How to: complete a look

Alright everyone!  Sorry for the delay in posts - sometimes life just happens and slows down our intentions, but I'm excited to say that some of the first guest spots on this blog are coming soon, and they promise to be great contributions.

Today I wanted to spend a couple of minutes starting the conversation that a lot of men find very difficult - ties and pocket squares.  I can sense it already; some of you are cringing and wanting to hit the back button on your browser... DON'T!!! This is important stuff, and this will just touch the tip of the iceberg for you, so don't be scared of this!

I have posts about how to tie a tie, how to mix and match patterns - and you need to remember and reference those as we begin this next discussion.  The first thing that I want to point out is that a good tie, and a good pocket square can completely make or break your look.  So take a minute and think about what goes in the breast pocket and around your neck on the way out the door.

The biggest thing to remember is this: your tie and square should COMPLIMENT your look, not dominate it.  If the first thing someone notices on you is your "funky" tie or your neon pocket square, then you aren't doing it right.  They should notice you! The fact that you look damn good, and that everything just works together.  They can then pick out pieces of what they like, but that crazy print tie with 10 colors....

NO! NO! NO! NO!

It should be done tastefully, and should compliment a color you have on, or pick out a color in your shirt or suit to bring more attention to.  For example - maybe your shirt has a pink stripe in it, pull that color out with a pink tie.  Then expand with a pocket square that is edged with pink.  You get the idea hopefully.  The easiest way to make it look great is to utilize colors that are already in your jacket and shirt, not adding new ones altogether.  

As a final note - many men shy away from pocket squares, but it's time to embrace them!  If you don't want to go crazy with your pocket square, learn a simple straight fold and keep it simple with white, light blue, and white with a colored edge.