How to Accessorize a Suit: A Comprehensive Guide for Men

Accessorizing a suit is like trying to get the last three pieces of a puzzle. Suit accessories help you complete a look. If gotten right, they can significantly enhance your style and immensely elevate your outfit. Bringing together all the accessories you need and playing around with them to achieve perfect harmony is what will distinguish you and make that sharp look make an impression.

The importance of perfectly integrating suit accessories cannot be emphasized enough. As the saying goes, the devil is in the details. In this comprehensive suit accessories guide, we will explore everything you need to know about suit accessories for men, examining aspects such as the different suit accessories for men and answering integral questions, including how exactly to accessorize a suit.

The Importance of Accessorizing a Suit Appropriately

Accessories are a simple and seamless way to elevate your ensemble. A suit might be generic in that anyone can get themselves a great, perfectly fitting suit, but how you add the little details of accessories will make you stand out and help you bring out your style in the best way possible. How you accessorize as a man communicates your personality and attention to detail to the people you interact with. 

If you are keen to get it right with your accessories, the spark in your style won’t go unrecognized. Perfectly done suit accessories will complete your outfit with a flair. You are showing intentionality in your dressing.

Let’s have a look at the top 5 suit accessories for men.

The Watch: A Timeless Piece

I know what I did there; the watch is a timeless piece. This is more than just some poetic wordplay—the wristwatch as we know it today is actually both a classic and timeless accessory. Since they emerged around the 17th century and became more popular in the 19th century, watches have been among the most worn pieces of accessories to date.

The thing with a wristwatch is that it doesn’t have lots of technicalities. For example, picking a watch that is in line with your style, one that has a neutral color and fits perfectly would do you justice on any suit. Wristwatches add a touch of professionalism and style since they play both a functional and an aesthetic role.

It is important to know the different types of watches, which include:

• Dress watches
• Diving watches
• Aviator watches
• Chronographic watches
• Smartwatches

Go for Dress Watches

Given the different watch options available, you might be tempted to try out different designs. However, to pull off an elegant look with a watch as part of suit accessories, I recommend dress watches. This would fit in any setting, whether it’s a strict formal office setting or a casual dinner.

The Smartwatch Way

Today, smartwatches have also become so popular. This is because, besides the sharp and tech-forward vibe, they also come with many amazingly helpful features. Therefore, they have become more accepted in the world of suits, allowing us to experiment with them. This is especially true if you’re in a tech-related field or anywhere that isn’t extremely strict on formality.

Tie: The Suit Centerpiece

The tie is another simple and classic men’s suit accessory integral to elevating your suit outfit. Being the focal point of your suit, it is easily noticeable and can be the quickest way to give a great first impression in your interactions. Therefore, you must get it right.

A general rule of thumb regarding ties is to ensure that they shouldn’t precisely match the rest of your outfit but complement it—to perfect completion. To give a perspective on this, when choosing a tie, consider the color, pattern, and fabric in relation to your shirt and suit. Opt for a tie contrasting with your shirt, creating a harmonious balance.

 

Pocket Squares: A Touch of Sophistication

Pocket squares are unique suit accessories that, unfortunately, many modern-day gentlemen don’t give so much focus. Seated next to the tie, the next piece of accessory competes with the tie for attention. Consequently, it is crucial to ensure that you pick the one that brings the color scheme of your outfit to a harmonious, sharp look.

The big question regarding pocket squares is always, should I match my pocket square with the tie? It is okay to match your pocket square and tie to a T. However, if you want to differentiate yourself from the dabblers when looking dapper as a gentleman, don’t precisely match your pocket square and the tie.

The simple way to get it right with pocket squares is to pick a secondary color of your tie to be the primary color of your pocket square. This means that you should be careful picking your tie since the pocket square color depends on it. 

A crisp white pocket square with a classic fold is ideal for a formal setting. In a more relaxed environment, you can experiment with different folds and patterns. Silk pocket squares are great for formal events, while linen or cotton can be more casual.

Cufflinks

Cufflinks are the little pieces that show your attention to detail. A carefully chosen pair of cufflinks plays a functional role and adds a touch of sophistication and can quickly help you make a fashion statement. These simple suit accessories come in a wide range of materials, from classic metal to more unique options like enamel or mother-of-pearl. Choose a design that reflects your style, whether it's a simple, understated pair or something more ornate and eye-catching.

Belts

A well-chosen belt should complement your suit in both color and style. For formal occasions, match the color of your belt with your shoes—black shoes with a black belt, brown with brown—to maintain a cohesive, smart appearance. Choose a belt width that suits the loops of your trousers; generally, narrower belts are more appropriate for sleek, modern looks, while wider belts can add a classic touch.

Quick Tips for Accessorizing a Suit 

To make sure that you get it right when it comes to accessorizing your suit as a gentleman and achieving that dapper look we all deserve, here are quick tips to help you in the whole process;

• Coordinate colors: Match your accessories with the colors of your suit, shirt, and each other for a cohesive look.
• Balance proportions: Ensure accessories like ties and pocket squares are proportionate to your suit lapels and overall frame.
• Choose quality: Invest in accessories like leather belts, silk ties, and metal cufflinks for a polished appearance.
• Keep it simple: Avoid overcrowding your outfit with too many accessories; less is often more when it comes to formal wear.
• Experiment with texture: Mix textures like silk ties with wool suits for visual interest and depth.
• Personalize with patterns: Introduce subtle patterns in ties or pocket squares to add personality without overwhelming your look.
• Maintain cleanliness: Ensure accessories like shoes and belts are clean and polished to enhance your overall appearance.
• Consider the occasion: Tailor your accessories to fit the event's formality—formal, business casual, or casual.
• Attention to detail: For a refined finish, pay attention to small details like the placement of cufflinks and the fold of your pocket square.
• Express confidence: Ultimately, wear accessories that make you feel confident and comfortable in your own style.

Conclusion

Whether it’s the watch, tie, pocket square, cufflinks, or belts, accessories are a simple and effective way to elevate your style and general look. Suit accessories are the details that add depth and a touch of elegance and grace to your suit. It is important to ensure you get it right when it comes to accessorizing your suit, putting intentional effort into each piece of accessory you pick.

At HolloMen, we ensure you look and feel your best. We are providing you with not only valuable insights to up your dressing game but also a collection of premium menswear that effortlessly transitions from workdays to weekends, boardrooms to beachfront.

 If you need any assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us.

 

Written by Emmanuel Isaac- Content Writer and Editor at HolloMen

Emmanuel is a freelance fashion writer with a knack for blending insightful research and captivating storytelling. His work is both informative and stylish, offering a unique perspective on the world of fashion. ( emmanuel.writes1@gmail.com)