You want your pocket square to complement whatever you’re wearing.

If you’re a man who wears a suit on a daily basis, you know that after the tie, the pocket square is the single most indispensable tool for defining a man’s style; it provides that extra punch an outfit needs. It is also useful if you spill something and need to clean it up, not to mention it’s also a great way to flirt with a lady if she needs a handkerchief!

The guide to wearing pocket squares isn’t too different from the guiding principle on how to dress well: you don’t want to look like you didn’t put any effort into it, but you also don’t want to overthink it. This means not picking a random, or even matching pocket squares too close to the pattern in your tie and shirt. Instead, you want your pocket square to complement whatever you’re wearing. Here are three things to keep in mind when styling with pocket squares.

1. How Many To Carry – The old rule of pocket squares says that a gentleman must carry two; one for the jacket’s breast pocket for looks, and another for the man’s back pocket to use. Now days, many men just carry one for looks because they don’t use it as originally intended: to wipe your hands, face or to blow your nose.

2. Color, Pattern & Coordinating – A pocket square can be a pattern or solid color, and as men are becoming more fashionable, pocket squares are becoming bolder and more colorful. The general rule is that a pocket square should complement some color on the tie. For example, if a tie has a pattern with the color red in it, you should consider a solid red pocket square. However, fashion experts agree you shouldn’t match the colors exactly because it makes you look like you’re trying too hard. Instead, choose a color in the same hue or in a pattern with that color in it. If you’re not sure what to choose, stick with a white pocket square; it can be worn with any color tie, making a white handkerchief an essential part of every man’s collection.

3. The Fold – If you do go with a white pocket square and want to give it that extra oomph, consider how to fold it. Just like tying a tie, there are many methods to fold and present a pocket square. Folding it in different ways can give you a unique style that will set you apart from the crowd.

Whatever style of pocket square you choose to wear, just remember attention to the little details can make you go from an ordinary man in a suit to an extraordinary one.

How do you wear your pocket squares? We want to hear from you!

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Photo Credit: Jason Lander