There is something almost overwhelmingly glamorous about an opera scarf. The mere idea of having an item of clothing to be worn for so specific and exclusive an occasion is quietly thrilling. Obviously, an opera scarf can be donned even in the absence of Don Giovanni or his ilk. Silk against the skin is a treat regardless of occasion, so try looping this around your neck for your evening stroll. Geoff Stocker has an uncanny ability to transform classic concepts into contemporary and covetable designs and has a range of silk scarves and pocket squares. Silk scarf £120, geoffstocker.com
Summer-ised accessories should be embraced with gusto. From cashmere to silk, from felt to straw, or in this instance, paper. Barbour’s Whitby Trilby comes in a range of sizes, has an internal sweatband for comfort and the striped band is in the colours of Barbour’s iconic dress tartan. Wear it jauntily. £34.95, barbour.com
Whereas women are generally encouraged to embrace a profusion of pattern and shades, traditionally menswear has focused on the sock as the sole garment with which to express personality and colour. Sadly, this has been much abused by the novelty sock – does anyone honestly think they look fly with Homer Simpson leering from their cuffs? Pantherella established their Midlands hosiery factory in 1937, but it was in 1945 that they launched as Pantherella Fine English Socks, creating lightweight, seamless men’s socks with the watchwords provenance, design and quality at the heart of all they do. They have some exquisite designs – diamonds, stripes and graphic spirals; koi carp, parrots and planes all scaling from ankle to knee – we love the subtle pin dot motif on these mint green cotton lisle long ankle socks. £15, pantherella.com
Another place to flash a bit of colour and show some personality is your wallet. Launer is another heritage British manufacturer, founded in the 1940s, and a critical player in the UK’s fashion industry. The quality of leather is unimpeachable, designs are perennial and each item has the potential for customisation – if this specific rainbow doesn’t suit, simply select your own preferred colours or keep to the classics – black, grey, navy and brown in standard leather, patent or even lizard. From £215, launer.com
WatchGecko is the go-to place for well-made replacement watch straps online, each designed to be compatible with any number of big brand styles. They have applied the same dedication to producing quality products at a considered price when conceiving their own brand of watches; Geckota. From Dive to Pilot, Race to Dress, each is designed to appeal and priced to be affordable. The new Vintage Mechanical Chronograph Military Watch has a Seagull ST19 hand wound mechanical chronograph movement, offers water-resistance up to 30 metres and is a fine example Geckota’s signature mid-century inspired design. From £299, geckota.com
Last, but by no means least, a pair of cufflinks. Cufflinks show an effort has been made (not least, in seeking out a compatible shirt) but they should never be confused with having a personality. They are meant to flatter, enhance, adorn and embellish. Not provide lols or small talk. Icelandic jewellery brand, Aurum by Guðbjörg has hit the desired note in their newly launched men’s range, Menīs. Made in sterling silver, plated in 14c gold, the abstract design is stylishly suggestive of nature’s influence. £140, aurum.is
