How to Accessorize Your Suit Ties, Pocket Squares, and More
A well-fitted suit is the foundation of a timeless look, but the right accessories can enhance your look to the next level, adding polish, personality, and class. Accessories like ties, pocket squares, belts, and shoes take a suit from good to great by showing attention to detail and creating a cohesive, coordinated appearance.
When you’re just starting, choosing and coordinating accessories might seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With a few beginner-friendly tips, you can confidently master the art of accessorizing and refining your style.
At Carpe Diem Men, we believe every detail matters, and we’re here to help you craft a look that’s effortless and impactful.
Ties add color and balance to any tailored look.
The Power
of the Tie
The tie is often the centerpiece of a suited look, bringing color, texture, and balance to your outfit. When selecting a tie, keep these tips in mind:
Fabric: Silk ties are classic and versatile, perfect for formal or business settings. Wool ties add a textured, seasonal touch for colder months.
Width: Ensure the width of your tie complements the lapel width of your suit. Slim lapels pair well with narrower ties, while broader lapels call for a wider tie.
Colors and Patterns: Deep tones like burgundy, navy, or forest green work beautifully for winter. Patterns like stripes or paisleys can add a touch of personality.
Pocket Squares - The Subtle Statement
A pocket square is a small detail with a big impact, creating a touch of elegance and individuality to your suit.
Folding Styles: Choose a pocket square fold based on the occasion—simple straight folds are ideal for business settings, while puff or layered folds add flair for festive or creative events.
Color Coordination: Your pocket square doesn’t need to match your tie exactly. Instead, aim for complementary colors or patterns that add depth and interest.
Fabric Options: Cotton and linen are perfect for subtle, clean looks, while silk pocket squares add a touch of luxe and shine.
How to Color Match Your Tie and Pocket Square to Your Suit
Matching your tie to your suit and shirt creates a cohesive, balanced look that elevates your style and showcases your attention to detail.
When accessorizing, the suit and dress shirt plays a key role in determining the right tie and pocket square. Thoughtful color coordination ensures a cohesive, polished look. Here are some simple tips:
1. Start with the Suit and Shirt
Use your suit and dress shirt as the base for your accessory choices. Dark suits like navy or charcoal pair well with deep, rich tie colors such as burgundy or forest green.
For lighter suits, soft pastel ties or neutral tones work beautifully. The dress shirt should act as a balancing layer—white and light blue shirts are versatile, complementing almost any tie and pocket square combination.
2. Choosing the Right Tie
Complementary Colors: Select a tie color that contrasts slightly with your shirt to create visual interest. For example, pair a navy suit and white shirt with a burgundy or silver tie.
Patterns and Balance: If your shirt has a pattern, opt for a solid or subtly patterned tie. Conversely, a solid shirt gives you the freedom to choose bold patterns like stripes, polka dots, or paisleys.
Seasonal Considerations: Deep jewel tones like emerald or maroon work well in winter, while lighter shades such as mint green or lavender suit spring and summer.
3. Pocket Square Tips
Complement, Don’t Match: Your pocket square should complement your tie rather than match it exactly. For example, a burgundy tie pairs well with a pocket square featuring a hint of burgundy in a contrasting pattern or texture.
Textures for Contrast: Mix materials for added depth. A silk tie with a linen or cotton pocket square creates an elegant and layered look.
Go Neutral When Unsure: A classic white pocket square is always a safe and timeless choice, especially for formal settings.
4. Beginner-Friendly Combinations
Navy suit, white shirt, burgundy tie, and a white pocket square.
Grey suit, light blue shirt, patterned blue tie, and a light grey pocket square with subtle detailing.
Black suit, white shirt, black tie, and a crisp white pocket square for a formal, timeless look.
By considering the overall foundation of your outfit and thoughtfully selecting accessories, you can create a balanced, stylish appearance that reflects your personal taste. For inspiration, explore our curated selection of accessories to perfect your look.
Belts and Shoes The Foundation of Sophistication
Matching your belt and shoes creates a cohesive, polished appearance.
Belts and shoes are essential for tying your look together and adding a polished finish to your outfit.
Matching Leather: Ensure your belt and shoes match in color and tone for a cohesive look. Classic black or brown leather is always a safe choice, but dark burgundy or oxblood can add a modern touch.
Shoe Styles: Oxfords and brogues are timeless options for formal settings, while loafers or suede shoes and sometimes clean sneakers can work well for semi-formal events.
Comfort and Fit: High-quality shoes are an investment. They should complement your outfit and provide long-term comfort.
Choosing the Right Belt for Every Occasion
A belt is a small but important accessory that can enhance your outfit. Here’s how to pick the perfect one:
Formal Belts: Opt for smooth leather in black or dark brown with a sleek metal buckle. Stick to a narrow width (1-1.25 inches) for a polished look.
Casual Belts: Choose textured leather, suede, or braided styles with wider widths (1.5 inches or more) and matte-finished or detailed buckles.
Color Coordination: Match your belt to your shoes—black with black, brown with brown, or experiment with dark burgundy for a stylish twist.
Fit: A good belt leaves 2-3 inches of leather past the buckle when fastened.
Socks The Overlooked Detail
Socks are a fantastic way to add personality to your outfit.
Pattern Choices: Go for subtle patterns like polka dots or stripes for formal settings, or bold patterns for more playful occasions.
Color Coordination: Choose colors that complement your tie, pocket square, or shirt.
Quality Matters: Invest in high-quality dress socks that are comfortable and durable.
Seasonal Essentials
For winter, a tailored wool overcoat is indispensable. It protects you from the cold and elevates your entire outfit. Pair it with a scarf in a breathable, warm fabric like cashmere or wool for added function and style. Scarves are an easy way to introduce texture or a pop of color to your look while maintaining class.
Why Accessorizing Matters
Accessories are more than decorative—they’re the details that bring your look together and make your wardrobe feel complete. At Carpe Diem Men, we offer a curated selection of ties, pocket squares, belts, shoes, and scarves to help you achieve a polished and confident look.
Visit us at 569 Danforth Avenue in Toronto to explore our collection or learn more about how tailored menswear can elevate your wardrobe this season. Let us help you perfect every detail so you feel as confident as you look.
