The Golden Rules of Men's Accessorizing

The 4 Golden Rules

1- Leather consistency — shoes, belt, wallet, and leather watch strap in the same color family

Many accessories worn by men are made of leather, a noble and timeless material. Thus, for a professional and elegant look, it is crucial that the different leather tones match as closely as possible. Strong color contrasts (light and dark) represent a faux pas to avoid at all costs.

2- Metal coordination — belt buckle, watch, and cufflinks in a single family (gold or silver)

In the world of men's fashion, good taste dictates that all metal accessories match each other. In other words, for everyday wear or special occasions, keep in mind to choose a metal family, either gold or silver. Consider, for example, that a gold belt buckle, even a discreet one, will clash with a silver watch case.

3- Proportion and sobriety — only one focal point at a time; follow the rule of "less is more"

Unless you are attending an event or working in an industry where excess, maximalism, and eccentricity are strongly encouraged, it is better to exercise restraint when choosing your accessories. Only one focal point at a time is preferable to several, which risks a look reminiscent of a Christmas tree.

4- The signature piece — the accessory that personalizes, most often the watch

That being said, you can certainly choose one accessory, usually a watch, that will become the star of your outfit. The modern man typically chooses to invest in a high-end watch that suits his personality, making it the signature piece of his look. Whether classic or sporty, the key is that it harmonizes with the rest of the clothing and accessories.

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The Tie and the Bow Tie

The Tie

Several details deserve consideration when choosing a tie. First, its width should always be proportional to the jacket's lapel width. Keep in mind that a tie that is too narrow or too wide tends to unbalance the whole. It is also important to coordinate the tie's colors and patterns with the shirt to create an elegant look without visual overload. The context or circumstances also influence your choice.

For a formal occasion, classic 100% silk models remain a safe choice. On the other hand, a tie in twill weave, knit, or wool is more suitable for a casual-chic outfit. The tie bar is an interesting accessory that can add character to a sober outfit.

Unsure about the ideal tie model for a wedding, graduation ball, or another special occasion? Our men's fashion experts at Ernest can advise you.


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How to tie a tie?

Ties can be tied in different ways depending on the desired style. Check out our article on different tie knots to discover all the secrets of a successful knot.

The Bow Tie

Generally reserved for formal occasions, the bow tie is a natural choice for a wedding, an awards gala, or any event where the dress code requires evening wear. It pairs perfectly with a tuxedo, but can also enhance a more classic suit when you want to stand out. For a harmonious result, remember to choose a bow tie whose color and finish match the rest of the outfit.

The Pocket Square

Also called a pocket square, the handkerchief is the sophisticated complement to an elegant suit. It is important not to match it directly to the tie. It is better to choose a different but complementary color or pattern. This simple detail demonstrates your mastery of men's fashion codes.

The Leather Line: Shoes, Belt, and Wallet

Leather accessories play a determining role in a men's outfit, which is why ensuring their consistency is recommended by all men's fashion experts. For an impeccable look, it is essential to consider all leather accessories as a "whole" rather than as independent elements. More specifically, you must follow the leather chain, which includes the shoes, followed by the belt, then the wallet and bag, not forgetting the watch strap, if applicable.


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Also know that it is not necessary for each piece to be exactly the same color and texture as the others. It is simply important that the shades naturally match each other. Thus, certain brown accessories can be associated with shades of cognac or maroon, while grey, navy, or black pair well with similar colors.

That said, matching your belt to your shoes remains THE most important rule to follow when harmonizing your leather accessories. A black belt worn with brown shoes, for example, is a classic mistake. Conversely, choosing a belt whose color and finish recall that of the shoes immediately creates a favorable impression.

In short, whether for a professional meeting, a wedding, a gala, a graduation ball, a romantic date, or a casual outing, well-coordinated leather accessories help create a harmonious men's outfit, down to the smallest details.

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The Signature Piece: The Watch

In a polished men's outfit, the watch is much more than a simple accessory for telling time: it is a signature piece. It is a fashion accessory that reflects the wearer's personality and status. Well chosen, it adds a dose of character to any ensemble. First, its strap deserves special attention. Whether leather or metal, it must match the other accessories to create a cohesive whole. A leather strap must thus harmonize with the shoes and belt. A metal strap and case must match other metal accessories, such as the belt buckle, cufflinks, bracelet, or tie bar. So take care to coordinate the colors of the metals, namely gold and silver. This is a golden rule of men's accessorizing.

Wondering which watch to wear with a particular suit? In fact, it all depends on the context. For an event where smart-casual style is appropriate, such as a happy hour, a good-quality sports watch is an excellent option. On the other hand, for a wedding, a gala, an important business meeting, or any other more formal occasion, a dress watch, even a high-end one, is necessary to display a sophisticated look.

Details that Personalize: Socks and Suspenders

At Ernest, we believe that certain accessories, like socks and suspenders, can personalize a men's outfit. Often considered a mere detail, socks can, however, contribute to the balance or imbalance of an ensemble. Specialists recommend matching them to the trousers to visually lengthen the silhouette and create a harmonious transition between the garment and the shoes.

That said, for those who want to display a slightly bolder style, it is possible to opt for high-quality, colorful, or patterned socks. If the rest of the outfit remains sober and in good taste, they will become a personalized addition that will attract attention.

Suspenders, for their part, are a very interesting accessory for making a statement. In addition to offering an elegant alternative to the belt, they automatically give the outfit a more assertive character. They work well with both a dressed-up ensemble and a smart casual or retro look.

The Seasonal Touch: Sunglasses and Hats

Sunglasses and hats are not only useful for protecting against the sun's rays. These accessories add a touch of style that instantly enhances a summer outfit for men. Well chosen, they give panache to any look, whether casual or elegant. For a harmonious result, it is very important to consider your face shape. Designer sunglasses (e.g., Hugo Boss or David Beckham) or a hat suited to your morphology will highlight your features.


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Also, note that it is essential to choose models that match the clothing's style. If the outfit is dressy, glasses with sober lines and a classic, refined hat, like a fedora, will be appropriate. More casual glasses and hats, such as sporty caps from Puma or a linen-look hat from Anthony of London, will be better suited to laid-back activities. By respecting these principles, you can make these seasonal accessories real allies in completing your outfits.


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Men's Accessorizing According to the Occasion

The tie (or bow tie), watch, leather accessories, and pocket square are men's accessories that must adhere to specific rules depending on the occasion.


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For office work, where business casual attire is required, the man prefers a sober tie (e.g., knit), an elegant watch that is not too flashy, and neutral leathers (belt, shoes, wallet, etc.) that coordinate. At work, the pocket square is considered optional, and solid models are preferred for a professional style.

For a casual chic style, simplicity is welcome, provided it is thoughtful. Thus, the tie is not mandatory, and if you choose to wear one, prefer a knit to a silk. The watch, for its part, can be versatile, just like the leathers which must coordinate with each other without exaggeration. If you wish to add a touch of color to a neutral sports jacket, for example, you can opt for a pocket square.

For a special event, like a wedding, a gala, or a graduation ball, accessorizing must be impeccable from head to toe. A tie or bow tie is required, and only a dress watch is acceptable in these circumstances. Leather accessories, for their part, must be strictly coordinated, from shoes to belt, including the wallet and watch strap, if applicable. Finally, the pocket square is recommended for a polished result.

Occasion	Tie	Watch	Leathers	Pocket Square
Office (business casual)	Sober or knit	Dressy, discreet	Coordinated, neutral	Optional, solid
Smart Casual (casual chic)	Optional or knit	Versatile	More freedom	Touch of color
Special Event (wedding)	Tie or bow tie	Dressy	Strict	Recommended

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