Accessories are what turn clothes into an outfit. Two men can wear the same navy blazer and grey trousers, and the one with a good watch, a matching belt and a crisp pocket square will look like he's got his life together. The trick is restraint. The best accessories look chosen, not collected.
The watch
For many men the watch is the only piece of "jewellery" they wear every day, so it's worth choosing carefully. You don't need a luxury piece. You need one that matches the formality of your clothes.
| Watch type | Wear with |
|---|---|
| Dress watch (thin case, leather strap, simple dial) | Suits, black tie, formal events |
| Steel sports watch / diver | Smart casual, casual, business casual. The most versatile type |
| Field watch (canvas or leather strap) | Casual, heritage, military and workwear |
| Smartwatch | Gym, casual days; swap it for a real watch at formal events |
If you own just one, a steel watch with a simple dial on a bracelet or leather strap covers 90% of situations. Case sizes between 36 and 41 mm suit most wrists.
Belts
- Match your leathers. Brown shoes, brown belt; black shoes, black belt. The shades don't need to be identical, just in the same family.
- Dress belts are slim (about 3 cm / 1.25 in) with a simple, small buckle. Casual belts are wider, in suede, braided leather or canvas.
- Fit: the belt should fasten on the middle hole with the tip reaching just past the first belt loop.
- No belt with a tuxedo or side-adjuster trousers. Use braces (suspenders) or nothing.
Ties
A tie should reach the top of your belt buckle, no higher and no lower. Match the width roughly to your jacket lapels: around 7–8 cm (2.75–3.25 in) is classic and never looks dated. Start your collection with a solid navy silk tie, a burgundy tie, a navy tie with a small pattern, and a knitted tie for smart casual. The four-in-hand knot is all most men ever need. It's easy, slightly asymmetric and works with nearly every collar.
Pocket squares
A pocket square adds a touch of personality to a blazer or suit. A white linen or cotton square in a straight "TV fold" is the classic, fail-safe choice. Once you're comfortable, try a silk square with a pattern that picks up one colour from your tie or shirt, but never an exact match of the tie fabric. Matching sets look cheap.
Sunglasses
Choose frames that contrast with your face shape: angular frames for round faces, rounder frames for square jaws. Timeless shapes such as wayfarers, aviators and round tortoiseshell frames suit most men. Invest in real UV protection and get polarised lenses if you drive or spend time near water.
Bags
- Leather briefcase or document bag for suits and formal offices.
- Canvas or leather tote or messenger for business casual.
- Minimal backpack in leather or dark nylon for smart casual and commuting. Avoid sporty hiking packs with a suit.
- Weekender / holdall for short trips.
Wallet, cufflinks and jewellery
Thinner is better with wallets. A bulky wallet ruins the line of trousers and jackets, so try a slim cardholder. Cufflinks are needed for French (double) cuff shirts and should be simple: silver, gold or a subtle stone. For jewellery, less is more. A wedding band, a signet ring or a single simple bracelet is plenty for most outfits.
Hats and scarves
A wool or cashmere scarf adds warmth and colour to winter outfits. Tie it in a simple loop (the "Parisian knot") or just drape it. For hats, a flat cap suits heritage and country looks, a beanie suits casual outfits, and a felt fedora suits overcoats and tailoring if you wear it with confidence. Take hats off indoors.
The rule of restraint
Do
- Match belt to shoes
- Pick one focal point per outfit
- Choose quality over quantity
- Match accessory formality to your clothes
Don't
- Wear a matching tie & pocket square set
- Mix gold and silver loudly
- Wear a sports watch with black tie
- Wear every accessory at once
Finally, don't forget the most overlooked accessory of all, your socks. Our socks guide explains exactly which pair to wear with every outfit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should my belt match my shoes?
Yes. Keep your leathers in the same colour family: brown with brown, black with black. The shades don't have to match exactly.
How long should a tie be?
The tip of the tie should just touch the top of your belt buckle.
What watch should a man own if he can only have one?
A steel watch with a simple dial, 36–41 mm, on a bracelet or leather strap. It works with suits, smart casual and casual outfits.
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