plain to the naked eye. But make no mistake: 100-percent leather through and through (including the soles, which make an imposing clack! sound as you walk), they're of the utmost craftsmanship.

Mr. Porter
$700

38 | A sterling silver cuff

thin silver cuffMiansai

There once was a time when sterling silver was the gold standard in sophisticated men's jewelry. Sterling doesn't look cheap, but it doesn't break the bank, either. This Miansai sterling silver cuff is streamlined, so it seamlessly integrates itself into any entire outfit in a way where only the keenest of eyes will notice—and that's the point.  

Miansai
$155

39 | A suit belt

black leather belt with silver buckleCole Haan

Keep your pants up and your sense of style high by opting for a dress belt that's both simple and classic, like this guy from Cole Haan. Chances are, it will last you longer that those trendy skinny suit pants you were talked into buying.

Cole Haan
$70

40 | A set of reserved socks

four pairs of blue socksBombas

These Bombas socks are incredibly comfortable, stay up nicely and actually do a bit of good for the world—every pair sold means a pair is donated to a shelter. See? Even your less out-there socks can make a pretty bold statement.

Bombas
$60 $57

41 | A lace-up boot

brown suede bootsBergdorf Goodman

The older one gets, the more one looks for a good value proposition. This Aquatalia boot may look like any other dress boot out there, but it has a proprietary weather-proofing technique that takes these boots from dry days to drenched nights without missing a step. Snowy outside? No problem—wipe salt off with a cloth or an unscented baby wipe and they are as good as new.

Bergdorf Goodman
$524 $245

42 | A handsome plaid scarf

brown plaid scarf with fringeBack Country

Love flannel, but aren't keen on the lumberjack look? This handsome Pendleton scarf screams "professor" instead of "Paul Bunyan."

Back Country
$80

43 | A gala-appropriate bow tie

black bow tieBergdorf Goodman

The asymmetry of a self-tied bow tie is exactly why it's appealing. It shows you know how to do get dressed like a big boy and, if you show up in something particularly elegant, like this silk grosgrain option from Tom Ford, you'll turn heads, too.

Bergdorf Goodman
$260

44 | A colorful, casual belt

blue and white braided beltVineyard Vines

You don't always need a leather belt to hold your pants up and look good doing it. This Vineyard Vines belt says you're confident in your ability to accessorize without feeling the need to be so buttoned-up.

Vineyard Vines
$68 $58

45 | A winter weather beanie

burgundy ralph lauren beanieAmazon

In the cooler months, you need to keep your head warm, so treat yourself to this merino wool beanie from Polo Ralph Lauren. Merino is way less itchy than standard wool, but will still provide the warmth we expect come wintertime.

Amazon
$45

46 | A pair of solid running shoes

gray nike sneakersNike

Looking for a great running shoe that'll keep your knees comfortable on those nightly jobs? Nike's Air Zoom Pegasus 35 running shoe is one of the top rated among runners out there, meaning it provides the right combination of comfort, cushion and support at a time in life when a little extra certainly wouldn't hurt.

Nike
$120 $90

47 | A killer shoehorn

yellow and white bull horn shoe hornCarmina

Miles better than your average plastic shoehorn, this rock-solid accessory (crafted from actual bull horn) comes with an easy-grip handle so you're certain to start your day off on the best foot possible—literally.

Carmina
$50

48 | A smart luggage set

silver roller suitcaseAway

Away Travel has come up with a set of luggage that survived the recent TSA ban on smart luggage because the designers worked smarter and harder to make carry-on batteries ejectable. You can buy this single piece for a weekend away, or opt for a full set if you're planning a longer trip. 

Away
$475

49 | A workout-friendly watch band

black apple watch sport bandApple

Your Apple Watch does everything—it tells you when you get emails, it tracks your heart rate, and it even calculates how much exercise you're getting in a day. If the latter tends to be the device's most important function, treat yourself to a great sports band, like this one from Apple, which will take a beating during those punishing workouts and still look great afterward. 

Apple
$49

50 | A killer grooming kit

black leather grooming kitBloomingdale's

That Wolverine scruff you proudly sported 20 years ago isn't the most put-together look. If you want to keep everything from top to toes looking neatly manicured, invest in this 10-piece grooming kit—and keep it on you for those last-minute touch-ups before big meetings or date night.

Bloomingdale's
$110
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