Man-cessories

Men need to accessorize and they are doing it every day, even if they do not realize it.

"Every bride loves her accessories," quips Katherine Heigl in 27 Dresses. While this statement is true, accessories are not saved for brides, or even for women. Men need to accessorize and they are doing it every day, even if they do not realize it.

Ties:
Perhaps my appreciation of ties comes from attending a school with a uniform for 14 years or maybe I just watched Mr. Rogers too much as a child. Who knows? The point remains that a man in a tie always make me smile. Whether you save ties for a special occasion or wear them to work every day, it does not matter. You look good and we (women, passerby etc.) appreciate it.

Tie designs range from kooky to classic, which makes their branding potential limitless. Plus, they come with their own accessories that have their own branding potential (tie clips, tie tacs). An accessory with accessories? I'm sold.

Scarves:
To say that I am a proponent of scarves is an understatement. I wear one every day in the winter and most days in fall, spring and summer (yes, summer scarves exist). My style staple does not need to be yours, but it does deserve some consideration. Scarves, like ties, have vast design options. They are blank slates yearning for a logo. Plus, with the emergence of circle scarves, like The Unisex Tri-blend Scarf from American Apparel, a scarf adds an element of chic to any outfit. Note celebrities like Milo Ventimiglia and Ashton Kutcher. They really know how to wear scarves as men. Pair a scarf with a sweater, T-shirt or blazer and you might just understand why my neck feels bare without my favorite garment.

Socks:
I know what you are thinking: Socks are a necessity, not an accessory. I argue they are both. From sports teams to sorority girls, everyone needs some flare on their feet. Imprinted socks are appreciated, worn and repeatedly ordered. For those of you who attended The PPAI Expo, I really hope you took the time to stop by the sock store at the shops in the Mandalay Bay. That little nook of knit wonder was always packed, which proves my point: Socks rock. So pull up your pants and show some branded ankle.

Headwear:
Fedoras. Messenger caps. Beanies. Baseball hats. Need I go on? Promo Marketing's associate editor Michael Cornnell wrote about caps and headwear in our January issue so I do not have much to add. Hats are fun, versatile and impression-heavy.