Lapel Candy Men

Lately I've been noticing that a pocket square isn't quite enough for some men: buttons, pins, flowers, and diamonds have been gracing lapels everywhere. Most of the time I really like the look even with a pocket square, but there are a few exceptions. Let's take a look at some past and present, shall we? Above Bobby Kennedy rocking a little pink flower, two pins and a tie bar at a parade.

Clearly politics and causes are the greatest sources of lapel accouterments. Men's Vogue even commissioned Michael Bierut to design a supposedly politically neutral flag pin ($10) last Fall in response to the Obama flag pin controversy.

Stephen Colbert appropriately donning his "C" flag pin.

Oh no, this guy too? The flag pin is all starting to make sense now.

Dustin Lance Black at The 2009 Oscars wearing the knotted white ribbon symbolizing the plight for marriage equality.

Dave Grohl doing the same.

Death Cab For Cutie front man Ben Gibbard wearing the "dark-ish teal" ribbon which symbolizes "maximum fun awareness".

President Nicolas Sarkozy and Barbra Streisand. The small lapel thread on Sarkozy is a symbol of membership of France’s most prestigious—and most coveted—society: the Légion d’Honneur, granted by the French government to those who have somehow contributed to the glory of France.

Alain Delon sporting the Legion of Honor insignia on his left lapel. No comment on his right lapel.

Peter O'Toole wearing a similar green lapel pin that represents the Order of Arts and Letters in France.

A faux medal of honor on a real fashion runway. Not a fan.

Jay Z wearing some serious lapel ice.

The late Heath Ledger wearing a sweet dagger lapel pin.

Will Smith at the 2009 Oscars wearing a man-brooch.

Yale clothier J. Press carries a fun assortment of old-school lapel pins like the above Yale Bulldog ($19).

Wes Anderson as blingy as he gets. (via The Sartorialist)

I can't leave out the undisputed King of lapel candy: Prince Charles.