Accessories are the perfect opportunity to inject a little intentionality into your wardrobe.

Playing with colors, textures, and patterns is the best way to go. You want to look like you put some thought into getting dressed in the morning but not like it required referencing a spreadsheet to get just right.

Here I’m playing off of the green micro-gingham shirt I’m wearing by adding a green knit tie that’s a wool/silk blend. I capped it off with a wool pocket square that’s a green in a shade different enough to avoid looking like I tried to match but missed

The colors all work together, the textures are consistent, and I’m only wearing two patterns which are very different from each other.

Keep things in the same family but never ever ever wear a matching tie and pocket square set. Ever. It looks anything but intentional and is akin to riding a bike with training wheels as a full-grown adult.

PS. If you want to look like you care but don’t know where to start, check out my Staples – 30 items that work in any man’s wardrobe and help communicate a willingness to move beyond indifference.