WHAT'S IN YOUR POCKET?

A pocket square adds life to an outfit, offering sophistication and elegance. There are so many options these days with pocket squares. Pocket squares range in price from inexpensive to expensive. Truth be known if you are smart and thrifty you will head to your local vintage store and pick up some scarves and cut them to shape. In this post I aim to inspire you to think differently about this elegant tradition and how you can style them in different ways. Add a little extra polish to your outfit with the ultimate stylish accessory.



Blazer: Oxford
Shirt: Siviglia 
Bow tie & Pocket Square: James Harper
Pants: Boohoo
Shoes: Ted Baker
Socks: Paul Smith
Sunglasses: Oxford
Watch: Roamer

Uh oh!

Firstly, we need to cover off on what not to do with a pocket square. My personal opinion is a pocket square should not be the same fabric and print as a tie. This is a beginners mistake and appears lazy, unflattering and somewhat boring. This makes me scream. The same as men who walk around with a suit placard on a coat or jacket sealed shut. Get me the unpicker immediately!

What colour should it be?

A pocket square should in fact compliment the colours of your ensemble. You can balance out an outfit to tie in a key item to your outfit (i.e. shoes). The main colour a pocket square should match( if your outfit is perfectly colour balanced), is the shirt. It does not need to be the exact same colour, it could be lighter, darker, a different print, or only a complimentary colour within the pocket square.

Blazer:Bell and Barnett

Tie & pocket square: Bows n Ties

Shirt & sunglasses: Oxford

Pants: Connor Clothing

Shoes: Ted Baker

Socks: Paul Smith

Watch: Roamer

How do I fold it?

The pocket square can be displayed in many ways. From "The Fold", "One Tip Up", "Triple point" to "The pocket stuff". All these are personal preference. Two of my favourites are the triple point and the pocket stuff. There are many editorials online with how to fold. 

Blazer: Bell and Barnett

Shirt, bow tie & pocket square: James Harper

Pants: Asos

Sunglasses: Oxford

Contrast

If you are wearing a full matching suit, break up the style by adding a contrasting pocket square, for instance, blue suit, throw a red pocket square in to add some freshness and variety. Remember that these are an amazing little accessory that pack a punch and can update an outfit and give you some edge. What better way to compliment your sharp looking suit than with a pocket square.

Upsize me

Double up! It is becoming more "trendy" (detest that word) to wear two pocket squares in the one pocket. Unsure of how to wear two pocket squares? I suggest you start with a base colour and then a contrasting print. With the right outfit this look is magnificent. Choose wisely! Obviously begin with patterns and colours in your wardrobe to introduce yourself to the double up. 

Pants: Department 5

Bag: Vivienne Westwood

Shirt: vintage find 

Shoes:Adidas

Sunglasses: Gucci

Jacket: Boohoo

Experiment

Experiment with different styles and see what feels comfortable with you. This is an accessory that gives an outfit life or makes it fall short of being stylish. Best of all this accessory will not wear out, become out of date or cost you hefty amounts of money. 

Sunglasses: Gucci

Blazer: Bossini Menswear

Tie & pocket square: Bows n Ties

Shirt: Oxford

Pants: Manuel Ritz

One great way to make a statement with your pocket square is to team it with a lapel pin. There are so many options these days for lapel accessories, from brooches, flowers, feathers and so much more. As always I encourage you to think outside the box and experiment with different styles and colours.