Choose Colors and Patterns Wisely
A solid colored tie is always a safe choice given you avoid the obvious offenses, like pairing a cherry red tie with a black dress shirt. Similarly, a plain black tie without a jacket can make you look like the office temp or an aging British rockstar.
For the classic look, make sure your tie’s pattern picks up the dominant color from your shirt. That means a green plaid tie with a green shirt, for example. To take a bolder step, pair complementary colors, like a blue shirt with a soft yellow tie.
Whenever mixing patterns, remember that the stronger pattern in a suit or shirt, the weaker pattern should be in the tie (and vice versa). So if you have small pattern—thin stripes or polka dots—pair it with a large one, like an oversized floral. For a bolder look, start with a statement pattern like a floral and repeat it on a smaller scale.
Another tip to note: Larger prints will seem more casual, while understated patterns will read sophisticated. If that sounds like a lot, Cristodero says to just trust your judgement. If you think it looks off, it probably is.
