How do you match your buttonhole to your suit?

How do you match your buttonhole to your suit? The perfect buttonhole guide with Clémence du Dubouquet

If the suit is the centrepiece of the groom’s outfit, the buttonhole is its soul. This little floral detail, often overlooked until the last minute, nevertheless has the power to transform a classic ensemble into a memorable formal outfit.

Here are our tips for mastering this accessory with elegance and character

1. Choosing the colour:

The choice of flowers should above all match the colour scheme of your suit. Your choice will depend on the statement you want to make with your look:

• On a dark suit (Navy, Anthracite, Black): You have a neutral base. This is the ideal opportunity to add a touch of light with white flowers, or relief with vibrant colours (burgundy red, blue thistle).
• On a light suit (beige, sky blue, pastel pink): The challenge is to prevent the buttonhole from blending into the fabric. For a pink or beige suit, choose flowers in a deeper shade such as fuchsia or deep mauve to create a visual contrast that “wakes up” the outfit.

2. Seasonality:

A beautiful buttonhole is one that stays fresh from the first look to the end of the evening. To achieve this, it is essential to respect the seasons:

• In winter: Go for graphic, textured flowers such asAnemone, which add a lot of character to thicker fabrics (wool, flannel).
• Summer: Heat is the enemy of cut flowers. Choose robust varieties or plants that can withstand a prolonged absence of water (succulents, dried flowers or flowers with woody stems).
• Bright idea:Delphinium, with its shades of blue, goes wonderfully well with pastel accessories for a spring or summer wedding.

3. Location:

Tradition leaves nothing to chance when it comes to placing this accessory:

• Side: It is worn exclusively on the left lapel of the suit (heart side).
• Position: It should be fixed at the lapel buttonhole (the eyelet), ideally slightly diagonally to follow the bust line.
• Timing: This is the secret of the professionals. For maximum sparkle, don’t fasten your buttonhole until you’re about to leave for the ceremony.

4. Dare to show your personality

Don’t forget that the buttonhole is one of the few areas of total creative freedom. It can echo the bride’s bouquet, but above all it should reflect you. Don’t hesitate to mix textures: a main flower, a few sprigs of foliage, or even a touch of wild flowers for a more ‘country chic’ feel.