The necktie is an accessory with a history that goes back centuries, but it’s also one of the most dynamic pieces of clothing you can wear. Neckties are a necessity when you’ve got a suit and need to look professional. They can also be used as an accessory to your outfits, like when you’re dressing up for a wedding or special occasion.
Traditionally considered an accessory in men’s fashion, ties for women have made a definite comeback, with ties being a part of the lookbook for Louis Vuitton’s March 2022 collection. This article in Vogue even showcases some of these designs.
Historically, the suffrage movement used the necktie to symbolize equality, as many women entered the white-collar workforce in the early 1900s. Icons of the 1990s, like Princess Diana and Diane Keaton, elevated button down shirts and high-waisted jeans with a tie.
Britney Spears and Avril Lavigne also accented their pop culture styles with a tie, using it to make a very different statement altogether. Over the years, the tie has evolved from an innocuous part of menswear to a weapon of resistance against gender discrimination.
Today, it is an important part of the wardrobe of a trendy young millennial or a Gen Zer. As fashion becomes more gender fluid, embracing themes like inclusivity, the tie, as a versatile accessory, can be worn by all genders to suit their individual styles.
How to Tie a Tie
It’s important to understand the different kinds of knots, too, while deciding which tie to add to your wardrobe or which one to wear for different occasions. There are simpler knots like the Windsor, the double Windsor, and the bow tie. Then there are more classic ones like the Pratt Knot. There are more adventurous styles with intriguing names, like the Eldredge Knot, Trinity Knot, and the Balthus Knot.
If you are wondering how to get a Windsor Knot perfect or tie a bow tie for dinner properly or determine the ideal tie length, you can check online resources on how to tie a tie for different styles. It will ensure that you are able to do justice to your neckwear by knotting and tying it appropriately, no matter what the occasion.
Top 5 Tie Styles
But what’s trending in neckwear right now? Whether you’re wearing a fitted or skinny tie, here are the five hottest styles right now.
Bow ties
You don’t have to be a dapper gentleman in a suit and tie to wear a bow tie. They can be worn with anything, from suits to T-shirts and jeans. If you think you don’t have enough room on your person for an accessory like this, think again because bow ties are one of the smallest neckwear options out there.
Bow Ties come in many different fabrics, including silk, wool, or cotton. They come in any color, so you can really make it your own.
Striped Ties
Striped ties have been a classic pattern for centuries, and the variety of stripes you can find today is unparalleled. Stripes can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal and made from different sizes of lines.
They are a great way to add some color and texture to an outfit without overwhelming it with too much detail. They look great with casual button-ups or more formal suits. In addition to being stylish, they go well with pretty much any other pattern.
Striped ties are so versatile that they can even be made out of fabrics other than silk (which most people associate them with). Cotton ties work well in warmer months, while wool or cashmere give off a more sophisticated vibe during colder months.
Knit Ties
Knit ties can be a great option for adding more personality to your wardrobe. They’re made of knit fabric and can be made from wool, cotton, or some other material. Since they’re so versatile, knit ties can be worn with just about anything in your closet, from casual button-downs to blazers and even suits.
If you want your knit tie to stand out even more, there are plenty of ways you can do this. The best part is that there are so many colors and patterns available that it’s hard not finding something that matches both your style and personality.
Silk Neckerchiefs
Silk neckerchiefs add a pop of color to any outfit. Like ties, they can be worn in many different ways. It may be a traditional tie around the neck to a bandanna style for a more Bohemian look.
Wedding Ties
Currently, shades of green, as well as neutral and earth tones, are ruling the wedding tie trends. Subtle shades like olive, sage, and forest green will ensure the tie can be reincarnated as workwear, too, should the occasion demand. Skinny ties worn during weddings are around 2.25 to 2.5 inches in width, while the wider ones can go up 3.5 inches.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a new tie to add to your collection or want to try something different at work, there are plenty of options available. With so many different styles to choose from, it’s easy for anyone to find something that works for them.
##
