Formal Accessories For A Social Event

Mens accessories are essential in adding personality to a formal outfit. Whilst ties, cufflinks and belts help create the right look for work, a different look is required for social occasions such as weddings.

Wearing a suit and tie is most commonly thought of as work attire, but it is also worn for formal social occasions such as weddings, graduation and barmitzvahs. It is important for men to dress appropriately for these different occasions, and accessories play a large part in tweaking the formal look. For example, ties can be worn in big and bold patterns, and cufflinks in sparkly crystal designs for a social event.

In addition, there is a different style of dress to be adhered to for social events that is more in keeping with the joyous mood. It is a particular skill in elevating your formal wear beyond a typical day at the office to something a bit more special. In this article I will look at how men can use accessories to elevate their formal look.

The most important formal accessory for men is the tie (or bowtie if preferred) as it is the best opportunity to customise formal wear, and demands the most attention. For a formal social occasion, the tie should reflect the mood through colour combinations and tie patterns. Big and bold patterns tend to work best, with large florals being a particularly popular choice for weddings. Spots and paisley ties are more associated with the office environment and should be avoided. Striped ties are very popular for work, as they are regarded as symbolising power and status. They can also work for social occasions, but should be less obvious and a more unusual stripe (variations in stripe thickness).

Men should avoid dark or heavy coloured ties, as they tend to present a more serious and sombre mood. Light coloured ties are fresh and spring-like which often match the dcor of a wedding. Just think of white lilies, cream linen and marquees. Light coloured ties can be accented with darker patterns. In fact, the contrast of say a lemon yellow against a navy blue gives a wonderfully rich and dramatic look, but the dominant colour should be light.

Keep your colour palette simple with only one dominant colour, and avoid very loud ties. Here are some great combinations to try out gold and navy, light blue and purple, pink and navy. Neutral tones such as beige and brown can also work really well.

David Cole is a trained designer, and has worked in the mens fashion industry for 4 years since graduating. He has a particular interest in mens accessories, and runs a website called Herbert Jones Mens Accessories that offers mens loungewear, bags, belts, and more from the top designer brands.