Capitol Men Capitalize on the Details

Tips for making the little things matter most.

by Velvet Veritas

The devil may be in the details, but hell, accessories for men are a divine necessity. Every Capitol gentleman knows dark colors—moody charcoals, rich clarets, and ebony leathers—comprise the palette for this fall, but it’s the intricacies that make or break an outfit. We’re going through some of the hottest looks for cool weather and analyzing the must-have features for menswear this season.

1. Statement collars and rollnecks: As seen on runways at Lanvin and Raf Simons, bold turtlenecks and dramatic lapels add oomph to suiting and coats. A point of interest at the neckline frames the face and lures attention upwards, which is especially useful if you’re wearing the next item on our list.

2. Metallic Embellishments: Both Rick Owens and DSquared2 know that chunky jewelry—be it an oversized ID bracelet, skull stud or a gold dog tag pendant—makes a great contrast to a fitted ensemble and allows you to show off some edge in the office. It also pairs perfectly with select headpieces. If jewelry isn’t your thing, take a cue from our suave Victor Peeta Mellark and incorporate those metallic elements elsewhere, like a sculptural gold pocket square.

3. Tactile accents on leather: Whether purely functional or simply aesthetic, buttons and zippers add panache and texture to the slick façade of leather. Biker jackets from Balmain, Kin and Gin, and Christophe Terzian feature multiple zig-zags. Think of an abundance of zippers as sartorial scars. Super cool.

4. Light Layers: Fitted layering keeps the wearer warm while maintaining an enviable silhouette. Strategic structuring calls for insulation through thin layers rather than oversized outerwear. Our own Cinna executes this look flawlessly, with his trademark black-on-black ensembles.