LINCOLN CENTER — Pocket squares and bow ties are giving men at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week an old-time style.
The gentlemanly accessories are a big hit in the tents this year, according to fashion watchers.
"I'm noticing in men's accessories a lot of detail," said wardrobe stylist, Salvador Camarena, on his way out of the tents at Lincoln Center where designers are showcasing their collections for Spring 2013.
He had noticed "sunglasses galore, "a slew of bracelets," lapel pins and watches jazzing up the outfits of the male segment of the fashion crowd. But a pocket square was the must have item.
"It can turn something boring into something really great," said Camerena, who sported his own vintage handkerchief, neatly folded and peeping from his breast pocket.
Keeping with a timeless and classy theme, bow ties were also a common sight embellished with ruffles, studs and patterns.
"Accessories help us [men] standout even more," said Kev Couture, with an off-white bow tie around his neck. "Women have dresses, hair and makeup and all that stuff."
For Couture, a stylist from Michigan here to view the shows, sunglasses are a necessity, both practically and for style.
"I like wearing sunglasses and bow ties," he said, with a pair of Marc Jacobs shades on.
Like Couture, stylist Dante Blakely, 32, sported a bow tie and had a pocket square filling his left pocket. Also attached to his shirt, his grandmother's brooch, complete with dangling pearls.
"There is no wrong way, just as long as you have the guts to wear it," he said. For Blakely, the smallest detail could turn a regular suit or jacket into a high fashion item.
"Take the time to accessorize, down to the socks, to the shoes, event to the underwear," he said.
"Have fun with it."
