How to Add the Perfect Finishing Accessories to Your Suit

The right accessories can really elevate your bespoke suit

Accessories can turn a simple outfit into a statement. The right tie, cufflinks, or pocket square can highlight your individuality, add a unique detail to your clothing, or become a distinctive feature of your style. If you’ve never thought much about how these finishing touches affect the way you look, this guide is for you. Read on to discover how to select and style the perfect accessories that will match your status and the outfit you’re wearing.

The Role of Accessories for Suits

Accessories significantly impact how a suit is perceived. Even a perfectly tailored jacket can look boring without the right tie or pocket square. Finishing details set the tone, capture the attention, add contrast, and break the monotony of solid fabrics.

Even small elements, such as a lapel pin, belt, or tie bar, affect the overall impression, create visual balance, and determine whether the outfit comes off as formal or casual. In practice, accessories are not just decoration. They signal authority, creativity, or understated elegance. Here’s how various items can make your outfit one of a kind.

Pocket Squares

A pocket square is the easiest way to express personal style. Unlike ties, which have rules about matching, they allow for creativity. While a white cotton square is always a safe bet, silk and colorful ones complement your outfit and add richness. Choose a square that goes well with your tie without exactly matching it.

Choosing the right way to fold a pocket square is just as important as the fabric itself, because it determines the tone of your suit. Some look neat and formal, others are more relaxed and stylish.

Cufflinks and Tie Bars

Gold, silver, and platinum cufflinks create a unique look, while those made of mother-of-pearl or gemstones add extra refinement. Choose simple metal designs for work and more decorative and bolder options for evening events.

Tie bars secure a tie and add a subtle metallic accent. A good rule is to place them between the third and fourth buttons of the shirt. Ensure the bar is no wider than the tie to balance the proportions.

Belts / Braces

A leather belt should complement your shoes in both color and texture. Opt for a thinner, more formal belt with a clean, traditional buckle, and ensure the belt's hardware complements your other metal accessories, like your watch or tie bar. This will create a harmonious look.

If you're wearing a three-piece suit, consider braces instead of a belt for a classic touch. Braces look great with high-waisted trousers and create a clean silhouette. You can choose styles with button or clip closures, depending on your trousers and personal preference.

Watches and Jewellery

A good quality watch is a man's most important accessory. A classic wristwatch with a leather strap will complement a formal outfit, while metal straps look good with a business suit. Minimize other jewelry to a wedding ring, a signet ring, or a simple necklace under a shirt. The “less is invariably more” principle always applies to formal menswear.

Shoes

Classic shoes are a versatile wardrobe item that can fit both formal and casual outfits. Here are a few tips on how to wear various types of shoes:

●      Oxfords: Plain-toe Oxfords are best for formal style and evening wear, while cap-toe Oxfords pair well with black, gray, and navy suits.

●      Derbies: Derbies in a smooth, dark leather look good with linen or cotton suits. Dark brown leather derbies are perfect for office spaces or semi-formal dinners. Brown or tan derbies with chinos or dark wash jeans create a relaxed yet polished look.

●      Brogues: Choose a quarter brogue in black or dark brown leather for suits and business wear. Wingtip brogues go well with chinos, tweed trousers, or gray flannels and a sports jacket. Full brogues in tan or brown look great with jeans.

●      Monk Straps: Black monk straps work well for a black or gray suit. Double monk straps in brown or burgundy pair well with navy or charcoal suits. You can also wear them with a blazer and trousers. For a smart-casual style, wear monk straps with slim-fit chinos or dark jeans.

Taking care of your shoes extends their lifespan. Polish them often, use shoe trees, and switch between pairs so they will last for years.

Socks

Socks are a low-key way to highlight your style. Good materials like merino wool or cotton mixes will keep your feet comfortable, while your socks will look good all day. Match your socks to your pants, not your shoes, to create a seamless look. If you want to add some flair, opt for subtle patterns or colors that complement your outfit. Try to avoid overly bold or colorful socks that will take attention away from your suit.

The Cost of Finishing Touches

Bespoke accessories often come with high price tags, particularly when it comes to important business events or special occasions. As the first impression plays a key role, some people have relied on a small loan when preparing for career-defining moments to ensure they present their best selves. Here’s a breakdown of typical cost ranges for essential suit accessories:

●      Silk ties: £25–£300 ($31–$375)

●      Pocket squares: £15–£200 ($18–$250)

●      Cufflinks: £30–£1,000 ($37–$1,250)

●      Leather belt: £25–£600 ($31–$750)

●      Watches: £100–£5,000+ ($125–$6,250+)

●      Shoes: £40–£1,500+ ($50–$1,875+)

●      Tie bar/clip: £20–£500+ ($25–$625+)

How to Combine Colours, Fabrics and Textures

To master color matching, you need to understand undertones and how different shades work together. Navy blue remains one of the most versatile suit colors. It pairs effortlessly with burgundy ties, forest green pocket squares, or subtle patterned socks. A black suit with gold accessories creates a striking balance of classic formality and modern boldness, which works perfectly for evening events.

Mix textures to add depth. For example, pair smooth silk ties with wool suits, or knitted ties with cotton and fine wool.

Seasonal Considerations

Lighter fabrics, brighter colors, and breathable materials are best for spring and summer outfits. In fall and winter, pay attention to richer tones, heavier textures, and warm fabrics like wool and cashmere. Year-round, classic combinations remain timeless and transcend seasonal trends.

Suit Accessories for Business, Formal, and Casual Wear

Men’s accessories are not confusing when you know a few smart tips on the best fits for various styles. Here’s a cheat sheet you can turn to.

Business Suit

Keep it classic and quiet. Choose a tie in solid colors or with subtle patterns that won’t distract in meetings. Pair shirts with minimalist metal cufflinks and choose a watch on a classic leather strap with a clean, simple dial. A pocket square should stay neutral. Pick the one that slightly contrasts with the tie or jacket.

Your belt should be made of leather, matched to the shoe color, and feature a plain, classic buckle. Timeless shoes, such as oxfords or derbies, are the best choice. Complete the look with a leather briefcase or portfolio.

Formal Suit

A formal suit should be refined and understated in its appearance. Wear a black or white low-key silk tie and let high-quality materials do the talking. Cufflinks should be made of precious metal. Gemstones and strict, elegant designs are appropriate here. Your watch should be slim and elegant, coming from a premium brand, and slip neatly under the cuff.

Fold a white silk pocket square, or choose one that discreetly complements the tie. Opt for a black or patent-leather belt with no extra detailing. When it comes to shoes, wear well-polished dressy wingtip brogues, dark brown leather derbies, or monk straps. Instead of a bulky bag, use a minimalist clutch or a slim document holder.

Casual Wear

Casual menswear is about relaxing the rules and adding personality. Pick lighter-fabric ties in brighter colors or playful prints, or skip the tie when the setting allows. Cufflinks are optional. If you wear them, go for fun shapes or creative designs. When it comes to watches, opt for smartwatches, sporty pieces, or vintage models.

Choose a pocket square with bold colors or patterns and casual, looser folds. Belts can be fabric or braided, and unique buckles are welcome. Footwear can range from loafers to clean sneakers or moccasins. Swap the briefcase for a backpack, tote, or messenger bag to keep the vibe easy and modern.

Frequent Accessory Mistakes to Avoid

If you’re new to accessories, it’s quite easy to make a few common mistakes. One of them is over-accessorizing your outfit. Avoid using too many accents or wearing too many statement pieces at once.

Another common mistake is mismatching accessories with each other and the clothing. For example, pairing too many noticeable accessories with bright, flashy clothing creates a carnival-like effect rather than a harmonious look.

Matching your tie and pocket square exactly makes you look old-fashioned. Instead, pick colors or designs that go well together but aren't the same.

One more mistake many overlook is choosing the wrong tie width, which doesn't match the lapel. Thin lapels require thin ties, while wide lapels look better with wider ones. Where you place your tie bar and how long it is should also match the tie's width.

Final Thoughts

Accessories are the tools that adapt a suit to the occasion. Strict details highlight business and formal looks, while bold and relaxed accents help create a stylish, casual outfit. Trends for 2025 highlight a move toward refined comfort and a blend of high-end tailoring with streetwear elements. Ultimately, the goal is to use accessories to complement an outfit and express individuality with confidence, without overdoing it.