Accessorize, Mesmerize, Magnetize

Accessorizing - the word alone is enough to make any straight man recoil in horror.

But wait. Look at your hands - that ring on that index finger of yours. That's an accessory. Your wrists - Tag Heuer, no less - an accessory. Your Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles backpack you used to carry to kintergarden? Son, you've been accessorizing even before you even knew how to count to three.

So don't fear the man-accessory. Embrace it and use it to your full advantage. Here are a couple of accessories every man should own.

The 'Man-Bag'

The man bag is the male counterpart of a woman's handbag. Where carrying around a handbag will make you look positively queer, the 'man bag' is instead designed to be a functional, chic and practical (there's that magic word!) alternative for the everyday man to keep his necessities (laptop, documents, sunglasses, etc) in check.

There are several 'man bag' varieties available out there, but the golden rule is to avoid anything that is too small to keep a standard sized laptop in.

A little (OK, a lot) too small.

A little too big.

Perfection - The classic messenger bag.

You can almost never go wrong with a smartly constructed good quality leather bag. Think of it this way - bags made from nylon/artificial materials are to milk as leather bags are to fine wine. The former will eventually turn bad, but the latter can only get better with age.

Two kinds of travel bags I think men should invest in are Samsonite briefcases (for corporate types) and duffel/tote bags (for weekends away).

Even Kanye's a believer.

A black leather duffel tote bag.

I don't think most of you will go this far, but remember that as far as possible, even when it comes to your bags, match your leathers (i.e. black leather belt, black leather shoes, black leather watch, black leather duffel tote bag).

The formula for looking rich and successful is simple - a black leather Samsonite briefcase + bespoke business suit.

And you'll still look important even if all you're carrying in that bag is the packed lunch your mother prepared.

Sunglasses

The art of choosing the right pair of sunglasses deserves a post of its own, but anyway, here are some pointers to get you going:

• When faced with a choice between two frames, always go for the simpler one. Flamboyant frames are really never the answer unless your aim is to look "totally fabulous". And you're straight right? If you are, you don't want to look "totally fabulous".
• The size of your sunglasses should be proportional to the size of your face - smaller sunglasses for smaller faces; larger sunglasses for larger faces. The frame shape should contrast with (that is, be the opposite of) the shape of your face.
• Classic frames (e.g. Wayfarers, Aviators) never go out of style and complement almost anybody
  

The classics: Aviators and Wayfarers, both by Ray Ban

The Pocket Square

Again this goes back to one of the most sacred rules of style: last thing on, first thing noticed. Pocket squares may seem like an insignificant final addition to the average straight man, but again I must reiterate, last thing on, first thing noticed! Behold the two following exhibits:

The pocket square on this gentleman's jacket is expertly matched to the white tones in this 2 tone-ensemble and instantly adds a touch of candor and sophistication to an otherwise uninspiring getup.

Photographic evidence that women dig guys who wear pocket squares.

Cufflinks

We men don't really have as much variety and spice in clothing options as compared to the fairer sex - most of what we wear are variations of suits, shirts, polo tees and trousers in different fabrics... thus, accessorizing is vital for the sake of your individuality. And think of cuff-links as your paintbrushes on the canvas of your individuality (i.e. your french-cuffed shirts).

Attractive woman: "Oh my word, he's wearing CUFFLINKS!"

There are no strict rules when it comes to choosing cufflinks. However, to be safe, opt for platinum, white gold, silver and steel. Gold seldom looks good on anyone under 40 and is also generally harder to match.

Watches

Similar rules apply to watches - gold is always a no-no if you're under 40 and don't have a great tan. That being said, you can never go wrong with a nice strong steel watch. Gay men sometimes look at another man's watch to make an educated guess as to that person's sexual orientation. Strong steel watches lean toward a "I like women" sentiment, so if you're not one who walks on the wild side, think steel.

If you're a man of exceptional style and class, consider watches with a leather strap. Again, keep in mind the rule on matching leathers (brown leather watch, brown leather belt, brown leather shoes). Aim to own one black leather and one brown leather strap watch. Black leather is great for formal/business events whereas brown leather carries across a sense of casual-coolness with a tinge of rebellion.

And guys, repeat me after me: sports watches are exactly as their name implies - strictly for sports.

Jewelery

There's nothing wrong (or gay) with wearing rings, but keep in mind that wearing anything more than one ring is pushing it. Again, white gold and silver will be your top choices. Save the diamonds for your other halves and gold rings for the tanned 40-somethings of this world.

I honestly can't say much about earrings. Apparently there is a stigma that wearing an earring on your left (or was it right?) ear is literally indicative of your sexual preference. In any case, less is always more when it comes to jewelry.

But yet again I have to qualify that although these guidelines will work for almost every man, there is a particular section of society which does not play by the rules (and can get away with it).