The tie and Cummerbunds

Cummerbunds

 Despite its Indian origin, the cummerbund has not yet seen its day in the ceremonial tuxedo trend in India. Worn as a sash across the waist at black tie events and weddings, they provide a chic alternative to the waistcoat and are a great way to slim a healthy girth. Ensure that your cummerbund matches your bow tie.

Cravats

Personality twin: Matt PrestonThe antiquated cravat is making its comeback at a rather leisurely pace. It is the charming predecessor to the tie, and a dapper replacement for it. The Ascot tie, a similar item that's also known as the day cravat makes for a classy accompaniment.

Tiepins

This decorative accoutrement has many bejewelled and classic avatars. Not only does a tiepin serve the role of holding your tie in place, it also lends an intriguing element to your business or casual suit with its subtle presence. For those who find a tie bar too large an accessory for their ties, the tie pin is a smaller, yet equally dapper alternative.

Pocket squares and Tie bars

The only rule to successful pocket square etiquette is to not wear it with a tie of the same shade. Instead, pick a shade from your jacket, tie or even your socks. There are various ways to fold a pocket square, the most widely used ones being the square and the puff.

Tie bars have seen resurgence in popularity lately. The right way to wear one often eludes those who are brave enough to do so. As a rule, make sure the tie bar clips both your shirt placket and tie between the third and the fourth button of your shirt and never wear a tie bar that is bigger than your tie.

Suspenders

Suspenders have evolved from a necessity to a seriously fun accessory. Whether you are casual dandy, a corporate honcho or an indie punk dude, they can find a way to any of your wardrobes. The same pair of suspenders can give you drastically different looks, depending on the rest of your styling.

Cufflinks and Bow ties

Cufflinks that provide comic relief or represent a side of your personality (an ode to your favourite sports team; your love for poker or a superhero character) are increasingly becoming popular. 

Whereas, a bow tie is easily one of the most overlooked and underrated items when it comes to menswear. Mix it up and have some fun without losing your level of formality. Try solid colours, interesting patterns or just a different texture with your attire.

Pulling off snazzy socks isn’t easy, but there is no reason why that should stop you from trying them. Pair them with jeans, chinos or trousers in neutral tones and a shirt, jacket or pocket square that borrows accents from the socks. This will make your outfit look planned instead of a happy mishap.

The tie may be your trusted, go-to accessory, but there are ways to spice things up too. Use our step-by-step guide to achieve the trinity knot. A style meant for special occasions, it may take a while to master, but the results are worth the effort. 

• Start by draping the tie around your neck. The thick end of the tie should fall out about an inch above your waistline, while the skinny end should fall out higher up on your torso. 
• Pinch the thick side of the tie between the first and second buttons of your shirt, to create a dimple. 
• Make a loop with the smaller end by wrapping the thinner side of the tie over the thicker side, then, pass it beneath the underside of the thick end, so that it circles around it completely. 
• Wrap the smaller end under the hanging end. 
• Take the smaller end over and down through the neck loop. There should now be a V-shaped loop around your neck. For the next pass, you need to bring the same side you've been working with behind the hanging portion of your tie. 
• Bring the smaller end over the front of the thick end, taking it to the opposite side. 
• Weave the smaller end under and up through the neck loop. Take it back down through the loop of the smaller end you just formed. Your knot should begin to form right around this step. At this point, and throughout most of the process, you should keep the knot pretty loose so that you have plenty of material to adjust with. You can tighten the knot as needed once you complete the basic structure of the trinity knot. 
• Wrap the same end behind the hanging end. 
• Weave the end up and through the loop formed by the thinner end. 
• Pull the thinner end close. 
• Hide the short end under the loop at the neck.