Time for ties

The wrong tie worn at the wrong time or place, or knotted incorrectly, may be as disastrous to your ensemble as an ill-fitting jacket.

 

Written by Alexander Brand

 

Not all ties – or knots – were created equally; when the occasion calls for you to smarten up, whether for work or play, use this guide to help you style your tie the right way.

 

Length matters

Long or short, the tip of your tie should rest neatly at your natural waistline. The exception to this rule is if you’re rocking a short suit, then, by all means, loosen the knot and let the tie hang just above your belly button.

 

 

More than black and white

Try to find a tie that is complementary and that pairs well with your jacket and trousers. If your suit is plain (for example, navy or black or green) add some interest with a patterned or graphic tie.

If your jacket and trousers are patterned, try pairing with a shirt and tie that are in a similar shade, to pull the look together. While it’s not a hard-and-fast rule, if your suit is a pale tone, your tie should be a shade or two darker.

 

Traditional versus trendy

While a traditional tie will always have its place, the skinny tie offers a more modern appeal. Skinny ties make an outfit seem a lot more casual and are ideal paired with slim cut suits.

Additionally, since there is less fabric, it’s unlikely that a block colour or busy pattern will overwhelm the rest of your look.

 

Knot a problem

While a simple knot is the go-to way to wear a tie, there are in fact numerous options, from basic to wow-factor. Classic knots include the four in hand knot, the Pratt knot, the half Windsor knot and the full Windsor knot.

If you’d really like to show off your tie skills and create a talking point though, why not try your hand at a trinity knot, a Van Wijk knot or a Cape knot? For full tutorials head to Google or YouTube!

 

A tie can make or break your outfit, so be sure to have a few options in your arsenal – and practise how to knot them!