Mastering Men's Suit Accessories: Ties, Pocket Squares, and Beyond
The right accessories transform a good suit into a great outfit. Learn how to select ties, pocket squares, cufflinks, watches, and lapel pins with confidence and style.
The Necktie: Your Most Visible Accessory
The necktie is the centerpiece of any suited look and demands careful consideration. The width of your tie should be proportional to the width of your lapels. A classic tie measures between three and three and a quarter inches at its widest point, which complements most traditional suit lapels.
The Pocket Square: A Signature Detail
The pocket square is perhaps the most expressive accessory available to the suited gentleman. It occupies a small space but draws immediate attention. The golden rule is that your pocket square should never match your tie exactly.
Cufflinks and Shirt Accessories
Cufflinks are the hallmark of a properly dressed man because they require French cuffs, which are themselves a statement of deliberate dressing. The right cufflinks should match the metal of your watch and belt buckle for a cohesive look.
The Watch: Functional Jewelry
A wristwatch is the one piece of jewelry a man wears that serves a practical function, making it arguably the most important accessory. With a suit, the watch should complement rather than compete.
Lapel Pins, Boutonnieres, and Finishing Touches
A lapel pin or boutonniere adds a final layer of polish that signals attention to detail. The boutonniere, a single flower or small cluster worn in the left lapel buttonhole, is traditional for weddings and formal events.
Tie Bars and Tie Pins
A tie bar serves both functional and aesthetic purposes. It keeps your tie in place and adds a polished touch. Place the tie bar between the third and fourth shirt buttons. It should be approximately three-quarters the width of your tie. Silver and gunmetal finishes are most versatile.
Belts and Suspenders
Your belt should match your shoes in color and leather type. For formal occasions, suspenders are preferred over belts as they maintain a cleaner trouser line. If wearing suspenders, skip the belt entirely. Button-on suspenders are more formal than clip-on styles.
Socks: The Often Overlooked Detail
Socks should coordinate with your trousers rather than your shoes. For formal wear, choose socks that match your trouser color to create a continuous visual line. Patterned socks add personality for less formal occasions.