No one can deny that Elvis had a...well, unique style.  But it's not just the white sequined jumpsuits that came to define Elvis's style; Elvis also had a strong penchant for accessorizing.  As early as the 1950s and certainly through the 1970s, Elvis sported scarves, hats, jewelry, sunglasses, and more.  Why, might you ask, would anyone wear anything as remotely tacky as, say, one of Elvis's huge sequined belts?  Well, because he was Elvis of course.  Elvis always had to be different, extreme, be it extremely devoted, or extremely addicted to drugs, or extremely interested in odd fashion.

1950s

As Elvis got older and more outlandish, the accessories of course did as well.  But early on, in the 1950s, to Elvis, an accessory might just be one element that brought something different, and unique to an outfit.  In the1950s pictures here, Elvis wears a hat or a tie with a leaf embroidered on it.

1960s

In the 1960s, Elvis's style was simple though sometimes conservative and sometimes rebellious.  Again, an accessory was simply an addition that brought color and uniqueness to his outfits.  In these 1960s photos, Elvis often adds one accessory to a relatively simple outfit (unlike his flashy 70s jumpsuits).  Elvis wears a bracelet, a bright tie or red scarf with a dark suit, or a watch on a chain.

1970s

In the 1970s, Elvis began wearing the famous jumpsuits.  And, of course, with big, gaudy outfits, one can only wear big, gaudy accessories.  At this time, Elvis begins to wear huge decorated belts, oversized rings and necklaces and those huge, ugly, pink-tinted aviator sunglasses.

Perhaps Elvis's style was never "cool" for mainstream America but he certainly had a style and accessories were a vital part of that style.  Although we never learned from Elvis how to dress, we did learn about what made a show-- something flashy, exciting, and, above all, different.