Accessories can make the man

By Eric Deguire, September 19th, 2012

When thinking about accessories this fall, men should definitely keep in mind that slim is in — and that goes for ties and belts that will complement a fitted suit and jacket with smaller lapels. And don't shy away from making a statement by choosing bright colours and trying things like cufflinks or pocket squares. The overall colours should be muted, but then jazz it up with an attention getter.
“Men need to wear basic coloured charcoal, black or navy blue suits and then add bright accessories,” says Gail Zilber, manager at Gaudi's Fairview Pointe Claire location. “The first thing you notice on a man is his shirt and tie.”
Though ties may be less popular these days around the office and when wearing a suit, Zilber says that there is no doubt that ties are still in.
Like Zilber, Gilles Tremblay, manager at Ernest at Carrefour Angrigon, says the slim tie is the way to go, adding that when it comes to patterns, big stripes in the browns, burgundies and navies are the trend.
Bow ties are also rising in popularity. Although they will always have their place at black tie and other formal events, Tremblay says he definitely sells more bow ties now than he did five years ago.
As for belts, like ties, both managers agree — think slim, with the proper buckle, of course. “Belts need to be square shaped and slim,” says Tremblay.
“And the small silver colored buckle is preferable. The big round buckle is definitely out,”
Cufflinks should not be overlooked. In fact, Tremblay days they're extremely popular. “They can be worn for formal and casual events.” he explains.
“For instance, you can wear a cufflinked shirt with jeans and a vest.”
Zilber adds that smaller, coloured cufflinks will be especially popular this fall.
Other less conventional accessories include pocket squares, for both casual and formal occasions. “Pocket squares are making a comeback,” says Zilber.
But adding the right accessories will all be for naught if the foundation is not well taken care of and there was also a lot to be said about the choice of  shoes. Zilber says suede is very popular right now while Tremblay displayed a few leather models that did not have laces. “Dress shoes without laces and with a small leather strap are in,” he explains.
Yoan Fucile, a salesman at Gaudi, adds : “For dress shoes, leather with round tips is a sure bet; pointy tips are slowly going out.”
Men, says Fucile, can also wear dressy sneaker with a suit to dinners and it will be very stylish.