How can I accessorise to spruce up a suit?

A well-fitting suit can certainly be taken to another level by complementary accessories. For example, a well-chosen pocket square, bow tie or textured belt can add a dapper touch.

On a recent visit to Singapore, Mr Nish de Gruiter, 32, vicepresident of Amsterdam-based suit company Suitsupply, gave tips on how to pick the right accessories:

Try a pocket square

A pocket square is a good substitute for a tie, which some men find too restrictive. If you have a black-tie event, wear a white pocket square. But if it is a more casual event, pick something with colour.

There are many ways of folding a pocket square - from a basic square fold, where you fold the piece into a simple square and place it in the pocket, to the Dunaway fold, a slightly puffy fold with four crown points.

Instead of always changing how you fold your pocket square, stick to one look to make your mark.

Belts should never be functional

Belts should not be there to keep your pants up, but should be used to break up your outfit visually. So make sure your pants fit properly to begin with.

Belts should always be the same colour as your shoes. To add variety, you can try something with texture, such as a braided belt or a leather one that is embossed.

Be comfortable

Accessories can give a serious suit a touch of fun colour. But you should never wear anything that is louder than your personality. People will be able to tell when you are not comfortable with what you are wearing. Start with something in a basic colour and work your way up to something more fancy.

Here are some picks:

1. Silk pocket square, $23, from Fefe at Robinsons The Heeren

A navy blue pocket square with a boxing glove pattern will give any suit a quirky touch.

2. Blue textured daisy print cotton pocket square, $15.90, from Benjamin Barker

The floral pattern will highlight a plain suit while the red border will visually brighten the outfit.

3. Houndstooth silk pocket square, $55, from Massimo Dutti

The perfect option for a formal suit, this classic houndstooth pattern is printed on 100 per cent mulberry silk.

4. Spotted bow tie and matching handkerchief set, $19.90, from H&M

This playful matching set will add a fun touch to any jacket.

5. Two-tone faux leather belt, $17.90, from Pull & Bear

This brown and blue belt will add a subtle hint of colour.

6. Laser-cut suede belt, $34.95, Mango, from www.zalora.sg

The material of this belt will not only give texture to a suit, but also help make a formal office suit look more casual.

7. Dark brown woven leather belt, $159, from Suitsupply

An easy colour to match with most suits. The woven leather also adds texture.