The suit’s symbolic status as being a corporate uniform is being ditched. Fewer of us are wearing suits because we have to and more because we want to. While the suit alone offers little opportunity for expression of personality, we’re free to experiment with accessories. So, with that in mind, it’s time to adorn your suit.
POCKET SQUARES
The pocket square has long been regarded as a sign of a well-dressed man and who could argue. Sumptuous in silk, its sartorial influence has remained undiminished despite predating the suit. What’s more appealing is the lack of seasonality with a pocket square, it can be worn all year round. If you like to look sharp in your tailoring, wear it crisply folded, otherwise stuff it into your top pocket for a more relaxed, laidback feeling. Look out for patterns and prints that’ll uplift a grey suit, while block colours will work with just about any shade, just ensure it doesn’t match your tie. There’s no flexibility on our last point - have one for show and one to blow - this is no ordinary handkerchief.
TIE BARS
Accessorise your accessories. Nothing will upgrade a shirt and tie duo like a tie bar (if it’s worn correctly). Take your style cue from Tommy Shelby in the 1920s crime drama series Peaky Blinders – all gangsterism aside. Position your tie bar between the third and fourth button of your shirt: wearing it too high or too low can make or break an outfit. Patterned ties should be pared back with a simple and unadorned tie bar, saving the embellished clips for a plain, skinny tie. A larger clip on the other hand will complement a thicker tie. Now, wear with nonchalance.
LAPEL PINS
Don’t leave your blazer bare, introduce it to a lapel pin. Once fastened to your blazer, it will add a layer of modernity to sharp tailoring. Gold and silver accents are a classic choice and then there’s whimsical and embellished options that’ll transform suiting. Unadorned lapel pins are subtle enough to be styled with both a pocket square and tie bar, so keep the shirt and tie simple.
CUFFLINKS
Up your cufflink game when it comes to formal attire. Cufflinks are an easy yet effective way of adding polish and charm to an outfit, offering more contrast than a button. Introduce your personality with embellished cufflinks or play it safe with a timeless gold design. Either way, they’ll add an air of sophistication and you won’t run the risk of being under-dressed. Remember, it’s all in the details.
Shop lapel pins, pocket squares, cufflinks and more here.
Yours in style,
Calibre
