A man with a watch is a man with a plan . . .

I COULDN’T, for a long time, understand why my brother Bongani owned so many time pieces. I thought he was obsessed with watches, in fact we all did. He would wear a different one every day of the week — Italian design, large, luxury, military, pilot, quartz, space, sports, Swiss, two tone — he had them all. He was just obsessed, we all concluded.

But it was a few months later at his friend’s wedding that it all made sense to me and I realised he was fashion savvy after all.

He was one of the groomsmen and wore a grey slim fit pair of trousers, a matching waistcoat, a white shirt, gold bow tie, brown belt, brown shoes and a dress watch with a brown leather belt.

Being a groomsman and having to wear the exact same colour of pants, waistcoat, shirt and bow tie as five other guys was like a battle of the “hunks”. But what set him apart were his watch, belt and shoes — he looked like a million dollars, if I may say so myself.

If you’re thinking I’m biased because he is family, he’s not the only man I know who rocks like that. There is a guy from work, I won’t say who lest his wife kills me, who always makes it a point to match his shoes and belt. Brown shoes, brown belt, black shoes, black belt; the guy looks fresh every day. Maybe he has his wife to thank for that.

Gentlemen, it’s the little things that will make a woman look at you twice.

Wear a black Armani suit with a funny looking belt which looks nothing like your shoes and your Armani will look like trash because whoever is looking at you is distracted by your ill looking belt and shoes.

Ever heard about the black dot on a white paper? It overshadows the purity or cleanliness of the paper but it’s only a black dot. Similarly, the accessories you accompany your outfits with will set you apart as “stylish” or make people think you need a wardrobe makeover.

Looking good is all about paying attention to the finer details. Besides the functionality of it all, a watch, belt and the shoes are all accessories that tie an outfit together. They are small pieces you may think, yes, but they make a world of a difference.

I paid more attention to Bongani and his watches as time went on and realised that there was a watch, belt or a pair of shoes for every outfit just like women have shoes and a handbag that go with different outfits. Women also have make-up and hair to enhance their beauty and flaunt their fashion sense but you’re going to need to pay more attention to your accessories because you only have your bald head.

Not everyone can afford to have a watch collection of course but it’s important to have at least two time pieces which can swing either way with your casual or formal wear.

A black belt and a brown one should be standard. These are pastel colours that would match with virtually everything in your wardrobe. When picking out a belt, go classic. If you’re cash strapped, don’t choose a belt that you can’t wear with your formal wear.

I’ve seen a lot of men with the oddest buckles on their belts. That buckle and the threads on your belt matter the most. Unless you have a serious collection of shoes in different colours, stay away from white and other such bright colours. Also do away with buckles with skulls, words or other graffiti, people will notice it’s the only one you have.

Obviously the shoes you choose to wear are determined by your overall style, whatever it is, but make sure always that those shoes don’t clash with your belt.

I’ve seen too many men who wear white belts on formal trousers and a pair of black shoes. That tells me you’re clueless, I wouldn’t want to go anywhere with you – you’ll make me look bad.

If you thought women don’t notice such things, you’re wrong; those are the things we look out for to judge a man’s character and his sense of style. Style matters because it gives an outlook of who you are as a person and how seriously you take things.

Last week’s feedback on “Don’t bring out the boots yet”.

How can you tell us not to wear boots when it’s so cold! But you’re right, the weather is so unpredictable these days so wearing boots or a heavy coat could make you look like a fool at the end of the day. — Cynthia.

Thanks for the article, it was an enjoyable read. — Tatenda.

I really enjoy reading your column, keep up the good work. — Sithembile Dube.

Until next week, flaunt your pattern and style and don’t forget to drop me an SMS or Whatsapp on +263 774 492 700.