Five Men’s Accessories That Elevate Your Look (Without Breaking the Bank)

The True Measure of Style

Since 1925, Rex Cox Men’s Wear has been dedicated to outfitting gentlemen who understand a simple truth: style isn't about extravagance; it's about smart choices.

You may know us for our high-quality suits, but the secret weapon of the best-dressed man isn't the suit itself—it's what he adds to it. A great suit is the canvas, but the accessories are the subtle, strategic brushstrokes that make the whole picture pop.

This is the philosophy of the Smart Investment Piece. It’s the item that costs a little more than a disposable bargain, but lasts ten times longer, looks infinitely better, and instantly upgrades everything else you’re wearing. These small accessories are the Style Multipliers—they deliver the highest possible return on your investment.

Forget fast fashion and cheap fixes. This is about building a lasting, confident look. We’re going to focus on the five non-negotiable accessories where a strategic spend turns into lifelong style.

1. The Belt: The Unbroken Line of Confidence

The belt is the great unsung hero of your wardrobe. It serves as the visual link between your shoes and your trousers, and a poor choice can derail a meticulously planned outfit faster than anything else. If your belt is peeling, cracking, or has a clumsy, oversized buckle, it’s actively fighting against your style.

The Investment: Material Longevity is Everything

When it comes to belts, quality is all about what they're made of. Our first piece of tough love: skip anything labeled "Genuine Leather." That often means glued-together scraps destined for the landfill.

Rex Cox Expert Advice: Look for full-grain or top-grain leather.

• A Full-Grain belt is the best you can buy. It's the most durable layer of the hide, and here’s the best part: it doesn't just last; it develops a rich patina over time. This belt will mold to you, becoming uniquely yours—a true heritage piece. Yes, the upfront cost is higher, but since you won't be replacing it yearly, you save money over the long run.
• Top-Grain is a fantastic, slightly more accessible alternative that still offers superior durability and a clean, sharp finish.

The Strategic Rules of Wear

• The Power Duo: You truly only need two quality belts to cover 90% of your life:
  • A Black Dress Belt: Keep it narrow (around 1.25 inches) with a simple, polished buckle. This is your foundation for suits and dress slacks.
  • A Brown/Tan Casual Belt: This should be slightly wider (1.5 inches) and perhaps a bit more rugged. Perfect for denim, chinos, and your casual sport coat pairings.
• Match Your Metals: This is the easiest way to look instantly polished. Your belt buckle’s finish (polished steel, brass, matte gunmetal) must match the metals on your wrist (watch case, bracelet) and your shoes (if applicable). It’s a small detail that signals complete control over your ensemble.

2. The Necktie: Your Personal Signature and Focal Point

In an era of casual dressing, the man who wears a tie makes a confident, considered statement. The tie elevates your neckline, frames your face, and anchors your jacket. However, a cheap, flimsy tie with a poor lining will result in a flat, sad knot—and a great knot is crucial.

The Investment: Construction and Drape

The worth of a tie isn't measured in inches or designer logos, but in its ability to tie a rich, sculptural knot that holds its shape all day.

Rex Cox Expert Advice: Focus on how the tie is built.

• Fabric and Feel: Seek natural fibers like silk, wool, linen, or a fine grenadine weave. These materials offer a much better drape and richness compared to cheap, shiny synthetics.
• The Test of Quality: The Slip Stitch: Flip the tie over. You should see a single, long, loose thread running down the center seam on the back. This is the slip stitch, a mark of hand-finishing. It allows the tie to stretch and relax when you tie and untie your knot, preventing it from losing its shape. This stitch is your guarantee of longevity.
• Proportion is Key: For modern versatility, choose a tie width between 3 and 3.5 inches. This harmonizes beautifully with most modern lapel widths and will never look dated.

The Strategic Rules of Wear

• Your Core Three: These three types will cover virtually every scenario:
  • The Solid Navy Silk: The ultimate versatile workhorse. It looks sharp with grey, tan, or blue suits.
  • The Subtle Texture: A tie in a rich, non-shiny color (like burgundy or deep green) with a small pattern (micro-dots or faint paisley) that adds texture rather than distraction.
  • The Classic Stripe: Choose a time-tested diagonal stripe where the colors complement, rather than contrast sharply.
• Knot Confidence: Learn one solid knot (like the Four-in-Hand or the Half-Windsor) and master it. A well-executed knot, even a simple one, looks infinitely better than a poorly tied complex one.

3. The Pocket Square: The Subtle Flourish of Distinction

This is the least expensive accessory, but perhaps the fastest way to look like you're an expert dresser. A pocket square is pure flair, a low-stakes opportunity to inject color, texture, and personality into your jacket pocket. Every jacket you own—suit, sport coat, blazer—should have one.

The Investment: Texture and Hand-Finishing

You want a pocket square that maintains its shape without looking stiff, and drapes gracefully without disappearing.

Rex Cox Expert Advice: Look for quality materials and, critically, the finish.

• The Non-Negotiable Foundation - White Linen: Buy one pure white linen square. Linen's natural crispness holds the sharp, precise Presidential Fold (the straight line peeking out) perfectly, which is appropriate for every single formal or business setting. It is the definition of understated elegance.
• The Expressive Element - Silk: Silk offers depth of color and is essential for the soft, unstructured Puff Fold—ideal for social gatherings or dressing down a blazer.
• The Detail That Matters - Hand-Rolled Edges: Examine the perimeter. The finest squares feature hand-rolled edges, which gives the fabric a slightly soft, irregular dimension that machine-stitched edges simply cannot replicate. This subtle detail is where the quality truly shines through.

The Strategic Rules of Wear

• The Crucial Rule: Do Not Match: We cannot stress this enough: never match your tie and pocket square set. It looks lazy and pre-packaged. Instead, they must complement each other.
  • Pick a secondary, muted color from your tie (a faint blue stripe, for example) and choose a pocket square that features that color predominantly.
  • If your tie is solid, your square can be patterned, and vice-versa. Use it to balance the texture and color of your shirt and tie.
• Puff vs. Square: The fold should match the mood. The Puff is relaxed and flowing (ideal for silk). The Square is crisp and serious (ideal for linen).

4. The Shoes: The Foundation and Proof of Quality

The shoes are the true litmus test of a gentleman. No matter how much you spend on the suit, scuffed, cheap, or worn footwear will instantly cheapen the entire look. Footwear is where your largest accessory investment will likely be, but it's also where the concept of longevity provides the greatest savings.

The goal is to buy a shoe that can be repaired for a decade, not replaced every year.

The Investment: Longevity Through Construction

The single most important factor when judging a quality shoe is whether the sole is stitched or glued. Glued soles mean a disposable shoe.

Rex Cox Expert Advice: Insist on welted construction.

• Goodyear Welt or Blake Stitch: These methods stitch the upper to the sole, making the shoe entirely re-soleable. The Goodyear Welt is the gold standard—sturdy, water-resistant, and built for a lifetime.
• Cost vs. Value: A quality welted shoe might cost three times more than a cheap alternative, but since it can be professionally re-crafted for a fraction of the cost, its effective lifespan cost is dramatically lower. This is simply smart financial planning.
• Leather Quality: Ensure the leather is high-quality, full-grain calfskin. It should feel rich, not brittle, and should polish easily.

The Strategic Rules of Wear

• The Core Trio: To navigate life stylishly, you need three pairs of quality leather shoes:
  • Black Cap-Toe Oxford: Your formal, non-negotiable shoe for suits, job interviews, and evening events.
  • Dark Brown Derby/Brogue: The most versatile shoe, pairing perfectly with everything from jeans and tweed to mid-grey business suits.
  • A Clean Leather Loafer or Minimal Sneaker: For your sharp casual and weekend wear. The key is clean, quality leather.
• The Rotation Mandate: To make your investment last, you must never wear the same pair of leather shoes two days in a row. Leather needs 24–36 hours to dry out internally. Rotation prevents breakdown.
• The Shoe Tree Habit: Always insert cedar shoe trees immediately after removing your shoes. They wick away moisture, smooth out creases, and maintain the shoe's form. This simple habit adds years to their life.

5. The Socks: The Understated Statement and Comfort Layer

The final accessory is your quiet powerhouse. Socks are no longer just utilitarian; they are a subtle tool for expression. A visible sock choice—whether boldly patterned or simply texture-rich—shows that you considered every detail. And, most importantly, they need to be comfortable and durable.

The Investment: Fiber and Length

Stop buying bulk packs of cheap, flimsy cotton. They stretch, they pill, and they fall down.

Rex Cox Expert Advice: Focus on high-quality fibers and correct height.

• Fiber Performance: Invest in fine Merino wool or thin cotton blends. Merino wool is surprisingly soft, breathable, and temperature-regulating, making it great year-round. These superior fibers maintain their stretch and color longer.
• The Length Law: For any dress or smart-casual situation, your socks must be mid-calf or over-the-calf. You cannot, under any circumstances, allow skin to show between your trouser cuff and your shoe when you sit or cross your legs.

The Strategic Rules of Wear

• The Classic Rule: When dressing professionally, match your socks to your trousers (not your shoes). This creates a visually unbroken, elegant line down your leg.
• The Expression Rule: When appropriate, use socks to introduce color or pattern. If your outfit is mostly solid and dark, a bold sock (a vibrant plaid, rich emerald green, or a sharp geometric) is an easy way to inject personality without overwhelming the look. The low-risk nature of the sock makes it the ideal place to experiment.

Building Your Legacy Wardrobe

You now have the framework for building a style that looks expensive, not because you overspent, but because you invested wisely.

These five accessible accessories—the anchor of your belt, the refinement of your tie, the flair of your pocket square, the foundation of your shoes, and the polish of your socks—are the tools of a modern gentleman. They transform your existing clothes and ensure that every visual detail you present speaks to quality and confidence.

We invite you to visit us at Rex Cox Men's Wear in Mission, BC. Our team is here, not just to sell you products, but to serve as your guide and advisor. We can help you check the weave on a tie, discuss the benefits of a Blake stitch, and ensure these small investments fit seamlessly into the large picture of your personal style.

Let us help you make your next accessory purchase a smart investment. Which of these five pieces are you looking to upgrade first?


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