J.Crew Sterling-Silver Tie Clip

THE ASKMEN TAKE

Put a twist on all your spring ensembles by finishing off a cool look with an even cooler accessory. Not strictly just a functional device to keep your tie on the straight and narrow, this J.Crew Sterling-silver tie clip is also a stylish piece in and of itself, particularly when paired with a funky tie and a half-sleeve, casual button-down. Essentially, whenever you’re considering wearing a tie, be it for fun or for a formal event, no outfit will be complete without a sleek tie clip, such as the J.Crew Sterling-silver tie clip, this spring.

78 UNIQUENESS

Pick up on this burgeoning trend now and you’ll seem like you’ve really got your finger on the pulse of style. To be really unique, consider getting this particular model engraved with something personal or even downright naughty on the back -- it’ll be your (barely concealed) secret. To really stand apart in the style department, make sure you don’t just wear your J.Crew Sterling-silver tie clip with a suit and dress shirt; experiment with all manners of casual apparel, like a button-up and tie combo underneath a track jacket or hoodie, and teamed with relaxed bottoms like jeans or shorts.

DURABILITY

At $85, the J.Crew Sterling-silver tie clip is a bit expensive for a small piece of metal. However, this must-have spring accessory should last you a lifetime, making it a worthy investment. Yes, it may come and go as a trend item, but be assured it will always come back and it won’t take up much room in your closet. To ensure the longevity of this piece, keep it in a box or resealable bag when you’re not wearing it to prevent tarnishing. When it’s looking a little discolored, wash it with warm soap and water, or try a rust-busting mix of 1 cup warm water, a dash of ammonium chloride and a 1/2 teaspoon of dish soap.

Gola Scarf

THE ASKMEN TAKE

A light but insulating accessory made from 80% wool and 20% polyamide, this double-layered scarf from British sportswear label Gola brightens up a gray fall or winter morning with its bold, vivid stripes. Pair it with casual apparel like long-sleeve tees, hoodies, cotton jackets and jeans when you’re meeting your buddies at the bar for a few brewskis (or another similarly laid-back affair). You can also use this scarf to update classics like dark-colored blazers and trench coats by giving them a preppy, sporty twist.

UNIQUENESS

You probably don’t own a vast array of scarves. In fact, you may even only have one. Regardless of the number of scarves in your closet, chances are they’re all solid-colored. Think of this Gola scarf as a great opportunity for you to mix things up in your cold-weather wardrobe. Unlike many patterned scarves, this one doesn’t have a strange print that you’ll find difficult to match with the rest of your outerwear nor is it intended exclusively for formal occasions. On the contrary, the thick red and navy blue stripes of this scarf are decidedly masculine and easy to coordinate with your other apparel. The detailed logo patch further contributes to the athletic, rugby-inspired feel of this scarf and contrasting stitching and raw edges help keep it casual. Essentially, this scarf is a versatile accessory for many occasions that will inject a sense of fun into any ensemble you wear with it.

DURABILITY

Given that its composition is primarily wool, you can rely on this scarf to provide warmth and style for many years. The addition of polyamide to the fabric, however, will mean that you have to de-pill this piece with a razor or fabric shaver every now and again or it will appear used quickly. Trend-wise, while this scarf will certainly keep your ensembles from looking outdated, it won’t easily become dated itself because its colors are neutral and its striped pattern is classic. Where cost is concerned, $70 is a lot to spend on an accessory, particularly one that you’ll only be wearing for two seasons a year. The reason this scarf is priced so high is because it’s made from a decent quality wool and it’s associated with a desirable brand name. If you’re not terribly impressed by labels but you like this piece, consider searching for a similar scarf from another company. Just make sure that the fabric is wool, both to prolong its lifespan as well as to ensure adequate insulation from the elements.