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Everyone carries a bunch of stuff around these days, and as with what you’re wearing, some of the gadgets and trinkets you carry, can be trendier than others. It used to be that women carried purses with endless amounts of crap in them and men only had what they could keep in their pockets. The world has changed since then. I have tried to compile a list of things that will add to your cool, no matter which sex you are. The list is bound to get outdated of course, but right now, there are a certain number of unisex items of coolness out there.

Now, when I say items of coolness, I am not talking about expensive cars or penthouse apartments, no, I am talking strictly about those little things you can carry on you, as you move through the urban jungle (in actual jungles, you will want some other things entirely). The illustration here shows my own collection (clockwise from top-left): A small leather wallet for credit- and business cards. It has replaced my wallet and several people have commented on its coolness. The iPod, Moleskine and Holga are described below in order of importance.

At the top of the list is the mp3-player. The number one choice is still the iPod, but you can get away with having one of the other ones too, if you claim that you’re just doing your bit to stand out from the crowd. If you want to show the world, that you’re really into the whole internet thing, you should get yourself a cool laptop as well. It is important, however, that it’s not too big and clunky. If it has widescreen or is just supertiny, that adds a little extra edge for your total look.

Next, to balance out all the digital gadgetry, you’ve got to equip yourself with a Moleskine. Whether you want to use it as a journal, an addressbook or whatever, it is without a doubt the non-digital accessory to have and use. And right along with that whole retro-analogue thing, there’s the Lomo. You can use the classic 35mm Lomo camera or the cheaper medium-format Holga. Either one will add to your coolness, though carrying both around might be overdoing it. Especially if you also have a digital camera on you. You don’t want to end up looking like a tourist after all.

Very important: Don’t forget that you’ve got to have a personal item to stick out in the crowd. Customization is the big thing right now, and ignoring this will make all those other gadgets look like you’re just trying to be like everyone else. And that’s not the case, is it? If you’re a smoker, having a cool little silver case for your smokes or a personalized lighter will do the trick. The rest of us have to be a little more creative. You could wear your grandfathers wristwatch from the 40’s (just make sure it works), have a wallet specifically designed with your own monogram on it, a one-of-a-kind belt buckle or a signature piece of clothing.

Lastly, there are a few things to avoid at all costs. Most importantly, you should never show your PDA in public, if you’re one of the unlucky ones, who are still using those things. They’re so nineties and not really cool at all. And a hands-free set for your cellphone is great for your car, but please don’t wear one anywhere else. Please. Bicycle helmets? Forget it. Even the new designer ones still look bad, once they are put on someone’s head.

In all honesty, I never thought, I would be offering advice on how to be cool, and maybe these gadgets won’t make you cool as such. No amount of gadgets (or clothes, cars or whatever) can ever give you coolness, if you haven’t got it to begin with. But they may help you amplify it.