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For men, wearing a pocket square – a handkerchief in the breast pocket – is a matter of choice.

Of course, “pocket square” is a generic term used to refer to a wide range of styles. For a rather nice listing of pocket square styles and how to fold them, click here.

Pocket squares are style. It is a style that is right for some people, wrong for others. Right for some occasions, wrong for others.  Here, Terrell Owens pulls off wearing a pocket square with jeans.  (jeans?)

Generally, if you like a pocket square – it is the right style for you. No matter how you fold it, the pocket square adds a bit of splash and generally indicates a person who is concerned about how they appear to other people. Or perhaps pop culture would say they grew up poor and want to show by elegant dress that they no longer hold that social standing.

There is no perfect body style to wear a pocket square, although it does help to bring the center of attention up towards the shoulders in case you happen to be overweight.

There is also no golden rule about how to fold a pocket square or when to wear it.

However, most men tend to wear pocket squares on formal occasions such as an evening party or company gathering. It is usually not Monday morning attire, although there is nothing wrong with that.

Typically the pocket square should match the tie and be of a similar material. The tie and pocket square certainly need not be the identical pattern, but a silk tie matches best with a silk (rather than a linen) handkerchief.

Handkerchiefs were once a staple of men’s attire. Both for hands and the nose. However, Kleenex and other companies have relegated the handkerchief to an almost romantic symbol of the past. A time when things were built to last and almost nothing was disposable.

There is no requirement to wear a pocket square. But perhaps that is what makes it fun. Besides, the world is a better place when we add a splash of color.