Luxury vs. Affordable Accessories: Where to Spend and Where to Save
Accessories are the finishing touches that elevate an outfit, but knowing when to invest in luxury pieces and when to opt for budget-friendly alternatives can make a big difference in your style and spending. Some accessories are worth splurging on due to their craftsmanship, durability, and timeless appeal, while others can be swapped for more affordable options without compromising on style.
In this guide, we break down where you should spend and where you can save when it comes to men’s accessories.
Where to Spend: Investment-Worthy Accessories
1. Watches
A high-quality watch is more than just a timepiece—it’s a statement. Luxury watches often hold their value, last a lifetime, and enhance your overall look.
Why Spend:
- Luxury watches are crafted with high-quality materials like sapphire crystal, stainless steel, and premium leather.
- Brands like Rolex, Omega, and TAG Heuer retain their value and can even appreciate over time.
- They provide superior craftsmanship, precision, and longevity.
Affordable Alternative: If you’re not ready to invest in a luxury timepiece, brands like Seiko, Citizen, and Tissot offer stylish, reliable watches at a fraction of the price.
2. Leather Shoes
Good shoes define a man’s style and should be seen as an investment rather than an expense. Cheap shoes tend to wear out quickly, making quality footwear a smarter choice in the long run.
Why Spend:
- Luxury leather shoes offer better craftsmanship, comfort, and durability.
- Brands like Church’s, Crockett & Jones, and John Lobb use full-grain leather and Goodyear welt construction.
- Properly cared-for high-quality leather shoes can last for decades.
Affordable Alternative: If you’re on a budget, look for Goodyear-welted shoes from brands like Loake, Meermin, or Allen Edmonds, which offer excellent quality at a lower price.
3. Leather Wallets
A well-made leather wallet not only looks better but also lasts significantly longer than cheaper alternatives.
Why Spend:
- High-end wallets use full-grain leather, which ages beautifully and becomes softer over time.
- Luxury brands like Montblanc, Louis Vuitton, and Ettinger provide excellent craftsmanship.
- Cheap wallets tend to fray, crack, or fall apart after a few months.
Affordable Alternative: Mid-range brands like Bellroy and Fossil offer stylish and durable leather wallets without the luxury price tag.
4. Sunglasses
Good sunglasses protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and enhance your overall look.
Why Spend:
- Luxury sunglasses from brands like Ray-Ban, Persol, and Oliver Peoples offer superior lenses and durability.
- Cheaper sunglasses often use plastic lenses with poor UV protection.
- Better-quality frames ensure a more comfortable fit and longer lifespan.
Affordable Alternative: If you’re looking for budget-friendly sunglasses, brands like Knockaround and Hawkers offer stylish and protective options at a lower price.
Where to Save: Smart Budget-Friendly Choices
1. Belts
While a belt should be sturdy and stylish, you don’t always need to splurge on a designer label.
Why Save:
- Mid-range leather belts from brands like Charles Tyrwhitt and Ted Baker offer quality at a lower cost.
- Cheap synthetic belts wear out quickly, but a solid leather belt doesn’t need to be expensive.
- You can rotate between several affordable belts to match different outfits.
When to Spend: If you wear suits daily, investing in a high-quality leather belt that matches your dress shoes can be worthwhile.
2. Ties
A well-chosen tie can elevate a formal outfit, but you don’t need to buy luxury brands to achieve a sharp look.
Why Save:
- High-street brands and online retailers offer silk ties at a fraction of the cost of designer labels.
- Most people won’t notice the difference between a £30 tie and a £200 tie.
- With proper care, even an affordable tie can last for years.
When to Spend: If you regularly attend formal events or high-level business meetings, a few luxury ties can be a worthwhile investment.
3. Cufflinks
Cufflinks add a sophisticated touch to a dress shirt, but spending a fortune on them isn’t necessary.
Why Save:
- Affordable silver or stainless steel cufflinks offer a polished look without the high price.
- Luxury cufflinks are only necessary for very formal occasions.
- Cheaper cufflinks from reputable brands still provide style and elegance.
When to Spend: If you frequently wear French cuff shirts, investing in a classic pair of gold or sterling silver cufflinks may be worthwhile.
4. Socks
Premium socks can be nice, but for everyday wear, mid-range options work just as well.
Why Save:
- Well-made cotton or wool-blend socks from brands like Uniqlo and M&S are affordable and durable.
- Expensive designer socks rarely justify their price.
- Since socks wear out quickly, regularly replacing them is more important than buying luxury brands.
When to Spend: If you wear suits daily, investing in a few pairs of high-quality dress socks can enhance comfort and durability.
Knowing when to spend and when to save on accessories can help you build a stylish and well-balanced wardrobe without unnecessary expenses. Invest in timeless, high-quality items like watches, leather shoes, and wallets, but save on items like belts, socks, and ties where affordable options still offer great style and function.
