Are you looking to inject a little pizzazz into your formalwear? Or perhaps you’re tired of wearing the same old mundane colors? Whether you’re bored of your usual look or just want to find new ways to enhance it, the right accessory can make all the difference. Read on to discover how a pop of color is the key to transforming your entire outfit – plus, pick up some expert styling tips along the way!
How to choose the right accessory
The way you accessorize your outfit has the potential to add the perfect finishing touch, bringing sophistication and individuality to even the plainest suit. Choosing the right accessory for you depends on several factors, from the overall impression you intend to make to the occasion you’re attending and – crucially – your own personality.
1. The Pocket Square
Suit pocket squares as we know them today serve a purely aesthetic purpose, meaning they’re the ideal tool to bring a pop of color to the classic suit. Plus, with various folding techniques to choose from, a silk pocket square also presents plenty of opportunities to vary your look – even with the same one.
For instance, by choosing a silk pocket square with many colors – for example, a blue trim, a white background color, and a multicolored pattern in the center – you can opt to make the blue trim stand out through your folding technique or choose to accentuate the motif instead. This decision may hinge on the colorway of your tie, shirt, or jacket. It can also depend on how bold you want to be.
Top tip: It’s best not to try and match your pocket square with your necktie. Instead, try to pick out complementary colors. For example, let’s say your necktie is mainly navy and cream but has a delicate pink thread running through it. Choosing a silk pocket square with a hint of pink will subtly echo the tie without making the outfit seem overly polished and potentially contrived.
For more inspiration on colors and patterns to choose from, take a look at this range from Elizabetta: https://elizabetta.net/collections/mens-pocket-squares-silk-handkerchiefs.
2. Socks
Sometimes, a pop of color appears in the most unexpected places—enter the bold, statement socks. Gone are the days of plain black or navy being your only options. A pair of brightly colored or patterned socks can add an unexpected yet stylish touch to your suit. Whether you choose to add a pop of mustard yellow, jaunty turquoise, or emerald green, your socks are the ideal canvas to display a little personality without sacrificing a polished appearance.
3. Cufflinks
They may be small, but cufflinks have the potential to create a splash. These elegant little accessories – perhaps the first accessory in the history of men’s fashion – not only neatly secure your shirt cuffs but they also represent another opportunity to inject color, refinement, and personality into your formal outfit. As well as traditional silver, cufflinks also come in less subdued options, including bold enamel designs, quirky novelty styles, or those featuring colorful gemstones. No matter your choice, cufflinks provide the perfect finishing touch, proving that even the smallest details can elevate your suit game!
4. Suspenders
Choosing the right belt to wear with a suit typically involves choosing something neutral that blends in – it’s not really the ideal accessory for showcasing color and pizzazz. Suspenders, on the other hand, are often seen as a bold choice that can serve as a statement piece, adding personality and a touch of quirkiness to your formal look. As well as bringing vintage charm, this age-old accessory is also ideal for incorporating welcome stripes of color. What’s more, suspenders are also your chance to be playful, mixing nostalgia with modern flair. Choose a bright, eye-catching pair to achieve a confident look, or carefully match them to your tie for a polished and suave appearance.
Whether your go-to suit has seen brighter days, or you simply want to make a bold, personality-filled statement, a colorful accessory is the way to go. From vibrant suit pocket squares to striking socks and vintage-inspired suspenders, menswear offers countless ways to add a refined yet playful touch to your look. Have fun discovering your favorite pieces – and adding a splash of color that sets you apart!
