It’s universally agreed upon that men look incredible in suits. So, when that formal occasion hits your calendar, you want to ensure that your suit and your style still outshine everyone else’s. These small, often subtle, additions to your suit will help you surpass the competition and steal the show.
Cummerbund
Especially appropriate for very formal events, cummerbunds are the pleated sashes which wrap around a man’s waist. First worn by British military officers occupying India in the 1850s, these sleek looking accessories are meant for the most formal events possible and should be worn at waist height with the pleats facing upwards. If you’re looking to make an impact, wearing a cummerbund is a sure-fire way of standing out as the most stylish guy in the room.
Cufflinks
Cufflinks are a necessity if you want your suit to pull out all the stops. Formal events require a simple but sophisticated approach, so opt for elegant, simple cufflinks that complement the colour scheme of your suit.
If you’re keeping it classic with a neutral black and white colour scheme, then try silver cufflinks to add a little shine. If you’ve got a more detailed, patterned or colourful style going on, then find some cufflinks that work with it; there are so many available now that it’s easy to pick out a new set.
Lapel/Tie Pins
Lapel and tie pins aren’t worn nearly as often as they should be, and that’s exactly why you should wear one. Picking out a lapel pin will help turn your standard formal look into something new, unique and thought out. Don’t underestimate the power of bucking the trend or doing something a little different.
When looking at tie pins, there’s no real guide. Obviously, opt for one that works with your colour scheme but other than that, simply select one that you think works with your personality. Lapel pins come in so many different varieties that they aren’t just about fashion, they’re a representative of the individual. As an example, wearing a gold rose shouts a classic, romantic extravagance, compared to a silver rose which is much more elegant and discreet. You don’t have to stick to classic looks though, companies like Tateossian offer a variety of tie pins, featuring anything from inconspicuous fern leaves to loud and noticeable skull pins. The choice is entirely up to you, as long as your pin embodies your style.
Pocket Square
Another often underutilized aspect of the gentleman’s formal toolkit, the pocket square can have a surprisingly big effect on your overall look. A perfect way to inject colour into your suit, pocket squares might not be suitable for black tie affairs but can have a huge impact at slightly less formal events.
The number one rule when dealing with pocket squares is that they are not meant to match your tie. To pick out the perfect pocket square you first need to select a primary colour in another aspect of your suit; your pocket square should then utilize your selection as a secondary colour. For example, if you were wearing a black suit with a white shirt and a burgundy tie, then your pocket square should be a complementary colour with hints of burgundy, as opposed to entirely burgundy.
As a final comment on pocket squares, attention to detail is key. Fine-tuning your suit and tie to have threads of colour complemented by your pocket square, is far from easy; but it’s the difference between an average look and a refined style.
If you master the use of these four accessories, there’s no doubt you’ll blow your competition out of the water and leave a deep impression at whatever event you’re attending. A refined suit is a gentleman’s greatest weapon, so make the most of it!
