Pocket Square Matching

[jj4]

Does anyone have any words of wisdom when it comes to matching pocket squares to your outfit? I would like to try adding a pocket square to my ensamble when I wear a suit and I can seem to coordinate my outfit, but I can never seem to come up with what color pocket square I should buy for my outfits. Here are a few examples (and suggestions would be very helpful.

) 1) I have a blue suit with a light grey pinstripe/chalkstripe (it is not quite a pinstripe, but a thin chalkstripe). With it I wear a yellow and navy rep tie (the navy is the stripe) and a light blue shirt with a white color. I am not sure what color pocket square would be appropriate. I was thinking red as it is the compliment not represented in the outfit, but I feel it might make the outfit too busy. 2) Same suit as above with a pink shirt (often more casual without a tie, but a burgendy tie if I do). Suggestions? 3) A charcol grey suit with a plum turtle neck. Again a more casual outfit which I like wearing. However, for this one, I have NO idea what would match, nothing seems right, but I am sure there is some color that would work and those with more color sense may be able to help me. 4) (last one) Charcol grey suit, dark blue shirt (1-2 shades under royal blue) with a light grey tie. I was thinking maybe a dark yellow or dark grey square would go, but since I asked about the others I figured I would ask about this one was well. Thank you for your assistance, I really appriciate it.

 

[AlanC]

This advice at M.S. McClellan's website is very good, I think. Pocket squares 101. White linen works with (essentially) everything. Picking up color in the tie with a solid silk square is also safe. Whatever you do, however, never have your tie and square made from matching silk. *shiver*

 

[demeis]

Whatever you do, however, never have your tie and square made from matching silk. *shiver*

Don't mean to hijack the thread, but i have always gone by this rule as i think matching square and tie are quite tacky. But why do you see brioni and others who are respectable clothers sell ties with matching squares?

 

[Manton]

But why do you see brioni and others who are respectable clothers sell ties with matching squares?

Because they sell.

 

[Alexander Kabbaz]

John Galt speaks.

 

[Kai]

My wife is out of town. Â My kids are in bed. Â Nothing on tv, and I'm bored, so here goes: It's kind of difficult to help, because I can't actually see the colors in the clothes you mention, but I will do my best, using my imagination: #1: Â (a) Â Try coordinating with your shirt: A blue linen pocket square, or perhaps a blue silk square.

(b) Â Try coordinating with your tie: A blue and gold pocket square, or perhaps just navy.

#2: Â Pink or burgundy would likely work here. Â Maybe a blue-grey with a pattern would work too. Â

#3: Â Perhaps a blue pocket square with plum accents, or rust with plum accents.

#4: Â A number of blue squares would work here. Â Maybe a petrol blue-grey, or a gold and grey.

Here are some that probably won't work, but I was taking pictures, and these are two of my favorites:

 

[AlanC]

Nothing on tv, and I'm bored...

Nothing on tv?. What are you talking about? It's NCAA tournament time, man.

 

[jj4]

Thanks so much Kai, your post was extremely helpful. Out of curiousity, who makes the first pink one you listed under #2, the one with the blue squares on it. That one is awesome.

 

[Kai]

Out of curiousity, who makes the first pink one you listed under #2, the one with the blue squares on it.  That one is awesome.

I believe that square came from Britches of Georgetown (which I believe is out of business now.)

 

[gorgekko]

Whatever you do, however, never have your tie and square made from matching silk. *shiver*

I was wearing a lovely silk tie earlier this week with a white pocket square and someone suggested I should have the exact same pattern "to look better." I almost wept hearing that bit of 'wisdom'. My sister, another fan of sartorial splendor, dragged me away before I could lecture the chap.

 

[Count Basie]

When wearing sport coats WITHOUT ties, is it acceptable to exactly match the pocket square with the shirt? What about with ties? Is matching a solid color pocket square with a solid color shirt considered ok? Thanks.

 

[cuffthis]

I consider plain one, color, no pattern silk pocket squares to be the sartorial equivalent of clip on braces, Nehru suits and square toed shoes. Don't ever, ever go there. For God's sake, with all the gorgeous designs out there, why choose a plain silk one, even if it does compliment a color in your tie, suit or short? Patterns, baby, patterns.

 

[Manton]

I consider plain one, color, no pattern silk pocket squares to be the sartorial equivalent of clip on braces, Nehru suits and square toed shoes.

Don't ever, ever go there.

No, they can be quite useful. An old Astaire look was to wear all one color (various shades of blue) or maybe two (blue and white) and then make the only contrast a (say) red or wine solid silk pocket square. Looked great.

 

[cuffthis]

Quote:

Originally Posted by cuffthis,Mar. 19 2005,07:16
I consider plain one, color, no pattern silk pocket squares to be the sartorial equivalent of clip on braces, Nehru suits and square toed shoes. Don't ever, ever go there.
No, they can be quite useful. Â An old Astaire look was to wear all one color (various shades of blue) or maybe two (blue and white) and then make the only contrast a (say) red or wine solid silk pocket square. Â Looked great.
I respectfully disagree. When you can dance, look and wear clothes as well as Astaire did, then it MAY look good on you. But it won't now and probably won't ever will. One color plain pocket squares are the lowest common denominator for those made of silk.. When the rest of your clothes are the absolute highest quality in terms of fabric, fit and tailoring, then MAYBE you use a plain one color silk to soften the overall look. Anyother time, use the patterns of the pocket square to add to the overall look. 7:30am on a Saturday and I'm all ready disagreeng with someone. Gonna be a long day...............................

 

[Manton]

One color plain silk pocket squares are the lowest common denominator.

I would say that plain white linen (or cotton) is the lowest common denominator, and the safest choice, but that doesn't mean it looks bad. On the contrary, it looks good with most everything, on most anyone.