Guide to Fashion with Neckties
Neckties are some of the most ubiquitous pieces in men’s fashion; you see them all over the world, from the Americas to Asia. That isn’t to say, however, that every guy in a tie knows how to wear it properly. Tradition has developed a fairly strict set of rules dealing with the way neckties ought to be worn. For all you know, you may have been wearing it wrong all this time.
Real Men Wear Real Ties
Although it carries a tad much machismo when said that way, the message still holds. The necktie is part fashion statement and part declaration of your maturity. When you wear a tie, you’re essentially saying that you’re independent enough to tie it yourself.
On paper, that’s one of the countless reasons why a slip-on or elastic necktie isn’t a good idea at all. In practice, those pre-made, made-for-kids varieties simply don’t look good (or appropriate, for that matter) on anyone over the age of twelve. Tying a real necktie might be tedious and time-consuming, but that’s part and parcel of the tie tradition.
If you can’t be bothered to take two minutes to make a proper knot in the morning rush, prep your necktie the night before so that you need only slip it on and tighten it the next morning. The point is to wear a real necktie with a real knot that you made yourself. It’s the least you could do to stay true to a great and time-honored tradition of style.
Pleasantries and Proportions
Contrary to popular belief, there’s no single necktie that will work for all men. You might borrow your dad’s or best friend’s on occasion, but chances are good that it will look ever so slightly off when you assess yourself in the mirror. That’s because your tie, like the rest of your outfit, should be sized in proportion to your own body for it to be at its best.
This has been much easier to follow in the last half decade, now that a good number of small but high-quality tie makers have popped up on the market. Your current selection runs the scale from rocker skinny to flat iron-wide. There’s something for everyone.
It’s pretty straightforward from there. Thin guys should go for slimmer ties, while huskier men are best off with neckties that have some visual heft to them. Haphazardly wearing the first one you come upon at the store or in your closet usually results in you looking like you still borrow clothes from your dad.
Contrast Concerns
Neckties are supposed to pop against your shirt. That’s part of their raison d’etre: they’re meant to add a little punch and personality to an otherwise boring business ensemble. It simply wouldn’t do if your plain tie blended right into an equally ho-hum vanilla shirt.
Besides the classic palette like basic reds, greens and blues, invest in neckties that have memorably eye-catching colors like pink, violet or teal. These exceptionally lively ties are useful for livening up exceptionally boring workday outfits. Like so many situations in fashion, this concern is about balance: you want yawn-inducing pieces to be paired with items that have a greater amount of energy and vividness.
Other Suggested Readings:
Belt Fashion Mistakes
Care Tips for Mens Ties
Your TieKing Team – Your King for Designer Ties Online