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A necktie may not be mandatory in as many situations as it once was, but the right one can still add sophistication and polish to a wide range of looks. “The role of ties in a man’s wardrobe has undergone a significant evolution,” explains Philippe Uter , a Los Angeles-based stylist and image consultant. Beyond formal occasions and office wear, they can accent semiformal and smart-casual ensembles, too, Uter says.
With so many options to choose from, however—and countless variations of widths, patterns and fabrics—finding a tie that suits your style can be a challenge. That’s why we turned to stylists and image consultants from around the country to reveal their favorites, as well as the ties they recommend to clients. Here are their selections, along with helpful tie-wearing tips.
If you only buy one tie, make sure it’s one like this that can work for many styles and situations, advises Turner Allen , a New York City-based personal stylist. “A simple navy tie exudes a sense of sophistication that’s neither overly formal nor too laid-back,” he says. “It can coordinate with a variety of colors, and allows you to seamlessly transition from daytime to evening.”
“The difference between an $80 tie and a $300 tie is often noticeable if you know what you’re looking for,” says Chicago-based stylist Grant Alexander , who praises the quality and affordability of ties like this one from Suit Supply. “It’s great value and will work with any combination you’re putting together. If you want to have a little more fun, try the same tie in forest green.” Atlanta-based stylist Ryan Christopher also tapped Suit Supply for his budget pick, praising this tie’s “very affordable price point and silk and linen blend.”
For a more colorful take, Los Angeles-based stylist Tiffany Briseno suggests something with a subtle pattern like this choice from Paul Smith. “Classic stripes are an essential among your ties, and this one has a quiet elegance that I love,” she says.
“When I see ties at the office, so many look outdated and cheap,” says Alexander. “ This one flatters nearly anything it’s paired with, especially a gray or blue jacket and a white dress shirt ,” he says of the Zegna pick. Stripes are a perennially stylish choice, adds Allen, who assures that something like this Todd Snyder double stripe will be “a safe and reliable option for the office,” for many years to come.
Knit ties are another way to add sophistication to a more casual look, says Christopher, who steers clients toward the jaunty look of this Italian silk knit that’s “good for less formal settings and comes in several different color combinations.” Atlanta-based stylist Joshua Davis prefers the punchy canary yellow hue of this knit from famed Savile Row tailor, Anderson & Sheppard. “I’d style it with an oxford collar button down or maybe even a button-down chambray,” he says. “Knit ties don’t take themselves too seriously, and neither should their wearers.”
A solid-colored tie with a top-shelf pedigree is a great way to add a dash of quiet luxury to your wardrobe, says Alyssa Dineen , a personal stylist and online dating coach in New York City. She recommends this “refined classic tie” woven on traditional wooden looms and hand-finished in England to complete your most polished looks. For a less formal option that’s equally luxe, Allen picks this Italian-made option in black that “makes an impact while maintaining a sense of restraint.”
Alexander notes that this tie from Tom Ford in brown knit silk offers an alternative to conventional navy blue and black. “It goes with everything, especially suiting in blue and gray.”
Davis suggests this silk jacquard print crafted in France from dress shirt specialist Charvet “for the guy who wears a suit at work frequently and wants to subtly project power.” Bolder prints like houndstooth can also be “an easy pick for an all-day look,” says Briseno, who suggests Tom Ford’s maximal take on the classic pattern in multicolored silk.
On the more avant-garde end of the style spectrum, Alexander encourages adventurous guys to try this remix of the classic Western bolo . “I was gifted this by my wife and I love wearing it,” he says. “It opened up a whole new tie world for me, and I always get compliments when I wear it.”
“I encourage people to try ties in atypical situations,” Alexander says, offering this versatile pick in Italian woven 100% silk as a complement to dark indigo denim or a suede jacket.
Galas and other black-tie events are one of the last places where neckties are still more or less mandatory, and—these experts all agree—the only situation where bow ties are advisable. “I wear bow ties with tuxedos, but not with suits, and not in flashy colors or prints as they can look cheap and cheesy,” says Uter, who chose this classic bow as part of his black-tie look for the Cannes Film Festival. Christopher prefers the 1970s glam of this “ultra chic and luxe” Gucci bow , with elongated points that make it “distinguished, stylish and the perfect detail to finish your look.”
Not all black-tie events require a bow tie, however, and for a “multi-scenario black tie for weddings and events,” Dineen suggests this pure wool pick, which combines a straight cut and versatile width with a more accessible price.
“ This Burberry tie is the perfect tie for a blue suit or blazer,” says Christopher of Burberry’s signature check overdyed in a cheerful shade of blue. “Whether your suit is navy or sky blue, this tie will look beautiful paired with a white button-down shirt.” This pick also “pairs beautifully with a darker blue,” says Alexander, adding, “The brown and white geometric print is thoughtful and modern without trying too hard.”
For people who like to invest in high-end quality for their everyday looks, Dineen favors the “stealth pattern” of this slim Gucci tie for a fashionable accent to your best gray or navy blazer.
A bold tie can be the perfect way to add extra fashion cred to your look, depending on your appetite for experimentation. Allen suggests this floral option as an accessible starting point. “The deep background color tones it down, so even if you’re not a style pro, you can totally pull it off,” he says. “ This is one I’m personally obsessed with,” says Christopher, who suggests pairing the tone-on-tone beaded Alexander McQueen tie with a slim-cut black suit or a black fitted tux. “That combination would be a masterpiece for a formal event.”
“ This tie with a knit-like texture is a great choice for gifting because it strikes that perfect balance between the familiar and the novel,” says Turner. “The timeless striped pattern is a reliable pick for most guys, but the knit-like weave and relaxed, unlined style give it a cool and casual vibe.” Alexander says clients love his own brand’s silk Grenadine ties, and suggests this similar pick , which is woven from 100% Italian silk, as an ideal gift.
Ties aren’t limited to formal occasions and office wear, and can be a stylish accent to semiformal and smart-casual ensembles, too, Uter says. Ties have become more of an expression of personal style than an everyday requisite, concurs Dineen. Her tie-wearing clients “wear them because they want to, not because they feel they should,” she says. “It’s more of a style choice than a necessity.”
Alexander advises most of his clients to avoid skinny ties (which can make your body look wider) and instead choose something in the sweet spot width of 3 inches or 3 ¼ inches.
“Avoid paisleys and big, bold patterns, which can be distracting,” says Alexander. “Tighter, cleaner patterns and lines are ideal.” He also advises avoiding novelty ties and whimsical patterns—with the occasional exception. “I always tell my clients to be true to themselves,” he says. “As long as you’re wearing it because it makes you happy and not because you think it’s stylish, then I approve.”
Whatever tie you choose, Allen advises tying it with either a four-in-hand or half-Windsor knot. “The four-in-hand is a relatively simple knot to tie and it goes well with all sorts of tie widths and fabrics,” he says. “The half-Windsor is slightly more dramatic and gives you a neater and thicker knot that suits pretty much any type of collar.”
Most of the ties on this list are silk, including the knit picks, and should be taken to a reputable dry cleaner, according to stylists and cleaning experts , as hand or machine washing can harm a silk tie’s glossy smooth texture. Wool ties should also be dry cleaned.
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