We’re always being told the rules of dress, the do’s, the don’ts, the supposed absolutes. And yes, rules have their place. But the truth is, good style isn’t about blindly following them. It’s about knowing when to bend them, when to break them, and when to ignore them altogether. More often than not, it comes down to what feels right, what makes you comfortable, what makes you you.
For me, that’s where the boutonnière comes in, it’s hardly rebellious but it’s my signature touch. I very rarely do pocket squares, why clutter the lapel when a single, small silk flower can do all the hard work?
There’s another reason too. A pocket square can puff out and distort the chest and spoil the clean, strong line of a well-cut jacket. We work hard to cut and shape a beautiful jacket, so why interrupt it? A small boutonnière keeps the chest and lapel line crisp while adding just the right note of elegance or, when needed, a more understated casual touch.
The boutonnière also has the advantage of being a little unexpected. Pocket squares are everywhere. A boutonnière isn’t. It doesn’t stand out because it’s flamboyant, but precisely because it isn’t common. That small, considered detail sets you apart in the quietest, most stylish way.
Some days, it’s almost invisible, blending into the jacket for quiet sophistication. Other days, it’s a gentle pop of colour, a small flourish that catches the eye without shouting. Either way, it’s subtle, considered, and unmistakably cool.
Boutonnières have been around for centuries. Knights once wore them in battle to show loyalty. By the 19th century, they had become a mark of refinement among gentlemen. Hollywood icons like Cary Grant, Fred Astaire, and Sean Connery’s James Bond cemented their place as symbols of effortless elegance. Today, a boutonnière is less about ceremony and more about character, your style distilled into one small, intentional detail.
How I wear mine:
1. Keep it small—oversized flowers are theatre, not style.
2. Silk only—fresh blooms are for weddings, silk stays perfect.
3. One statement only—never with a pocket square.
4. Blend or contrast—match the mood, the day, the occasion, not the tie.
5. Wear it because you want to—not because the occasion demands it.
For me, the boutonnière is more than decoration. It’s subtle cool, quiet confidence, and effortlessly simple. One flower, perfectly placed, is all you need.
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