Manliness is something that’s hard to define. We can describe a man by the way he looks, by the things he does, or by the the clothes he wears. We tend to associate certain items with the male identity as well. As a man of the 21st Century, the following items should definitely be in your possession–and here’s why.
1) Wristwatch
Wristwatches are the quintessential male accessory. Not only do they tell time, watches also function as a stylish piece of jewelry. It’s a good thing there are so many different styles available to suit every personality.
2) Bottle Opener
What man doesn’t drink beer (or sparkling water)? Having one of these around will surely make things easier when you’re trying to enjoy “guy time” with your best buds. You can also use the bottle opener to show off your courtesy by serving up cold brews to your lady friends.
3) Messenger Bag
Often called the man purse, the messenger bag is a very practical tool for carrying books, folders, laptop, multi-tool, and other everyday essentials. You can get them in a number of different materials and colors to match any outfit, and they do make a pretty bold fashion statement. Face it– the man bag still works.
4) A Suit
Nothing makes a guy look more manly than a suit. Suits are a necessity for the workplace, business meetings, interviews, and other special events. The navy blue suit is arguably the most versatile of them all.
5) Multi-tool…with personality.
In an emergency situation, you’ll count on everything you have with you to get you out in one piece. A multi-tool typically includes various screwdrivers, a blade and other useful instruments. Keep one in your pocket at all times if you want to be prepared for the worst…or at least a killer instagram!
6) Cotton Crewneck Sweater
The cotton crewneck sweater is a great asset for any man’s closet. You can find the sweater at a variety of retailers and it comes in many different colors. For the more fashion conservative, you can find a sweater in navy, black or white. For the more adventurous, you can find brighter colors like bright blue, purple or yellow. One of the best things about this sweater is it is great for the office, but, when paired with jeans it can be worn for a night out.
7) Leather Wallet
Every man needs a wallet to carry his cash and cards around, but not every wallet is made equal. Nylon and cloth wallets are functional and all, but they aren’t sophisticated. Leather wallets are still practical, but they also exude classiness. Vegan? Think Faux Leather.
8) A Tie
Every man needs a tie. Your style will determine the type of tie you choose, whether silk, bow, cotton or knit. Trust us, you’ll need one eventually to wear for a formal event, job interview or other tie-worthy occasions. If you don’t yet own a tie , take a trip to the store and grab one.
9) Handheld Flashlight
A quality Flashlight is a very useful tool for emergencies. It can come in very handy if you happen to get lost outside, have the power at home knocked out, need to signal a helicopter or simply want to see in the dark.
10) Smartphone
Men take care of business. To do so more efficiently, buy yourself a high-quality smartphone that can do just about everything that a computer can. Standard mobile devices just don’t cut it anymore.
Kandace Heller is a freelance writer from Orlando, Florida. In her free time, she enjoys, reading, writing and going to the beach.
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