Ties

Ah, the center hub that makes every outfit individual and different. The one accessory that’s only purpose is to provide color, style and highlight to the outfit and the man in the outfit.

When choosing neckwear, the color, pattern, material, style, etc. is meant to reinforce and compliment the rest of the outfit. The tie is meant to complete the apparel and be the framing for a man; being worn to end strictly around the belt buckle area not falling above or below it.  

Wearing a necktie or bow tie is entirely a personal style choice. For instance, bow ties are the most formal of neckwear one can wear. Although bow ties are most common and popular for rather formal situations as black-tie affairs, it is more common now to see them being worn as business casual or even in everyday apparel. Bow ties offer a touch of class, stylishness and charm to any outfit.

However, a necktie is not only more common, but almost a necessity in a man’s wardrobe. Available in a variety of fabrics, such as: Silk, Wool, Cotton, Linen, Polyester, etc. With silk being the most common for fancy situations and best with a smooth and dressier suit or tux, and polywoven or wool would look great with a casual suit, blazer or even just a dress shirt for a fashionable everyday look.  

With endless options for material, pattern, color and style the decision, again, is what best compliments the outfit being worn. It should be stated though that regardless of the elements that may make up the perfect tie, without the actual tie being tied correctly, it’s just simply another piece of fabric. There are multiple different ways to tie both a necktie and a bow tie and understanding which one is appropriate for which situation (especially in the olden days), was how others viewed you.

Just like anything within dress, there are certain standards when it comes to creating the perfect look of a suit and dress shirt combined with a tie. A helpful tip to remember, is that only one out of these three key elements when worn together is to be patterned. Example being that if the suit being worn has a pattern, then the dress shirt along with the tie should be solid tie that coordinates well with the color of your shirt. This doesn't mean that your outfit has to be boring. Wearing a pop of color, like the Navy Silk Necktie with your patterned shirt, is a great way to complete an outfit perfect for date night or the office. This rule works in reverse as well. This meaning that if your dress shirt is a plaid pattern, then the suit and tie should also be solid. This goes hand-in-hand with the one light and two dark fashion tips as well. Along the same lines as the patterns, only one piece of the outfit should be light while the other two are darker colors. Example, wearing an all-white suit should require traditionally that a dark shirt and tie be worn to compliment the suit just as the opposite with a darker suit.

A lot of these suggestions and tips are not set in stone as men have become more creative and experimental in the way they dress. This offers different insights, looks and tastes into how men view fashion and the current and changing trends. Having a basic understanding of neckwear and what is appropriate for whichever situation will help one when dressing for the look they want.

But, putting a certain spin or flair on the outfit to express individual style is equally as important as following the guidelines. Remembering that at the end of the day it is just neckwear and not to take yourself too seriously. Looking good all comes down to the person that feels good wearing the clothes they’re in.