Must-Have Men's Accessories for the Perfectly Styled Suit
For the most part, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with wearing a suit on its own. Crisp lapels, pressed trousers, and a pair of Oxford shoes—presto, you’re ready to take on the world. But certain occasions call for something a bit more, and let’s be honest, in today’s age of hyper-personalization and style fluency, it’s not just about the suit anymore.
Accessories are the punctuation marks of a perfectly styled ensemble: the whimsy of a pocket square, the steady confidence of a tie bar, the subtle luxury of a leather watch peeking from your cuff, and the delicate strength in wearing a colorful pair of socks that can be seen whenever you take a seat.
In the words of British designer Hardy Amies, "A man should look as if he has bought his clothes with intelligence, put them on with care and then forgotten all about them." That kind of effortless flair? It lives in the details.
ALSO READ:
Suspenders for Formal Wear: Elevating Your Suit Game
Where to Find Leather Shoes in Metro Manila
Let’s break down the must-have accessories every suited man should consider—not to overdo, but to elevate:
1| Necktie
Despite the rise of tieless office cultures and post-pandemic casual everything, the tie is not dead yet—it’s just become a statement rather than a standard. Whether it’s a regimental silk tie or a textured knit number, the tie anchors your outfit and sets the tone.
Giorgio Armani once said, "The difference between style and fashion is quality." That means ditching polyester blends and only reaching for your novelty print ties when it fits the bill. In other words, children may get the kick out of your dinosaur tie when you wear it to their school’s "Career Day," but your C-list clients may not be as thrilled. Instead, lean into silk, wool, or handwoven pieces in seasonal tones.
Ties come in several key varieties. Silk ties are best for classic business settings or evening occasions, especially when worn with a structured wool suit. For colder climates or less formal workdays, a wool or cashmere tie adds textural dimension to your suit. Knit ties, with their squared ends and unique texture, work beautifully with cotton or linen suits—ideal for creative workplaces, smart-casual events, or warmer climates. If you’re wearing a patterned suit, stick to a solid-colored tie or one with subtle detail; if your suit is plain, feel free to go a bit bolder.
Cebu-based social and cultural enterprise ANTHILL’s Slim Necktie, priced at P999, is woven by artisans from Abra using Kantarines fabric, blending Filipino heritage with modern tailoring. The weave’s texture adds dimension, while the whimsical checkered or woven patterns are guaranteed to change your suit from basic to “proudly Filipino” and looking damn good in the process.
2| Pocket Squares
If a suit is a canvas, the pocket square is that splash of personality—right above your chest. It’s the only part of your ensemble that serves no real function, except to announce to those you encounter that you gave your outfit more than a moment’s thought. And to a lot of discerning people, that extra bit of effort says a lot.
According to fashion designer Tom Ford, “Dressing well is a form of good manners.” A pocket square, then, is sartorial courtesy. The trick is coordination, not duplication: never match your pocket square exactly to your tie. Instead, pick a color or pattern that harmonizes without echoing.
Pocket squares vary in fabric (linen, cotton, silk, wool), fold (puff, flat, one-point), and print. A white linen square with a presidential fold is timeless and works for boardroom meetings, weddings, and conservative dress codes. Silk pocket squares in paisley or geometric patterns are better for dinners, cocktails, and fashion-forward galas. Cotton and wool varieties add texture and are perfect for leveling up a casual suit. Final tip? Match a brighter pocket square to your socks or tie, but never both.
JIM Weaver’s Philippine Eagle Pocket Square (which doubles as a silk scarf, by the way) is made of 100 percent natural silk twill, with hand-rolled hems. It’s part of a Wildlife Collection that aims to increase awareness of the world’s endangered wildlife species. Plus, the forest green and aqua blue pattern combination adds just the perfect touch of color to any solid suit. Their 43 x 43 pocket squares are available online for P1,450 each.
3| Watches
The wristwatch is more than just a time-telling piece. For the suited gentleman, it’s an anchor of elegance. A minimalist dress watch with a leather strap slides effortlessly under your cuff, while a steel sports watch can straddle the line between formal and functional without breaking a sweat. A good watch, for the most part, just keeps your look together.
Dress watches are sleek, slim, and usually feature leather straps, making them perfect for business suits or black-tie attire. Chronographs and diver watches are bulkier, but they can also be quite a statement. If erring on the side of caution, however, these watches pair well with casual or travel suits (think cotton, seersucker, or unstructured blazers). Smartwatches should be kept out of formalwear unless they have sleek, analog-inspired designs and matching straps, a.k.a. hybrid watches like the TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4. Remember: If it catches on your cuff, it’s probably too thick.
Proudly Filipino watchmaker ARGOS Philippines’ Asteri Collection, inspired by the Sierra Madre Mountain Range, is dubbed as the “ultimate go anywhere, do anything watch.” The limited-edition Sunlight White version, priced at P35,999 (P31,999 on sale), comes with both a stainless steel bracelet and a leather strap, allowing you to make the most of the watch no matter the occasion. It has a 41-hour power reserve, Japanese NH38A movement, diashock system, 5 ATM water resistance, curved sapphire glass, four layers of anti-reflective coating, and luminous hands and markers with Swiss Super-LumiNova®.
4| Tie Bars and Collar Pins
The tie bar’s purpose is pretty straightforward; it’s meant to keep your tie in place. Positioned between the third and fourth buttons of your shirt, the tie bar adds a gleam while providing much-needed structure. The last thing you want is to have your tie flapping around while sipping whiskey in a rooftop bar with your potential investors—distracting them, instead of them admiring your business proposal and the stunning city skyline.
Silver is safe; gold, if you’re confident. Tie bars can be polished, brushed, or patterned. Skinny tie? Go for a slimmer bar. Thick tie? Wider clip. Tie bars suit business settings and semi-formal events, but should be left at home for funerals or traditional formalwear.
Collar pins have also made a comeback, adding vintage-inspired charm and a lifted tie knot for a 3D effect. They work best with tab or club collar shirts and three-piece suits, ideal for formal dinners or period-themed events.
Perhaps a tie clip or bar is the last piece of your suit that you’d expect to drop five figures on, but Ferragamo begs to differ. Ferragamo’s Gancini tie clip (available on Trunc.ph for P22,500) in golden brass has an understated, but elegant shape that adds that refined touch to your just-as-classy suit.
5| Cufflinks
They say you can tell a lot about a man by his shoes, but his cufflinks tell you what kind of man he thinks he is. From discreet knots to heirloom gemstones, cufflinks are one of the few truly customizable expressions in a man’s wardrobe.
They range from silk knots (great for day weddings or first-time users) to mechanical pieces that are ideal for gala nights or power meetings. Enamel or silver monogram cufflinks elevate a basic French cuff shirt, while gemstone or pearl accents add that touch of luxury. Match metals to your watch and/or tie bar. Cufflinks shine best with French cuffs, tuxedos, and formal business suits.
Crafted by Filipino artisans, the AMAMI Brigido Filigree Cufflinks (priced at P6,030) provide just enough flair to your suit without being too flamboyant. Available in gold and silver, it’s lead and nickel-free, and is ideal for sensitive skin.
6| Belts and Suspenders
A belt should be seen but not loud. The golden rule? Match your shoes. But when the occasion (and tailoring) allows, ditch the belt entirely and go for suspenders or side tabs. Belts come in dress, casual, or braided styles. A classic dress belt—black or brown leather with a small buckle—is best for business suits and formal events.
Suspenders (or braces), with button or clip attachments, look great under vests or when jackets come off. Avoid novelty belts unless you’re dressing for a theme. Invest in full-grain leather—it lasts longer and breaks in better.
Polo Ralph Lauren Men’s Full-Grain Leather Dress Belt (available at Rustan’s for P6,950) features a one-inch width and a classic, single-prong metal buckle and slightly pointed tip (that subtly features the signature logo).
7| Lapel Pins
Small, subtle, but says a thousand words—a lapel pin can be a novelty. For more formal gatherings, especially functions with international countries involved, however, it functions as a distinct label, showcasing your pride for your country before you’ve even extended your hand and said “Hello.”
Metal lapel pins suit patriotic events, corporate functions, and semiformal wear. Silk or fabric flowers are ideal for weddings or dinner parties. Fresh flower boutonnieres are reserved for highly formal or romantic settings, while a ribbon lapel pin is an understated way of showing your support for a specific cause. Always wear them on the left lapel, ideally in a jacket with a working buttonhole.
Representing the Philippines on the global stage? Kultura Philippines’ Flag Pin (for only P79) features our flag’s bold red, blue, and yellow colors while remaining elegant. Priced at less than 100 pesos, it’s affordable and accessible, with Kultura boasting over two dozen branches nationwide.
8| Socks
Yes, socks are accessories. And yes, people notice them, especially when you cross your legs during a meeting, panel discussion, dinner, or casual hangout in the lounge. Your socks should either boldly contrast or blend smoothly—but never be an afterthought.
Sock styles include solid dress socks, playful patterns, and over-the-calf or mid-calf lengths. For boardroom settings, go for charcoal or navy to match your trousers. For casual suits or fashion-forward looks, you can contrast—just avoid cartoon prints. Wool-blend or combed cotton fabrics breathe better and don’t slouch. In formalwear, always avoid white socks unless it’s part of a very deliberate homage to Michael Jackson.
Marks & Spencer 3-pack Luxury Egyptian Cotton Rich Socks (priced at P1,450) is an instant upgrade to your sock drawer. With a solid color, available in Dark Navy or Black, it’s sure to fit virtually most suits, plus the Egyptian cotton fabric ensures you’ll be comfortable all day, from the early morning company catch-up and client lunch meeting to the late afternoon conference call and evening cocktails.
Paul Smith once said, “You can find inspiration in everything. If you can’t, you’re not looking properly.”
Dressing well is no longer just about having a great tailor on speed dial. It’s about curating the supporting case that turns a good suit into an unforgettable ensemble. Accessories aren’t frivolous—they’re functional art, subtle signals that speak to your personality. So the next time you suit up, remember the tie, watch, belt, and socks—they’re not just extras. They make you stand out in a sea of plain navy suits and black shoes.
