How you dress as a man is exceptionally critical to how people view you, and, most importantly, how you carry yourself cannot be accentuated enough. Before exchanging words, the people you engage with must try to define and make sense of the person you might be; it is deep. This is what we call first impression.
Accessorizing correctly profoundly affects your style and how people perceive you since accessories are the defining details that differentiate you from the next person in the same suit. Accessories are among the key elements of an ensemble that demonstrate how good you are at elevating your style.
Let's get to the details and elevate your style with accessories!
Getting the Suit Right Is Pivotal in Accessorizing
When it comes to suits for men, it is important to note that it is both a science and an art. Getting the suit right is the foundation. You need to consider aspects such as the fitting of your suit, the color- given the event you will be attending, how you've matched the dress shirt and the shoes, and so on. All those details are what will first determine whether you are well dressed.
Accessories are the artistic bit of suiting up—the call for creativity and personalization.
The Top 5 Accessories to Elevate Your Style (with tips)
As we have seen, how you accessorize speaks volumes- it can make or break your outfit. So, let's look at some of the must-have accessories that will give you that dapper look and have your style and confidence soaring.
1. Watches: The Timeless Timepiece
A conversation about accessories can only be complete with this classic piece. Although we no longer need a watch to tell what time it is, it will always be a timeless piece. Something as simple as a watch might be the one that sets apart a fashionable man from the ordinary. Today, a watch exudes some sense of elevated fashion and style. It is still a classic picture if someone catches you checking the time on your watch.
Some things to consider while picking your wristwatch include:
Your Style
There are three main types of watches: classic, minimalist, and bold/sporty. Your style will determine which watch you choose. If you are more inclined towards the formal and business casual side, a classic/ minimalist watch is your go-to.
The Color
The color of the watch you choose also plays an integral role in the aesthetics of your complete look. If you are unsure, go for simple, neutral strap colors, like black or darker shades of brown. These are classic colors and would add a nice touch to any suit. Unless you know your fashion game, avoid bold colors at all costs.
Other Factors to Consider
Selecting the perfect watch has several nuances for a modern-day gentleman who wants to look sharp. Other intricacies you should consider include size, skin tone, budget, and event.
2. The Tie
The tie is another classic piece worn so much that some people have stopped referring to it as an accessory and started to view it as a part of the ensemble. But the fact remains that the tie is an accessory with which one can get creative. It is an additional detail to your dressing that helps bring out your style and elegance.
Unfortunately, it is very common to see men who have let the tie ruin their outfits. The most important thing to note about ties is that they are not meant to match the suit but rather complement it.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Tie
For a classic, formal look, opt for a solid silk tie in a dark color like navy, burgundy, or charcoal grey. Patterned ties like stripes, dots, or paisley adds visual interest and can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion.
The tie should be thinner or as wide as the widest part of your suit lapel.
Coordinate the tie color with your shirt, pocket square, and other accessories, but don't match them.
3. Pocket Squares
Now that we've examined classic ties, let's discuss their cousins' pocket squares. Pocket squares are a stylish way to add color or pattern to your suit. They come in various folds and styles to suit your preferences.
For a formal event, a simple white linen pocket square folded neatly into the pocket is always a safe choice. Patterned pocket squares can tie together different colors in your outfit. Choose a pattern that complements but doesn't match your tie. Experiment with folds like the presidential, puff, or point fold to add visual interest.
4. Cufflinks
Cufflinks have been a staple in men's formal wear for centuries. They date back to the 17th century when they were first used for their functional purpose—fastening the cuffs of shirts. Today, these pieces of jewelry are still valued for ornamental reasons. Well-picked cufflinks will surely take your suit game to new heights.
Cufflinks play a significant role in making a statement. Like all other accessories, cufflinks should complement your suit. The most critical thing to look at when choosing cufflinks is the color. Even though you can go without cufflinks for less formal events, they are a must-have in any gentleman's wardrobe.
Some other distinguishing aspects to consider when selecting cufflinks include;
- The size
- Functionality
- The type
- Suit style (a classic suit calls for classic cufflinks)
5. Belt and Suspenders
When dressing up, the waistline is often overlooked as a crucial aspect of overall style. However, the right belt or suspenders can make all the difference in elevating your look from ordinary to extraordinary. Let's dive into each of these and learn how to elevate your style with these simple and elegant accessories.
Belts
Belts are a staple fashion piece in every modern-day gentleman's wardrobe. They can be worn for their functional purpose or as a means to achieve a more polished look. The way to get here is to get the foundational rules right. The basic rule here is simple—unlike other accessories, where they should be more complementary than matching, your belt should match your shoes.
For a dressier and sharper look, your belts should match your shoes' color, texture, and even the leather finish. On the other hand, both your shoes and belt should complement your outfit.
Suspenders
First things first, the rule of thumb here is not to wear suspenders and a belt at the same time. Although these pieces add a touch of elegance to your outfit, they play a similar functional role, and it would be fashion-awkward to wear both.
One thing that suspenders have over belts is that they offer more comfort as the weight is distributed over your shoulders. For this reason, ensuring that your suspenders aren't too tight or loose is vital since this reverses their main benefit.
Other factors to consider include:
- The color
- Design
- Type/ Material
The most common and formal color choices for suspenders are black and white. However, you can still get creative and experiment with other colors. On the same note, you should be keen not to go overboard with it. Whatever color you go with, it should harmonize your outfit and help you achieve that dapper look.
Key Takeaway
The top five accessories for suits are watches, ties, pocket squares, cufflinks, and belts (and suspenders). For a gentleman with suits, these are a must-have. Although most of these accessories were initially worn for their functional use, today, they are worn for an additional role: aesthetic purposes.
The most important thing to consider with these and any other accessories is that they should complement your outfit, not match it!
At Suit Harbor, we provide you with the best suits and outfits and carefully pick pieces of accessories designed to bring out the best in your fashionable self. To elevate your style, check out our collection of suits and accessories.
Written by Emmanuel Isaac- Content Writer and Editor at SUITHARBOR
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)
