What Are the Best Accessories Like Suit Lapel Pins?

When you're looking to add a little flair to a suit, most people's minds jump to accessories like pocket squares or tie bars. But what about another option that's truly making a comeback? We're talking about lapel pins. These small but mighty additions can completely transform the look of your outfit. If you’ve ever been curious about accessories like suit lapel pins and how they fit into a modern, stylish wardrobe, this guide is definitely for you.

Key Takeaways

• Lapel pins are small, clip-on accessories worn on a suit jacket's lapel, offering a fantastic way to inject personality and break up otherwise solid colors.
• When you're picking out a lapel pin, always lean towards metal over plastic—it offers far better durability and a much more refined appearance.
• Pay close attention to the color and size of your lapel pin to make sure it complements your suit, tie, and shirt without stealing the show.
• Lapel pins are surprisingly versatile and can be worn for all sorts of occasions, from formal events like weddings to everyday business or even casual wear, all depending on the pin's design.
• Don't forget that other accessories like cuff links, tie bars, belts, and pocket squares can be coordinated with your lapel pin to create a cohesive and truly polished look.

Pocket Squares

It's easy to overlook the humble pocket square, but this simple yet effective accessory can dramatically alter the impression of a suit or blazer. It’s that small piece of fabric you see tucked into the breast pocket, adding a welcome touch of personality and polish. Think of it as the final brushstroke that ties your entire look together, whether you're off to a formal event or an important business meeting.

The primary role of a pocket square is to add visual interest without overpowering your outfit. It's meant to complement, not compete with, your tie and the rest of your attire. For example, if you're sporting a boldly patterned tie, a solid-colored pocket square that picks up one of the tie's accent colors can create a wonderfully balanced look. On the other hand, a plain suit jacket might be the perfect canvas for a pocket square with a more intricate design. It really is all about achieving harmony.

When you’re selecting a pocket square, you'll want to consider the material and the fold. Silk squares tend to have a more luxurious sheen, making them ideal for evening wear or more formal occasions. Cotton and linen squares, with their more matte finish, are generally seen as more versatile for daytime or business settings. How you fold it matters, too. A simple, straight fold is classic and understated, while a puffier, more casual fold can add a touch of relaxed sophistication. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different folds—it can reveal new ways to style your look.

Here are just a few common folding techniques:

• The Presidential Fold: This is a clean, straight fold that sits neatly in the pocket. It's perfectly understated and works well with more conservative outfits.
• The Puff Fold: This technique involves gathering the fabric in the center and tucking it into the pocket, creating a softer, more voluminous appearance.
• The One-Point Fold: A simple fold where one corner of the square points upwards, offering a subtle and interesting asymmetry.

It’s important to remember that a pocket square is purely decorative. It's not a handkerchief, and using it as such would be a major sartorial misstep. Your best bet is to keep it clean and crisp for its intended purpose: to enhance your ensemble. You can find a wide variety of pocket squares to suit just about any occasion or personal style.

Cuff Links

Don't let their small size fool you—cuff links are mighty accessories that can really put the finishing touch on a formal shirt. They take the place of standard buttons on a French cuff shirt, serving a dual purpose: they hold the cuff closed and add a distinct touch of personal style. You can think of them as jewelry for your shirt sleeves.

When you're dressing for a more formal occasion, like a wedding or a major business event, a French cuff shirt paired with cuff links signals a keen attention to detail. They come in a massive variety of materials, from classic metals like silver and gold to more contemporary options like enamel or even wood. And when it comes to design, the possibilities are virtually endless.

Here's a quick rundown of some common cuff link styles:

• Metal: Often crafted from sterling silver, gold, platinum, or stainless steel. They can be simple and polished or feature elaborate, intricate engravings.
• Enamel: These cuff links incorporate colored enamel for a pop of color or a specific design, making for a bolder statement.
• Stone/Gemstone: Some cuff links feature semi-precious or precious stones, which adds an undeniable touch of luxury.
• Novelty: While it's probably best to avoid these for very formal settings, some novelty cuff links can add a fun, playful touch for less serious occasions.

The right cuff links can subtly communicate your taste and sophistication. When you're choosing a pair, consider the overall formality of your outfit and the event itself. For a timeless look, simple metallic cuff links are always a safe—and stylish—bet. If you're feeling a bit more adventurous, a pair with a subtle color or a unique design can inject personality without being distracting.

Tie Bars

You might know it as a tie bar or a tie clip, but this slender metal accessory is designed to fasten your tie to your dress shirt. It's a small detail, to be sure, but it can make a world of difference in keeping your tie neatly in place and adding a polished touch to your overall look. Think of it as the unsung hero of your suit ensemble.

At its core, the primary function of a tie bar is to keep your tie from flapping around, especially when you're on the move. It also prevents the tie from sliding down, which can look sloppy. You generally don't need a tie bar if you're wearing a waistcoat or a sweater, as those garments already do a fine job of keeping your tie secure.

When you’re choosing a tie bar, think about its size relative to your tie. A good rule of thumb is that the tie bar should never, ever be wider than your tie. Ideally, it should cover about two-thirds to three-quarters of the tie's width. Placement is also critical; you’ll want to position the tie bar between the third and fourth buttons of your dress shirt. This spot usually aligns perfectly with the widest part of your tie.

Here are a few points to keep in mind when selecting and wearing a tie bar:

• Width: Always make sure the tie bar is narrower than your tie.
• Placement: Position it neatly between the third and fourth shirt buttons.
• Material and Finish: Tie bars come in various metals like silver, gold, rose gold, and even gunmetal. Try to match the finish to your other accessories, such as your watch or cufflinks, for a cohesive look.
• Style: From simple, clean lines to more ornate designs, choose a style that complements both your suit and your personal taste.

While a tie bar certainly serves a practical purpose, it also acts as a subtle style statement. It shows a real attention to detail and can tie together the elements of your outfit—much like a well-chosen pocket square or a pair of smart cufflinks.

Belts

While we often think of them as purely functional, a belt can significantly contribute to the overall aesthetic of an outfit, especially when you're wearing a suit. The primary role of a belt is, of course, to keep your trousers properly positioned. For those whose suits or dress pants fit impeccably, a belt might seem redundant. For many of us, however, it’s a practical solution to ensure a neat appearance by preventing any unwanted gaps.

Beyond its practical function, a belt becomes a highly visible style element the moment your shirt is tucked in and your jacket is open. In these instances, the belt is on full display, making its selection a matter of sartorial importance. A well-chosen belt can tie an entire ensemble together, whereas an ill-suited one can detract from an otherwise polished look. You’ll want to consider the material and color carefully; a classic leather belt in black or brown is a versatile choice that complements most suit colors.

Here are a few points to consider when selecting a belt:

• Material: Leather is the gold standard for dress belts, offering a refined look. Suede can provide a slightly more casual yet still sophisticated option.
• Color: Black and dark brown are the most versatile colors for formal wear. Burgundy and tan can also work beautifully, depending on the suit and shoe color.
• Buckle: For formal occasions, opt for simple, understated buckles. It's best to avoid overly large or ornate designs.

The belt is more than just a tool to keep your pants up; it's an opportunity to add a subtle yet impactful detail to your attire. It should harmonize with your shoes and the overall tone of your outfit, acting as a stylish bridge between your trousers and the rest of your ensemble.

Suspenders

Suspenders, also known as braces, offer a classic alternative to belts for holding up your trousers. While they might have once been associated with a more dated style, they have made a significant comeback, providing a sophisticated and remarkably comfortable way to secure your pants. Unlike belts—which can sometimes create an unwanted crease or pressure point—suspenders distribute the weight of your trousers evenly across your shoulders.

When you’re choosing suspenders, there are a few key things to consider:

• Fastening Type: Suspenders attach to trousers in two main ways: with buttons or with clips. Button suspenders, which require small loops to be sewn onto the waistband of your trousers, are generally considered more formal and traditional. Clip-on suspenders offer convenience and can be attached to any pair of trousers, making them a more versatile, albeit less formal, option.
• Strap Configuration: The most common configurations are 'Y' and 'X' shapes. 'Y' suspenders feature a single strap that splits into two at the back, offering a sleeker profile often preferred for formal wear. 'X' suspenders have two separate straps that cross over each other at the back, providing a bit more support and a slightly more casual feel.
• Strap Width: Suspenders come in various widths. Thinner straps tend to lend a more modern or trendy appearance, while wider straps are often seen as more traditional and robust.

Coordinating your suspenders with your outfit is the key to pulling them off successfully. Ideally, the color of your suspenders should complement your shirt or tie, creating a cohesive look, especially if your jacket comes off. Try to avoid matching them too closely to your trousers, as this can make them blend in too much. Instead, aim for a subtle contrast that adds a touch of visual interest.

Suspenders can offer a more comfortable fit than belts, particularly for individuals who find belts constricting. They also provide a unique stylistic element that can add a lot of personality to an ensemble, moving well beyond mere functionality.

Dress Shirts

We tend to think of the dress shirt as just the foundation of an outfit, but it's so much more than a simple base layer. It's actually a key player in your overall aesthetic, offering subtle yet significant opportunities to refine your look. The choice of dress shirt can dramatically alter the formality and style of your ensemble, making it a critical accessory in its own right.

The right dress shirt can tie your entire look together, acting as a perfect canvas for your other accessories. When selecting a dress shirt to pair with a suit or blazer, think about the fabric, fit, and color. Cotton is a standard choice for a reason—it offers breathability and a crisp appearance. The fit should be tailored; a shirt that is too loose or too tight can seriously detract from the sharpness of your suit. Colors like white, light blue, and subtle patterns are wonderfully versatile, working well for both professional settings and more relaxed social occasions.

Here are a few points to keep in mind when choosing a dress shirt:

• Collar Style: Different collar types suit different tie knots and lapel widths. A spread collar is a classic that works with most tie knots, while a point collar is more traditional. Button-down collars are generally considered more casual.
• Cuff Type: French cuffs, which require cufflinks, offer a more formal and polished finish. Barrel cuffs, with their standard buttons, are more common for everyday wear.
• Fabric and Pattern: Solid colors are the easiest to match, but subtle stripes or checks can add some welcome visual interest. Just be mindful of the fabric's texture and weight, especially in relation to the season and the suit fabric.

The dress shirt is where your suit's narrative truly begins. It's not just about covering up; it's about presenting a clean, well-fitted silhouette that complements your chosen accessories and the occasion. Think of it as the silent partner to your tie, pocket square, and lapel pin, all working in harmony to create a cohesive impression.

Ties

The tie is a true cornerstone of men's formal and business attire, offering a significant opportunity to express your personal style. Beyond its decorative function, the tie plays a crucial role in balancing the overall look of a suit and shirt combination. When you're selecting a tie, several factors come into play—including the fabric, width, color, and pattern—all of which should harmonize beautifully with the suit and shirt.

Choosing the right tie can elevate a standard outfit into a truly polished ensemble.

Consider these aspects when selecting your next tie:

• Fabric: Materials like silk offer a classic sheen, while wool or knit ties can provide a more textured, casual feel. Linen ties are a great choice for warmer weather.
• Width: Tie widths have certainly evolved over time. A common guideline is to match the tie's width to the width of your suit's lapels. Wider lapels generally call for wider ties, and narrower lapels pair better with slimmer ties.
• Color and Pattern: The tie should complement, not clash with, your shirt and suit. Solid colors offer fantastic versatility, while patterns can add a dose of visual interest. Also consider the occasion; bolder patterns might be suitable for less formal settings, while more subdued designs are appropriate for business environments.
• Knot: The type of knot you use can also affect the overall appearance. Simple knots like the Four-in-Hand are quite common, whereas more complex knots like the Windsor can create a more substantial, commanding look.

The tie is often the most visible accessory you'll wear, and it can be used to tie together the colors and patterns of your shirt and suit. It's a simple yet incredibly effective way to add personality to your professional or formal wear.

Boutonnières

For a truly classic touch, nothing quite compares to a boutonnière. Traditionally a single fresh flower, it's worn in the buttonhole of a suit jacket's lapel. It’s a wonderful nod to sartorial history, often seen at significant events like weddings, proms, or other formal celebrations. While real flowers offer a natural elegance, they can be delicate and require specific care to last through an entire event.

A boutonnière's primary role is to add a subtle, yet distinct, decorative element that complements the wearer's attire. It’s not meant to overpower the outfit but rather to serve as a refined and thoughtful accent.

When you're opting for a boutonnière, consider these points:

• Flower Choice: Select a flower that harmonizes with the overall color scheme of your suit and tie. Classic choices include roses, carnations, or even small, elegant orchids.
• Size and Placement: A single bloom is generally preferred for a sophisticated look. It should be placed in the lapel's buttonhole and angled slightly to follow the line of the lapel.
• Occasion Appropriateness: Boutonnières are best suited for formal or semi-formal events. You'd be hard-pressed to see them in everyday business wear.

While a fresh flower boutonnière is a timeless choice for formal occasions, modern alternatives like fabric lapel flowers or enamel pins offer greater durability and a wider range of stylistic options for less formal settings.

For formal tuxedo events, a single white or red blossom is the customary and most distinguished choice. The boutonnière, whether real or a well-chosen artificial substitute, remains a truly special accessory for marking life's most important occasions.

Flower Lapel Pins

Flower lapel pins offer a charming—and often colorful—alternative to traditional boutonnières. While a real flower is lovely for very formal occasions like weddings, a well-chosen flower lapel pin can bring a similar aesthetic to a much wider range of events, from semi-formal gatherings to simply adding a touch of personality to your everyday wear. These pins are typically crafted from fabric, metal, or other materials, all designed to mimic the look of a bloom.

The key is to select a flower lapel pin that complements, rather than competes with, your overall outfit. Think carefully about the size and color. A pin that's too large can easily overwhelm your lapel, while a color that clashes can look out of place. A great tip is to match the color of your flower lapel pin to your pocket square; this simple coordination ties your accessories together beautifully.

When considering flower lapel pins, here are a few points to keep in mind:

• Material Matters: Pins can range from delicate fabric flowers to more structured metal designs. Fabric flowers often provide a softer, more natural look, while metal ones can offer a bolder, more modern statement.
• Color Coordination: Aim for colors that either subtly blend with your suit or tie, or provide a deliberate, eye-catching contrast. A deep red flower on a navy suit, for instance, can be quite striking.
• Occasion Appropriateness: While they are versatile, always consider the formality. A very elaborate fabric flower might be best for a wedding or a party, whereas a simpler, more metallic floral design could work well for business casual settings.

Flower lapel pins serve as a delightful way to express your personal style and add a distinctive flourish to your attire. They neatly bridge the gap between a formal boutonnière and a more casual accessory, offering a sophisticated yet approachable option for many occasions.

Enamel Pins

Enamel pins, often called mini pins, offer a distinctly modern way to add personality to your suit lapel. Unlike floral or stick pins that might have a longer needle, enamel pins typically feature a shorter pin that pierces directly through the lapel fabric. A small backing, usually a butterfly clasp, secures it firmly in place. This design makes them a more subtle choice—ideal for those who want to add a touch of individuality without being overly ostentatious.

These pins are crafted from metal and filled with enamel to create a specific design. The enamel itself can be hard or soft, which affects the finish and durability. Hard enamel pins have a smooth, polished surface where the enamel is level with the metal outlines, giving them a more refined and premium look. Soft enamel pins have a slightly textured surface, as the enamel sits below the metal lines, which can offer a more tactile feel.

Enamel pins are a fantastic option for adding a personal touch to business attire or for events where you want to express your interests subtly. They are particularly well-suited for professional settings like mock interviews or meetings with employers, where a more understated accessory is almost always appropriate. Their versatility, however, means they can also be worn to more casual gatherings or even as a daily accent piece.

When choosing an enamel pin, consider the following:

• Design: Select a design that reflects your interests, hobbies, or personal style. This could be anything from a simple geometric shape to a more intricate illustration.
• Size: Enamel pins come in all sorts of sizes. Smaller pins are more discreet, while larger ones can make more of a statement.
• Color Palette: Think about how the pin's colors will complement the rest of your outfit. Neutral tones can offer a classic look, while brighter colors can add a nice pop of contrast.

The placement for an enamel pin is generally the same as other lapel pins – on the upper part of the left lapel, often where a buttonhole would be. If your jacket lacks a buttonhole, don't worry; you can still attach the pin directly through the fabric. The key is to position it so it's visible but not overwhelming.

While they might be smaller and less noticeable from a distance compared to their floral counterparts, enamel pins provide a unique opportunity for self-expression. They are a truly modern accessory that allows for a great deal of creativity and personal flair, making them a noteworthy addition to any gentleman's collection of suit accessories.

Wrapping Up Your Style

So, there you have it—a look at how lapel pins can really elevate a suit. They aren't just little bits of metal or fabric; they're a chance to showcase a piece of your personality without saying a single word. Whether you're leaning towards a classic look with a simple flower pin or something more contemporary with a unique enamel design, it's all about adding that personal touch. Remember, the key is to choose something that feels right for your outfit and, more importantly, for you. Don't be afraid to experiment a little, because a well-chosen lapel pin can make a simple suit feel infinitely more special.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a lapel pin?

Think of a lapel pin as a small, decorative accessory that you clip onto the lapel of your suit jacket. It's like a tiny piece of art for your suit that adds a dash of personality and style to your overall look.

Why should I wear a lapel pin?

Wearing a lapel pin is an incredibly simple way to make your suit stand out from the crowd. It can break up the solid color of your jacket and add a touch of flair. Really, it's an easy way to show off your personal style without being too flashy.

How do I choose the right lapel pin?

When you're picking out a lapel pin, it's always a good idea to opt for one made of metal, as they're much more durable than plastic versions. You'll also want to consider the color and design to make sure it matches or complements the rest of your outfit—especially your tie.

What's the best way to wear a lapel pin?

As a general rule, you should only wear one lapel pin at a time. Place it on the left lapel of your suit jacket, usually a few inches below the collar, and make sure it sits straight and level, not tilted at an angle.

Can I wear a lapel pin with any suit?

Absolutely. Lapel pins can be worn with most suits, whether they're for a formal event or even for everyday wear, depending on the pin's design. A simple, classic pin works for many occasions, while a more unique one might be better suited for special events.

Are lapel pins only for formal occasions?

Not at all. While you often see lapel pins at formal events like weddings, they've become much more popular for everyday wear, too. You can add a lapel pin to your suit for work, parties, or any time you feel like adding a little extra style to your look.