Gentleman's guide to wedding style: Accessories to refresh your old suit in seconds

It's almost June, and that may mean, at some point soon… you're probably going to be attending a wedding. Give that boring suit that you've dug out from the back of your closet an upgrade in seconds by simply incorporating one (or more) of these simple accessory suggestions. After all, looking good is all in the details.

The right tie

The first step in pulling together your upgraded wedding ensemble is picking the right tie. Your tie pulls together your entire look and adds a touch of texture and colour. Pick a knot that fits your style — the Windsor knot is a classic and most appropriate for any wedding — and get it under a crisp shirt collar for a polished look. You can easily makeover your suit by adding a quirky tie from your favourite designer or stick to basics with a simple knit silk tie that is guaranteed to go with everything. (Style tip: Always remember your tie should reach the belt buckle or the waistband of your trousers.)

Ted Baker Ewing Silk Tile Jacquard Tie, $125, www.tedbaker.com

Club Monaco Seed Stitch Tie, $98.50, www.clubmonaco.ca

Of course, the right tie may actually be a bow tie. The once-nerdy neckwear has been back in style for a while now, considered the stylish gent's alternative to a skinny tie. New to the bow tie game? Get your feet wet with a solid coloured bow tie that will compliment your outfit before moving onto prints and patterns that make a serious style statement.

DSquared Silk Jacquard Bow Tie, $185, www.luisaviaroma.com

Zara Polka Dot Textured Weave Bow Tie, $29.90, www.zara.com

The pocket square

You've upgraded your suit with the right tie, but what's the one accessory that will change the look of your suit instantly? The pocket square. Nothing brings new life to a suit or defines a man of style more than that simple square piece of fabric. There's no steadfast rule for choosing a pocket square, but the default option is always to go with a neatly folded classic white one. A colourful, retro-patterned pocket square can make a simple suit look super stylish — just remember it should complement your look, particularly the tones of your tie. When you're ready to take things to the next level, go bold with the fold by mixing colours, prints and patterns and turn your pocket square into a statement piece. If it feels right, walk out the door with confidence.

Simonnot Godard Cotton Pocket Square, $75, www.harryrosen.com

Eton Turquoise Fish Print Pocket Square, $80, www.etonshirts.com

Etro Floral Silk Pocket Square, $200, www.saksfifthavenue.com

Hardware

Adding a little hardware to your look is another quick and easy way to help you stand out in a crowd of basic navy suits at your next wedding. A stainless steel tie bar instantly makes any shirt and tie combo look sophisticated. (Style tip: Wondering where to place your tie bar? That little sliver of metal should always fall between the third and fourth buttons of the shirt.)

Hugo Boss Tie Bar, $115, www.harryrosen.com

Nordstrom 3-Pack Tie Bar Set, $46.67, www.nordstrom.com

When you're ready to level up with your hardware, invest in a collar pin. Although they are not as common nowadays, a collar pin makes an elegant style statement that is perfect for more formal occasions and, as an added bonus, elevates the tie knot.

Cable Car Clothiers Ball End Collar Pin, $48.00, www.cablecarclothiers.com

The lapel pin

That tiny pin that slides in your lapel buttonhole is another avenue for keeping your trusty navy two-piece from looking drab and boring. Whether you opt for a trendy floral lapel pin or something a little more fun or whimsical, a lapel pin is guaranteed to turn heads by adding a touch of dandy to even the most neutral of suits.

Lanvin Flower Brooch, $260, www.farfetch.com

Silver Pineapple Lapel Pin,  $10, www.thetiebar.com

Pintrill Gold Hundred Pin, $12.00, www.pintrill.com

Statement-making socks

If you're looking to make a serious sartorial statement with your wedding look, adding a pair of statement socks is an easy go-to for you. They add instant personality. But, for this occasion, if you're going to be someone who wears 'look-at-me socks', you might want to stick to bright colours, patterns, classic dots or stripes. Socks with beer mugs, guitars and kitschy cartoons are strictly off limits when it comes to wedding attire.

Paul Smith Patterned Stretch Cotton-blend Socks, $32.39, www.mrporter.com

Stance "Booth" Socks, $21.64, www.stance.com

Happy Socks Big Dot Socks, $14.00, www.hssweden.ca

Belt it up

The big trend in menswear right now is to go "sans belt," but if you want to stick to conventions when you hit your next wedding (or any other formal event) you should be wearing a leather belt that coordinates with your shoes, if not by colour then by style. When picking out your belt, try to keep the hardware to a minimum and always avoid faux-distressed leathers. (Style tip: Don't mix black and brown accessories.)

Banana Republic brown leather modern belt, $49.50, www.bananarepublic.ca

Prada Saffiano Leather Belt, $460.00, www.prada.com

Finishing touch

A good fragrance is the perfect finishing touch once you're suited up in your wedding look. Choose something appropriate, contemporary and sophisticated to match your fashion. Hugo Boss' limited edition BOSS BOTTLED UNITED combines the freshness of the outdoors with the urban warmth of woody notes, while Prada's equally spritz-worthy L'Homme is woody and earthy with an intimate chypre quality. Single guests at the reception will definitely approve.

BOSS BOTTLED UNITED, $97 for 100 ml, at Hudson's Bay and Shoppers Drug Mart stores across Canada

Prada L'Homme, $118 for 100 ml, at Hudson's Bay stores across Canada

Christopher Turner is a Toronto-based writer, editor and lifelong fashionisto with a passion for pop culture and sneakers. Follow him on social media at @Turnstylin.