When it comes to formal menswear, most people focus on the big three: suit, shirt, and shoes. But if you want to stand out—whether at a wedding, cruise, black-tie dinner, or race day—it’s the accessories that make all the difference.
Accessories add polish, personality, and purpose to your outfit. The right details can turn a good look into a great one, and show that you’ve put thought into how you present yourself.
Here’s a complete guide to the menswear accessories you should consider when dressing for formal occasions.
1. The Tie or Bow Tie
The tie is often the centrepiece of your upper half, so don’t treat it as an afterthought. Whether you’re going traditional or modern, your tie choice sets the tone for your outfit.
-
Weddings: A soft pastel or floral tie works well for spring/summer ceremonies. For formal or evening weddings, opt for a darker, richer tone.
-
Cruises and black-tie events: A classic black bow tie (or white, for ultra-formal) is a timeless option. If you’re on a cruise, there’s often more room for fun patterns, colours, even silk knits.
Pro tip: Make sure the width of your tie matches the width of your lapels for a balanced look.
2. The Pocket Square
Pocket squares are small but mighty. They add flair, contrast, and a sense of polish, especially when coordinated (not matched) with your tie.
-
A crisp white pocket square is always safe and elegant.
-
For something more expressive, try a bold pattern or a hint of colour that complements your shirt or accessories.
3. Cufflinks
Cufflinks are essential when wearing a shirt with French cuffs—and even on standard cuffs, they can add a touch of sophistication.
-
Keep it sleek for formal events: think silver, gold, or mother-of-pearl.
-
Add personality with engraved initials, subtle novelty themes, or vintage designs.
4. Belts & Braces
One of the biggest menswear mistakes? Neglecting your waist accessories.
-
Belt: Match the colour and finish of your belt to your shoes—this pulls the whole outfit together.
-
Braces: If your trousers don’t have belt loops, braces are a must. They add a vintage flair and a tailored silhouette. Avoid clip-on versions; opt for button-on if possible.
Never wear both a belt and braces—it’s one or the other.
5. The Watch
A dress watch completes your look, adding subtle sophistication without shouting for attention.
-
For weddings or formal events, choose a slim leather-strap watch with a clean face.
-
For semi-formal occasions like cruise dinners or cocktail events, a sleek metal bracelet can work well too.
6. Tie Bar or Tie Clip
This small addition serves both function and style. It keeps your tie in place (especially important in breezy outdoor settings) and adds a minimalist touch of class.
-
It should never be wider than your tie.
-
Placement should be between the third and fourth shirt buttons.
-
Silver is always safe, but you can coordinate it with your watch or cufflinks for a complete look.
7. Lapel Pin or Boutonnière
Often reserved for weddings or black-tie events, these are stylish ways to personalise your lapel.
-
Boutonnières (real or faux flowers) are common for grooms and wedding parties.
-
Lapel pins can include metallic styles, custom designs, or symbolic touches (like a favourite flower or charity emblem).
Keep it tasteful and appropriate for the setting.
8. Socks (Don’t Ignore Them)
Yes, your socks matter—especially when you sit down and that flash of ankle becomes visible.
-
Stick to black or navy for ultra-formal occasions.
-
Want to inject personality? Go for bold prints or colours that tie into your overall palette.
9. Occasion-Specific Add-Ons
Depending on the type of event, there are a few extras worth considering:
For weddings:
-
Boutonnière or floral pin
-
Custom cufflinks or tie pins
-
Elegant cardholder or slim wallet
For cruises or destination holidays:
-
Light scarves or silk cravats
-
Panama hat or fedora
-
Stylish sunglasses with a case
For race days or outdoor events:
-
Pocket watches or lapel chains
-
Collapsible umbrellas
-
Light grooming kit or travel cologne
Final Thoughts: Let the Accessories Speak
Your accessories should never overpower your outfit, but they should say something about you. The goal is to enhance, not distract. Whether it’s a custom tie pin, a polished watch, or the perfect pocket square fold, these details show that you know how to dress with purpose.
- Need help choosing your wedding suit?
- Looking for something for the races?
- Heading off on a cruise?
At Salters of Rugby, we can help you get every detail right, right down to the last cufflink.
Contact us to book a one-to-one fitting and let us help you dress with confidence for any occasion.