The finest of suits can look incomplete without proper accessories. An appropriate dress watch, socks that match your trousers rather than your shoes, spectacles that frame your personality and not just your eyes, belts that encode formality through their colour and texture - all make a world of difference.

While it is these small things that enhance the complete picture, it is imperative that you keep the occasion in mind while choosing your accessories. There are different looks that you can try: from street-wise, hip-hop, preppy to downright corporate. Why be so predictable? Find the chameleon in you, try a few looks and don’t be afraid to mix them up.

Suits usually show professionalism without individuality, or individuality without professionalism. To strike a distinguished balance, fashion experts recommend adding individual flair through your accessories, but maintaining a suit that connotes respectability and stability. Accessories provide another outlet for colour experimentation. Discretion, however, is always wise. Choose one neutral colour as your canvas and add one or two complementary colours with accessories.

WATCHES

In the present scenario, a watch no longer serves the sole purpose of keeping correct time. In fact, it can be wonderful, sophisticated reassurance in a world of blinking cursors, self-totalling spreadsheets and easy-access databases. Just make sure your watch is a good one, preferably Swiss and hyphenated. When selecting a timepiece, think simple and versatile. A dignified band and uncomplicated face will do best. Think classic. If not a vintage ticker, at least one that has timeless appeal. An exclusive brand, over a period of time, can appreciate in value.

SUNGLASSES

Sunglasses should augment, not neutralize, your personal style. But don’t wear them inside unless you work in the front row at a fashion show. The idea is to be seen not as someone with attitude but as one with vision.

EYEGLASSES

Glasses can make you look smart, and they should be used to your advantage. Think of a new style next time you change the ever-increasing strength of your prescription. Consider frames about as wide as your head. Round or oval is better for angular faces, and angular is better for round faces. Wire, horn and tortoise rims provide just the right degree of subtlety. Enquire about new light weight alloys like titanium for both style and comfort.

BELTS

Nowadays, with the new corporate casual code, belts allow for almost as much as expression of personality as neckties. Of course, you would do well to avoid hubcap-sized buckles with inlaid jewels

or engraved beer slogans, but that’s okay - there are still plenty of choices.

Woven leather straps, straps with contrasting

top-stitching, grains from pebble to snake to alligator. Buckles in brass, silver, or gold or leather-covered.

About the only hard-and- fast rule is that you should wear one, though not with suspenders. For formal trousers the loop should vary between one-and-a-half to two inches.

SOCKS

A nice pair of socks can be an effective accessory to what you’re wearing. The main differences between casual and formal socks are the thick ness and the colour. Socks in business casual wear tend to be thicker and hence more comfortable. Keep this in mind while trying on shoes in the store. Many people forget to consider the thickness of the socks they will be wearing. The last thing you want is a pair of new shoes that fit too tightly. You can also get away from the

standard black, blue and brown of the socks you’d wear with the suit. (As always, avoid any socks that are tattered or too loud.)

A few suggestions: Blacks, greys and tans, argyles, patterned socks in muted colours.

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