Quick Answer: What Accessories Should You Wear With a Suit?
- A tie or bow tie that complements your suit and shirt
- A pocket square that coordinates (but doesn't match exactly)
- A tie bar to keep your tie in place
- Cufflinks for French- or convertible-cuff shirts
- A leather belt that matches your shoes
- Dress socks that match your pants or add personality
Keep metals consistent, and don't wear everything at once.
A suit is a great foundation, but accessories make it yours. The right details make an outfit look intentional and polished. Here are the six accessories every man should own, and how to wear each one. (Looking for everyday essentials beyond suits? Read must-have accessories for men.)
1. Ties and Bow Ties
Your tie is the centrepiece of your suit. Start with a few versatile solids in navy and burgundy, then add stripes and patterns. Keep a black bow tie for black tie events.
Tip: make your tie darker than your shirt and match its width to your lapels. Read how to choose a tie. Shop ties.
2. Pocket Squares
A pocket square adds colour and polish, with or without a tie. Pick up a colour from your tie or shirt without matching it exactly.
Tip: a white pocket square in a flat fold works with everything. Shop pocket squares.
3. Tie Bar
A tie bar keeps your tie in place and adds a subtle bit of shine. Wear it between the third and fourth buttons of your shirt, and keep it narrower than your tie.
Tip: see our beginner's guide to tie bars. Shop tie bars.
4. Cufflinks
Cufflinks are required with French- or convertible-cuff shirts and are a great way to add personality. Classic silver or gold works for formal events; subtle designs add character.
Tip: match your cufflinks to your other metals. Shop cufflinks, tie bars and lapel pins.
5. A Leather Belt
Your belt should match your shoes: black with black, brown with brown. Choose a slim leather dress belt with a simple buckle.
Tip: wear either a belt or suspenders, never both. Shop belts.
6. Dress Socks
Socks are the easiest place to add personality. Match them to your pants for a classic look, or choose a pattern that shares a colour with your tie.
Tip: see how to style your socks. Shop socks.
Bonus: Lapel Pins
A lapel pin is a small, confident detail, especially at weddings, prom and events where you're going without a tie.
Don't Overdo It
The goal is a polished look, not a cluttered one. Keep metals consistent across your tie bar, cufflinks and belt buckle, and choose one or two statement pieces rather than wearing everything at once.
Accessories make great gifts, too. See our Father's Day gift ideas. Looking for something different from a tie? Learn how to wear an ascot. Prefer suspenders to a belt? Here's how to wear them.
Ready to finish the look? Learn how to fold a pocket square four easy ways.
FAQ
What accessories go with a suit?
A tie, pocket square, belt and dress socks are the essentials. Add a tie bar, cufflinks or lapel pin for extra polish.
Should my pocket square match my tie?
It should coordinate, not match. Choose a pocket square that picks up one colour from your tie.
Do I need cufflinks?
Only with French- or convertible-cuff shirts. Standard button-cuff shirts don't need them.
Shop Suit Accessories at Tip Top
Find everything to finish your look in our accessories and wedding accessories collections, or visit one of our 80+ locations across Canada.
