men's corner: fill the pocket...

standing in line today at starbucks...i was admiring the wardrobe of a fairly young man...in a suit...with no tie...and a colorful pocket square peaking out...les sigh...so so dapper was he...had it not been so busy...i would have taken a pic of him...but...alas...you will just have to take my word for it...

as i've mentioned before...for men...there are not as many options to really go wild with color...you can add color to socks...ties...shirts...but one area that is often over-looked...is with the pocket square...especially if you are afraid of too much color...a snippet of it peaking out of your pocket...shows color...without being overwhelming...

and...you don't have to wear the tie...i think many think the pocket square finishes the look of a traditional suit...i say...live outside the box...do you have a pocket on a vest? try a pocket square and wear your vest over a t-shirt...the scenarios are limitless...but have some fun...add color...texture...and print...show a little of your personality through your pocket square...

photo source

men's corner: pick your pocket...

you may be thinking - who wears a pocket square these days? the pocket square may have been a neglected male accessory of late, but in truth, it can make a tieless man look more professional, a suit and tie look more thoughtful, and a man in jeans more sophisticated...if you feel that your polo shirt/blazer combo might be too casual, a pocket square could be just the answer...not sure how to pull this off?

read on...

matchless...the pocket square should not match, but complement your tie, or if going tieless, your coat or shirt...it should be visible against your jacket...don't be afraid of a pattern - paisleys, polka dots, geometrics or abstracts - go for it!


material facts...linen and silk are the most commmon; in fact, white linen is a staple that is almost always appropriate...raw silk and cotton madras look great in the warmer months...a silk square is perfect with wool or cashmere in fall and winter...


making the fold...from the "puff" worn by fred astaire, the straight fold worn by ronald reagan (and the guys on mad men), the traditional triangle, and you won't believe how many other options...there's something for every man...check out this cool website for instructions on how to fold your square to suit your personal style...

men's corner: the art of mixing & matching...

pattern combining is an elusive science to some...and to others...it is pure art...
depending on how you look at it...there is really no scientific method for determining the perfect jacket, shirt, and tie combinations...

the following are a few guidelines to help steer you in the right direction...

if you are going to wear different patterns together...vary their sizes...
for example:
if your have a shirt with a fine pattern, you can go for a bolder-patterned tie
if your shirt is bold, go for a finer-patterned tie...
think of your basic ying and yang...

monochromatic always works...wearing a variety of shades from the same palette looks confident and expensive...think regis philbin...

a few rules to go by...
make sure everything you are wearing belongs in the same season...
for example:
a cashmere sweater looks smart under a wool sport coat...
a cotton oxford does well under a khaki blazer...
a thick wool sweater under a linen blazer...well...just looks odd...don't do it!

see pics below for inspiration...and as always...if you are needing some assistance...i can help!!

two patterns

3 patterns (could easily add a patterned pocket square to make 4 patterns) simply tre chic

monochromatic