The Complete Guide to Men’s Accessories | Ties, Brogues & Pocket Squares
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The Complete Guide to Men’s Accessories – Ties, Brogues & Pocket Squares
Accessories can make or break a suit. The right tie, the right brogues, the right pocket square – these finishing touches are what separate an average outfit from a sharp, well-styled look. In 2026, men’s accessories are becoming cleaner, smarter and more coordinated, and at SUITBAE we style hundreds of outfits every week for weddings, races, proms and formal events.
This guide breaks down every key accessory a man needs in 2026 – and exactly how to pair them with your suit for the best results.
Ties & Tie Sets – The Centrepiece of Your Look
The tie is the most important accessory for weddings, race days and proms. A clean, well-chosen tie instantly sharpens your suit and brings your outfit together.
What tie style should you choose?
- Textured ties: Add depth to simple suits.
- Patterned ties: Good for navy, charcoal or black suits when kept subtle.
- Satin ties: Ideal for photos and formal events.
In 2026, the trend is towards clean, modern tie sets that match the pocket square perfectly. SUITBAE tie sets are designed to coordinate with our top suit colours – Navy, Beige, Sage, Sky and Charcoal – making styling much easier.
Pocket Squares – Small Detail, Big Difference
A pocket square adds polish and makes your suit look properly finished. The key for 2026 is simplicity – clean folds, matching tones and no overthinking. All SUITBAE tie sets come with a matching Pocket Square and Cufflinks
How to choose a pocket square:
- Match the colour tone, not necessarily an exact shade.
- Follow the “one accessory rule” – tie and pocket square should coordinate, not clash.
- Avoid loud patterns unless the suit is plain.
- You can never go wrong with the matching pocket square in our tie sets.
A badly chosen pocket square can ruin an outfit instantly – but a well-chosen one elevates it without pulling attention away from the suit.
Brogues – The Best Shoe for 2026 Suits
Brogues continue to be the number one shoe for wedding suits, race day suits and prom suits in the UK. They photograph well, look smarter than trainers and pair perfectly with three-piece suits.
Which colour brogues should you wear?
- Black brogues – Best for Navy, Charcoal and Black suits.
- Brown brogues – Perfect for Blue, Grey and Patterned suits.
- Tan brogues – Ideal for Beige, Sky, Stone and lighter tones.
- Patent brogues – Best for Tuxedos to match the satin lapel.
Avoid overly pointy shoes, square toes or plastic-looking high shine – they look dated in 2026 photos. SUITBAE brogues are chosen specifically to pair cleanly with our suit palettes.
Cufflinks – A Small Upgrade with a Big Payoff
Cufflinks are essential for groom suits, race day outfits and prom looks. They turn a simple shirt into a premium one and add a subtle level of formality.
When do you need cufflinks?
- When wearing a Cufflink Shirt (double cuffs).
- For all weddings – groom, groomsmen and guests.
- For proms when wearing a three-piece suit.
- For tuxedos and dinner suits.
Silver, gold and matte black remain the top choices for 2026. Avoid novelty cufflinks for anything formal.
Belts – When to Wear One (and When to Avoid It)
If your trousers have loops, you should wear a belt. If your suit has a clean waistband with no loops, you can skip the belt for a cleaner line. All SUITBAE suits have belt loops on the trousers.
Best belt colours:
- Black suit → black belt
- Navy suit → black belt
- Grey suit → black or dark brown belt
- Beige or stone suit → tan belt
Clean belt lines keep your waist structured and make your outfit look more tailored. If possible, match the leather of your brogues with the leather of your belt.
Tie Bars – Clean, Simple & Perfect for 2026 Photos
Tie bars stop your tie from moving around and add a modern, polished detail to your outfit.
Rules for tie bars:
- Place it lower than the chest, roughly between the third and fourth buttons.
- Never wider than the tie.
- Match the metal to your cufflinks where possible.
- Keep it subtle and sharp.
Tie bars look especially good for race day suits and outdoor weddings where wind and movement are a factor.
Socks – The Most Overlooked Accessory
Socks affect the whole look, especially when you’re walking, sitting or being photographed.
Best sock choices for 2026:
- Match socks to your trousers, not your shoes.
- For beige, sky or stone suits → soft neutral socks.
- For navy or black suits → navy or black socks.
- Avoid loud novelty socks for weddings and proms.
- Matching sock colour to your suit colour makes you look taller.
A clean, coordinated sock choice keeps the outfit sophisticated and avoids distraction in photos.
How to Accessorise Based on the Occasion
Weddings:
Tie set, pocket square, cufflinks, brogues – belt only if your trousers have loops.
Race Days:
Tie set (race day colours look great), pocket square, brogues, optional tie bar and simple sunglasses.
Prom:
Tie set, brogues, cufflinks, clean belt and a pocket square in matching tones.
Evening Events / Black Tie:
Satin tie or bow tie, black brogues, cufflinks and a clean, simple pocket square.
Accessory Colours for Popular SUITBAE Suits
Charles Beige: cream, tan, brown, gold, soft sage.
Callum Sage: cream, silver, navy, charcoal.
Charles Sky: tan, brown, white, silver.
Charles Navy: black, silver, deep burgundy.
Vincent Charcoal: black, silver, muted tones.
Matching the accessory palette to the suit colour is what makes the outfit look intentional and cohesive.
Why Accessories Matter for a Sharp 2026 Suit
Accessories change how a suit feels and how it’s perceived:
- They structure the outfit.
- They sharpen the overall presentation.
- They make photos cleaner and more balanced.
- They define the occasion and formality level.
- They show that the look was planned, not thrown together.
A suit without accessories often looks unfinished. With the right accessories, it looks styled, confident and complete.
Explore Accessories at SUITBAE
At SUITBAE, we style complete outfits for weddings, races and proms. Every tie set, brogue, pocket square and cufflink is chosen to work with our 2026 suit colours, making styling simple and reliable.
Shop in Blackpool, Barnsley, or online at SUITBAE.COM to complete your look.
SUITBAE — Made for the moments that matter.