The devil’s always been in the detail. But this is particularly true in summer, when — unless you take a winter break at a nudist resort — you have to rely on fewer square inches of fabric to make you look good than at any other time of year.

Though only some satisfy any form of practical need, summer accessories are often the difference between a good outfit and a great one when the mercury hits double digits.

To that end, these are the only six small additions you need to know about this season, and how to wear them.

Knitted Tie

You don’t exactly need to have worn a pair of speedos carol singing or a puffer jacket to the local lido to know that most items of clothing belong in a specific season. Knitted ties, however, are one piece of crocheted clobber that you can wear in both the middle of summer and the depths of winter.

The traditional silk tie’s, younger, carefree cousin, knitted knots have found themselves on the necks of countless raffish, devil-may-care dressers over the years (think Sean Connery as Bond or James Dean and Paul Newman), often prized for their ability to add a certain nonchalance to an outfit.

During summer, throw one on with a chambray shirt under tailored separates for a standout summer wedding look. Simply fasten with a basic basic four-in-hand knot, let the back blade hang loose behind the front and, well, sprezzatura? Completed it, mate.

– Luke Todd, deputy editor

Reiss

Tote Bag

WANT Les Essentiels

The modest tote bag has risen to become an unlikely menswear hero in recent years, and one you ‘totes’ need in your luggage arsenal this summer. Among the many reasons why, open-top carriers work far better than a backpack with tailored looks, preventing unsightly bunches and creases from developing all over your blazer. Then there’s the ease of being able to get to your things without having to whip a sack round to the front.