The Accessory Department

Refreshing your wardrobe with the details.

We all get there—the wardrobe becomes a little stale. You find yourself opting for the same jacket or shirt you've worn a hundred times. In some ways, this is good—you're breaking in your items and getting that cost-per-wear (a very roughly calculated internal metric that I personally use to help justify clothing purchases) price down. But at the end of the day, we all like to have something new and fresh and exciting to throw into the mix.

You love what you have in the closet, but it also feels a little stale. However, the budget might not be enough for a new suit or a pair of shoes. This is something that I've been thinking about recently, and I've tried to remedy that by picking up my accessory game.

Cheaper—and in most cases, incredibly cheaper—than going out and buying a new big item for your wardrobe is just adding a new accessory into the mix. It could be a pair of socks, a pocket square, a scarf, or even just a new tie. The beauty of accessories is that they can completely transform an outfit without breaking the bank. When looking to refresh your wardrobe, there are numerous options to consider that won't require a significant investment.

Pocket squares are a perfect example and I think a great place to start—a well-chosen one can add a pop of color and sophistication to any blazer or suit jacket. I have a white linen one with a slight edge of navy that I wear with all my jackets. They are usually quite affordable. I don't do any elaborate and fancy folds with them—I intentionally try to fold it a little haphazardly, but always in a square, with about one or two centimeters showing above the breast pocket. The navy stitch peeks out over the pocket for a subtle touch.

Similarly, socks are fun and easy. Now, while I wouldn't venture too far into the esoteric, a pop of color could be nice. I have a great, well-dressed friend who has started wearing red socks. At first, it was a surprise, but he pulled it off so well that I now associate him with this look. It's a fun touch to a navy suit. It's a fun touch to a navy suit.

Scarves aren't just for winter either; lightweight options can be a year-round accessory that adds texture and style to your ensemble. The issue here is that these types of scarves, however, can get quite pricey, so you will have to be strategic here. I have to admit, a silk scarf might be on the horizon for me in 2025. I'll keep you posted.

A tie is perhaps the most traditional way to switch up your look, making the same suit feel completely different with each variation. I have not bought a new tie in a very long time, and looking at which one to wear yesterday, I realized that I need some new variety in this department soon.

Finally, don't overlook belts—different textures, widths, and materials can also help switch things up.

We're only human, and it’s a great feeling to get a new piece of clothing you love and need for your wardrobe and wear it out for the first time. While I don't necessarily condone spending for the sake of spending, if your wardrobe feels a little stale, now might be a good time to throw in a new, fun accessory to the mix and see what happens.