How to pair pocket square, tie and bow tie?
As we previously talked about, and before everything else, there is a rule that you should never disobey:
never, please never, wear a tie (or a bow tie) with a pocket square made of the exact same cloth, it's a style mistake. You can usually find those in high street stores, and they are more of a marketing ploy than a sign of good taste. To try to guide you, we are going to evoke three points
to wear elegantly a pocket square with a tie or a bow tie: how to pick the fabric, the colours, and maybe the hardest one, how to choose the patterns.The fabric
One of the first pieces of advice we could give you is to play with the fabric of your accessories. If you make the choice of a
silk tie or bow tie, pick a
cotton or linen pocket square, which will bring contrast to your outfit. A contrario, if you make the choice of a
cotton tie or a
cotton bow tie, a
silk pocket square will be your best option. Of course, those are only suggestions which may vary according to your preferences.

If a silk pocket square is a bit too out there for you at work, there is nothing holding you back from wearing a cotton or linen pocket square, with a tie made in the same kind of fabric, while being careful to play with the asperities of your accessories. A linen used for a handmade tie won't be the same used for pocket squares, and this pairing will be a great choice.
This advice mostly applies to traditional ties and bow ties.
Knitted ties and
knitted bow ties have an overall different rendition. The knit will always bring this
oh so peculiar finish that we like so much. If we recommend staying away from accessories made with synthetic fabric such as polyester, which you will only be able to keep for a few months at best, every other fabric is available to you: silk, cotton, wool... If wool can be seen as more winter-ish, the cotton or silk knit can easily be switched around, according to your personal taste.
You should also play with the fabric of your suit or jacket. If you decide to wear a light linen jacket and a cotton tie, a silk pocket square will bring a touch of panache to a casual outfit. If you have slipped on your favourite wool jacket, maybe use a linen pocket square, a choice that is quite elegant. A pocket square should stand out, and be visible. Without that, it will not only be useless but may harm your overall outfit.