For men, tie-wearing is taking a new turn. Sure, some men’s jobs still dictate they wear a tie every day to work, and yes, you need to put one on for various social occasions. But new tie styles and ways of wearing them are challenging tradition. Boulder style and image consultant Nancy Taylor Farel shares these neckwear trends:
1. Tie width is traditionally determined in proportion to jacket lapel width. Wider lapels calling for wider ties, narrower lapels equaling narrower ties. Today’s more edgy statement favors the narrow tie. It appears fresher and younger. Meanwhile bow ties remain in a class by themselves, typically making a distinct personality statement.
2. Knot styles are a personal preference. The four-in-hand is the slimmest knot, the full Windsor is the chunkiest. How to choose? The tie’s fabric thickness or stiffness helps determine a best knot style. The size of the knot in proportion to the wearer’s neck and face size should be compatible. Be careful not to tie it too short. Tie tails covering the belt is the target. (Check Tie-a-Tie.net for a step-by-step knotting guide. )
3. Matching your tie and eye color is always a good bet when it comes to color and pattern. Solids carry impact, and if the solid is in a fabric with sheen, it can be dressy (as well as a lethal spot attractors.) Choosing from traditional patterns such as paisleys, foulards, stripes, plaids, checks and pin dots can add interest. As far as more fanciful patterns, anything goes from retro hula girls to florals, abstracts and landscapes. Try a patterned tie with a patterned shirt. It will work if each piece has matching color elements.
4. To bar or tack is a personal preference, but the tie accessories are popular again. They’re also functional, keeping your tie from flapping around. Don’t overlook raiding your dad’s or grandfather’s jewelry box or checking out vintage stores and websites for sentimental and hip-again finds.
5. Think about relaxing the look, instead of wearing your tie knotted neatly under a buttoned-up, collared dress shirt. You can leave the top shirt button undone and knot the tie just below it. This works well with a button-down collar (buttoned or not). If your neck is longer, try leaving your collar up, not folded down. Keep the tie loosely knotted, top collar band and shirt buttons open. Top it off with a traditional suit jacket, structured or unstructured sport coat, cardigan, jean jacket or hoodie.
Nancy Taylor Farel is a Boulder-based color and style expert who does one-on-one consulting and conducts special events. More at nancytaylorfarel.com.
Have a fashion or beauty issue you’d like us to help you with? Contact Suzanne S. Brown: sbrown@denverpost.com or call 303-953-1697.
