A well fitted suit may make a man look sharp, but it is not all he needs to look well put together and stylish. Accessories can make or break an outfit and are very important to completing the look of a suit. They help ass flair and personality to the outfit.
Here is a list of accessories that complement a suit and tips on how to wear each of them.
- Ties
As mentioned in a previous post, ties are the most important accessory to complete the suit. They come in a variety of fabrics, designs and patterns. A solid coloured tie is a safe choice and complements all shirts whether plain or patterned. A patterned tie can be a bolder and more stylish option which may even perk up even a dull suit. You can mix various patterns of shirts and ties to experiment further.
• Jewellery
A necklace is a redundant piece of jewellery on a suit. Watches, rings and cufflinks are the only jewellery needed while wearing a suit.
Wear a watch that matches the undertone of the suit and your other jewellery. The colour of the strap of the watch should match your suit. Black and brown are great options that go with everything. Metal finishes also look very elegant and complement everything.
Rings in gold, silver or platinum make great accessories but make sure they are traditionally cut rings and are not flashy or inappropriate. Also keep the number of rings to a minimum. Additionally you can also match the stone of the ring to the colour of your suit or tie to add that extra dash of coordination.
Cufflinks are a small but necessary detail that makes a big difference to the look of the suit. These sleeve fasteners are worn with French cuffed shirts and have become a must have for men on special occasions. Stick to metallic cufflinks of silver or gold as the plastic ones look cheap.
• Scarves and Pocket Squares
A smart scarf knotted or left hanging loosely classes up any suit. Scarves come in many patterns and designs and can brighten up your outfit. Coordinate the scarf with either matching it with your suit for a sober and mature look, or contrasting it with the suit for a younger look.
Pocket squares are accents to a suit which can also double as handkerchiefs. Always coordinate your pocket square with your tie.
• Belt, Wallet and Bag
A minimalistic leather belt with a classic buckle is best suited for a suit. Always remember the fashion rule of matching your belt with your shoes.
A genuine or faux leather wallet is the best choice for a suit. Leave wallets of other fabrics for more casual wear.
A bag is necessary if you carry a lot of documents. Invest in an elegant leather one which is suave and not too obtrusive. Neutral colours are safe bets that go with everything.
It is recommended not to wear all the accessories together at one time. They should be mixed and matched according to the suit, occasion and the look you are aiming at.