How to Make a Pocket Square + 3 Ways to Fold It

Yeehaw, y’all. The secret to sartorial success this season is embracing Western influences with open arms. Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana and Antonio Marras mixed cowboy-inspired shirts with finely tailored trousers and polished steppers for an outlaw-in-the-city edge. Valentino, shown above, took a slightly more subtle approach to the trend with thoughtful embroidery and accessories. (Photo via Pascal Le Segretain/Getty)

1. B-Low the Belt Bri Bri Leather Belt ($158): You don’t have to bust out the lasso to get in on some of that out-West action. Simply cinch this etched buckle belt around a classic A-line dress or a pair of high-waisted trousers, then get ready to embrace your free-spirited side.

Metallics

Designers like Calvin Klein, Versace and Katie Eary (above) played with the idea of daytime metallics, taking everyday essentials to the next level with quicksilver fabric to create high-impact looks that keep it real. (Photo via Jeff Spicer/Getty)

2. Love Moschino Metallic Cropped Trousers ($354): One word: obsessed. Forget cropped jeans — these high-shine trousers are the bottoms you’ll be busting out on the daily. Pair ‘em with a rib knit tee, loafers and a bucket bag by day, then play up their ready-to-party feel with sassy stilettos, a silk top and a quirky statement clutch.

Track Star

This isn’t your everyday athleisure. Calling to mind the glory days of ‘80s sportswear, this season’s collections, with MAN Wales Bonner (shown here), Gucci, Burberry and Kenzo among them, had a distinct athletic vibe that ventured into sophisticated territory thanks to clean lines and intelligent styling. (Photo via Stuart C. Wilson/Getty)

3. Adidas Originals Gazelle Sneaker ($80): Stepping out in a full-on tracksuit just isn’t your thing, but these bright suede kicks, on the other hand, were practically made with your fuss-free sensibilities in mind. Pair ‘em with smart suiting separates and a basic tee for an on-the-job ensemble that exudes athletic appeal, or style them alongside a statement dress for an It-girl-approved look.

Military Jackets

Forget utility jackets — designers like Thom Browne were all about high-level regalia this season, ditching traditional khaki coats and camo for elegant, tailored pieces that definitely warrant a salute. (Photo via Francois Durand/Getty)

4. Mango Double-Breasted Jacket ($150): It’s time to trade out that blasé blazer for a double-breasted military jacket that isn’t messing around. Whether you team it with cropped jeans and pointed-toe slides or layer it over an ultra-feminine dress, the result will be downright DDG.

Kitsch Is It

Just in case you weren’t aware, kitsch is in, and the proof is in the pins and patches currently taking the fashion world by storm. If the J.W. Anderson catwalk is any indication, you totally have the green light to rock your favorite throwback embellishments into next season. (Photo via Jeff Spicer/Getty)

5. The WhitePepper Patch Jumper ($81): Who says you have to stick to snoozy sweats for lazy-girl Sundays? Instead, don this peppy number during an epic movie marathon or when you hit the streets to walk the dog. Pair with wide-legged trousers and a box clutch to instantly upgrade your OOTD. A kitschy sweatshirt is just what your wardrobe needs to keep the summer vibes going year round.

Bomb Squad

Wondering if that bomber is still going to be, erm, the bomb once fall rolls around? According to Burberry (shown above), Louis Vuitton and MSGM, the answer is an overwhelming yes. (Photo via Tristan Fewings/Getty)

6. Zara Floral Embroidered Bomber Jacket ($130): When your go-to leather jacket starts to feel meh, allow this embroidered bomber jacket to swoop in and save the day. While it’s a shoo-in for your t-shirt-and-jeans routine, it makes a mean addition to your GNO lineup, adding a tough-girl edge to shimmery slip dresses and minimalist shifts alike.

Checked Out

Okay, so fall plaids aren’t exactly what you call revolutionary, but Junya Watanabe, Dior Homme (shown here), Bottega Veneta and Raf Simons want you to think outside the box and do plaids differently, whether that means embracing bold prints or unexpected styling. (Photo via Pascal Le Segretain/Getty)

7. ASOS Brushed Check Longline Jacket ($81): Whether you’re headed to a gallery for a buzz-worthy exhibition or your weekly brunch date with the girls, this oversized check jacket is equal parts practical and dapper. Wrap it around the shoulders for a lady-about-town kind of look, or pair it with a band tee and boyfriend jeans for an effortless weekend getup.

Arts + Crafts

View this post on Instagram

Detour on the overland trail: re-see our Men's show video at missoni.com or click on link in bio #Missoni #missonimen #reigningonknitwearsince1953

A post shared by Missoni (@missoni) on Jan 18, 2016 at 4:16am PST

Last season’s folksy flair is resurfacing in fall 2016 as sweaters with a handmade aesthetic, soft textured embellishments and crocheted tops with undeniable country charm. DIY never looked so good.

8. Tibi Marisol Embroidered Denim Skirt ($395): This ah-mazing embroidered skirt just might make you want to skip the rest of summer and head straight into fall. Worn with a mock neck sweater or peasant blouse and block-heeled ankle boots, it’ll fast become the cornerstone of your fall wardrobe.

Pretty in Pink

Step aside, moody autumnal hues — fall 2016 is all about thinking pink. From shades of vibrant coral to dusty rose tones, the traditionally feminine hue made a strong showing at Paul Smith, Kenzo (above), Vivienne Westwood and more, popping up in the form of boxy overcoats, sleek suiting and acid wash jeans that could be described as straight-up rad. (Photo via Francois Durand/Getty)

9. Acne Studios Marsy Twill Wide-Leg Pants ($189): Blend in? Never! Banish blasé on-the-job attire for good (life is too short) by adding these pale pink pants to your workweek mix. You’ll have best-dressed employee in the bag when you strut your stuff into the office in these wide-leg trousers, a printed silk shirt and that girlboss ‘tude.

Follow us on Pinterest for more style inspo!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

1. Something Blue: Gray and navy is a color combination that never gets old. Your husband-to-be will look absolutely dashing in this ensemble complete with a polka dot tie and pocket square. (via Chanelle Knapp Photography / Whimsical Wonderland Weddings)

2. Homespun Honey: Ditch the vest for a linen dress shirt and a double bow tie for a more laid-back look. Add a patterned pocket square to really top off the backyard vibe. (via Alixanne Loosle Photography / 100 Layer Cake)

3. Modern in Maroon: Trade in the typical black tuxedo for a moody maroon jacket that is anything but average. The dark hue will look stunning standing next to your gorgeous wedding dress. (via The Youngrens / Style Me Pretty)

4. Emerald Edge: Match your emerald-cut diamond with this stunning suit and all your guests will be green with envy. You’ll be racing down the aisle to get a closer look at your handsome man. (via ASOS)

5. White Wedding: Brides aren’t the only ones dressed in white these days. Dressed head to toe in a stark white, you and your groom will share the spotlight. (via Sara Richardson Photography / 100 Layer Cake)

6. Handsome Hue: Pairing a maroon jacket with khaki pants and a beautiful bride is a flawless combo. But don’t stop there — complete your wedding style with matching maroon flowers in your bouquet and floral crown for an instant crowd-pleaser. (via Margherita Calati Photography / Bridal Musings Wedding Blog)

7. Trio of Textures: This ensemble is the complete trifecta. The jacket, bow tie and pocket square are perfectly mismatched to create a stylish look that would make any bride swoon. (via Jonathan Daniel Pryce / Garcon Jon)

8. Preppy Polka Dots: Skip the vest and jacket for a polka dot button-up that is fun and fashionable. Spice it up with a bright boutonniere and you’ve got an instant stud. (via Mathieu Photo / Wedding Chicks)

9. Brilliant Bow tie: Give your guy a little extra flair by choosing a bow tie to complement your bouquet. The extra thought will create a style that’s a match made in heaven. (via Marion Heurteboust Photography / Aisle Perfect)

10. Cool Mint Blue: This lovely and light combination of cool gray and mint blue are perfect for a destination wedding. It’s the best blend of laid back and sophisticated. (via Whitney Neal / Style Me Pretty)

11. Boho Chic: Nothing will look better at your backyard wedding than this tan and baby blue look. The suspenders and baby’s breath boutonniere really add to the boho charm. (via Janelle Marina Photography / Wedding Chicks)

Check out all things Brit + Co Weddings, and follow us on Pinterest for more groom + wedding inspo.

1. They're always being dismissive.

Have you ever been really excited or upset about something only to be met with a dismissive tone from someone you confided in? This person is displaying toxicity which "gradually undermines trust in relationships," according to English. Would you want to keep sharing things with a person if they're always downplaying your emotions? Probably not.

2. Controlling others seems like a sport to them.

English says another way to determine someone is toxic is pay attention to their controlling behavior. It can be something as simple as telling you what to wear or something greater such as forcibly limiting your contact with anyone they think isn't good for you.

3. They consistently makes excuses for their behavior.

Have you ever let a close friend know certain behavior bothers you only for them to make an excuse for why they keep doing them? Bennett says this counts as "avoiding responsibility for actions." Furthermore, "constantly" doing so or looking to "push the blame onto someone else veers into toxic territory," she adds.

Another way to look at this is if someone is always falling into a pattern of "victimizing themselves," according to Bennett.

4. They tend to be manipulative.

Manipulation is tricky because it's not always obvious until it's too late. It's kind of like not realizing you were bit by a mosquito until your skin becomes itchy and red. Bennett says this is toxic because there's a knowing that someone can "appeal to a certain person's characteristics or personality traits." This looks like saying or doing something "with the intention of getting a certain reaction," according to her.

Bennett says, "An example may be one partner in sobriety who consistently uses their poor mental health as a reason to not be proactive about finding a job. They do this because they know that the other partner is worried about their loved one relapsing so they use that fear against her."

5. They never miss an opportunity to gaslight people.

Calling this a "well-known example," English says gaslighting often occurs when someone denies the reality of another person." What would cause someone to do this? Well, a toxic behavior often doesn't want to take accountability for their actions so they'd rather "cause people to doubt their own perceptions," according to English.

6. They're always looking for reasons to criticize someone.

The catty behavior on The Real Housewives of New York may be entertaining for TV, but that kind of behavior gets old quickly in everyday life. No one wants to hear why "so and so thinks they're all that" even if it's disguised as humor. English says, "Regardless of their motivation," behaviors like this "can lead to stressful and emotionally distressing situations."

Alena Darmel

Is it time to cut that toxic person out of my life?

We live in a society that started prioritizing ending relationships with people as soon as we spot red flags, but English and Bennett don't think this should be our immediate reaction. English says, "The decision to disengage with a toxic person in the relationship will depend on how harsh and serious the relationship is" because "it is often personal."

According to her, if you notice a consistent pattern where the behavior is "damaging your emotional health," it's okay to walk away from that person. Still, she believes "completely cutting [someone] off is often a last option when other approaches to changing the behavior have not worked." Bennett says something similar and notes how to approach different scenarios.

"If it someone you need to communicate with because of a job or family, there are things you can do to protect yourself," she says. She suggests reminding "yourself who you are dealing with" if the person is adept at gaslighting others because "it may be easy to become convinced that you are wrong or something did not happen the way you recall." A phrase she encourages you to tell yourself is, "I know that my experiences are my experiences no matter what."

If you're dealing with an aggressively toxic person, you'll have to "set and reinforce boundaries," Bennett says while English adds that "engaging in therapy to faciliate healthier relationships" may be a next step.

Here's how Bennett suggests navigating communication with someone like this:

• Set a boundary to end the conversation when you notice toxic behavior such as invalidation of your feelings.
• Receive support from another person so they can remind you of things you're trying to accomplish

If you're dealing with a friend or spouse, Bennett wants you to remember "you cannot change them" but you're in control of how you respond. English says, "It is important to analyze the whole situation and know when the cost of the relationship is greater than the benefits."