The Summer Edit
Style advice
How To Wear A Lapel Pin
Perfection lies within the details. It is the accessories that elevate and enhance an outfit, and thus, a man's expression.
How a man chooses to dress reveals not only a lot about himself but also how he regards his peers. A lapel pin is the discreet, elegant accessory that adorns an outfit. But how should one wear a lapel pin? We’re pleased to share our thoughts with you on this matter.
Text: Emanuel Kristing | Photography: Ion Kombokis Lancing | Published: 2019-07-10
The Role of a Man’s Wardrobe
A man’s wardrobe is often filled with well-tailored clothing but seldom with personal expression. Why is that? Because a man’s clothes in general, and a suit in particular, offer limited opportunities for personal touches. Naturally, a man can bypass this by wearing rings and other jewellery, but traditionally, a man’s attire has left little room for personal imprints. Formal wear is designed for gatherings where the aim is not to stand out. It could be seen as dull, or it could be seen as unified. Either way, it is homogenous, which is suitable for work.
What is a lapel pin?
A lapel pin is a small pin that is attached to the lapel of a jacket. In most cases, it serves no other purpose than being decorative, though there are exceptions. If a man has attended a certain school or served in the Navy, it’s not uncommon to bring home discreet accessories as a nod to the exclusive group he’s been part of. These sorts of details make perfect ice-breakers, so be sure to use them.
Consider How to Pair It
The first thing to consider when investing in a lapel pin is the purpose it will serve. A grand, majestic boutonnière is not suitable for a job interview, nor would a political symbol be appropriate at a party. Therefore, ensure your accessories match the social occasion you’re attending. The following suggestions might be helpful. If a wedding or formal event is on the horizon, it is wise to tone down your accessories. Stick to the classics: a white, red, or rosé-coloured boutonnière is anything but boring. It has been elegant for over a century and will continue to be so in the future.
If the event you’re attending is a daytime soirée in Florence, Italy, it might be a better idea to opt for a statement lapel pin. It could be in a contrasting colour to the jacket. However, we recommend wearing a neutral-coloured shirt, especially if your tie is also patterned. Remember: less is often more. But, of course, there must be balance. For those who prefer a more understated look, there are numerous ways to wear a lapel pin. By colour coordinating the lapel pin with the rest of the outfit, one can achieve a lot with relatively subtle means. Tone-on-tone is a clever approach. A neat blue lapel pin with a blue suit is always a good choice, or perhaps a discreet moss green one with a beige linen jacket. Either way, a lapel pin is a charming way to show you care about your appearance. We hope you now feel more confident in how to wear a lapel pin.
