How to style men’s shirts and ties.
In Irish fashion news , we look at the latest ways to style men’s shirts and ties for maximum effect. You may have heard of the paradox of choice. Also known as choice overload. It is the phenomenon by which having too much choice can be exhausting. This leaves us unhappy and leads us to make bad decisions.
And nowhere is this more evident that when it comes to shirt and tie combinations. You only need to take a quick glance around the workplace will confirm the paradox of choice. Is it possible that everyone is suffering from decision fatigue? Or do they just have bad taste?
We understand why so many people get it wrong. After all, colours and patterns can be a tricky thing to master. And when you start mixing them together, it can be a recipe for disaster.
But why wear a tie in the first place? Even with the athleisure trend taking over people’s wardrobes, the tie and suit will never die.
Ties have always been a symbol of nobility, honour and order. They also signal capability and can make you look influential. People tend to operate on their perceptions. If you wear your tie with confidence, people around you will assume you possess certain abilities.
Ties also mark professionalism. They show you care about your appearance and take your job seriously. Even if you are in a casual office, a tie can enhance how you look. If you want to know how to choose the best men’s shirt and tie combinations, keep on reading.
Let’s Get Down To The Basics
Colour matching is something that continues to stump even the most stylish of men. But, unless you want your wardrobe to look dull, you need to tackle it at some point.
And one of the best ways to do that is using the colour wheel. It is a visual representation of every colour.
But more importantly, it gives you a visual on what colours work best together. Your primary colours are red, blue and yellow.
Having the colours right in front of you will make it easier to see what works best with each other. And there are some things to keep in mind when choosing the best shirt and tie combinations. Let’s get into it.
Similar Colours
Similar colours are ones that are right next to each other. When you have colours that are close together, it is easy to pick a shade and pair accessories with it.
Complementary Colours
These are opposite each other on the colour wheel. And they are the colours that are the hardest to work together. Just because they are complementary, you can overwhelm your outfit is you wear them at full strength.
Contrasting Colours
Your contrasting colours are ones that have three colours between them. The best way to combine them is to ensure one colour is a darker tone. So, for example, work with navy and red.
Try Playing Around With Contrasting Colours
It is typically easier to pair contrasting colours than complementary when working with ties and shirts. A blue shirt with a burgundy tie is a look that anyone can pull off.
Vary The Shades Of Your Complementary Colours
If you want to work with complementary shades, there is some crucial advice to remember. The key is varying the shades. This could be you wearing a light blue shirt with a burnt orange tie. And your tie should always be darker than your shirt.
Don’t Be Afraid To Experiment
One of the safest tie and shirt options out there is a white shirt with a simple tie. But, where is the fun in that? Get creative! Experiment with patterns, colours, sizes. You will learn what works for you and what you like to wear.
How To Choose The Right Tie
You might not think about it, but your choice of tie says a lot about you. So, feel free to use the following tips to help you choose the best one.
Try To Invest In Quality
When it comes to your outfit, the tie is something that people will notice first. So, it is important that you pay attention and invest in quality.
Although this doesn’t have to be expensive, it still has to be tasteful. While your tie can look good on its own – although we never recommend you try this – it should not be a novelty piece of your outfit.
Be Careful To Choose The Right Size
The size of your tie is something many people overlook. Generally, the width of your tie should match the width of the lapels of your suit. Which should match your body type. One last thing to remember. Always go with a tie that complements your face shape and the type of collar on your shirt.
Remember That Occasion Determines The Fabric
When selecting your tie, try to make sure you consider the occasion. ones in traditional silk are best reserved for formal settings. But more textured ones work well for smart or business casual events.
Knitted ones are the rebellious teen of the ties. They fall into a grey area and can be dressed up or down.
Best Tie To Pair With Your White Shirt
A quality white shirt is a staple in anyone’s wardrobe. And by default, everyone should own three colours: white, pink and blue.
The best thing about your white shirt is its versatility. It is a blank canvas for any tie, be it a solid knit one or something in a preppy style. Your white shirt allows you to play around and have fun with your tie choice.
Best Tie To Pair With Your Blue Shirt
Shirts in blue, or pink, can be a welcome break from plain white. Stick to the rules of colour, size and pattern, your blue shirt works well with ties in the same colour family.
While orange is a complementary colour, it is best to stick to dark shades. Otherwise, you risk looking like an airline worker.
Yellow and red are contrasting colours. Which makes ties in burgundy, pink or mustard the perfect choice for your blue shirt.
Best Tie To Pair With Your Pink Shirt
If the statement ‘men wear pink’ sound strange to you, we suggest you get on board. Or you risk missing out on a versatile piece of menswear.
Try to opt for deep shades of purples or mauve with your pink shirt and you cannot go wrong. Or, if you are feeling daring, you can try a khaki shade. Green is a complimentary shade of pink and will make you stand out.
Blue is a contrasting colour and this really is no better shirt and tie pairing than your pink shirt and navy tie.
Best Tie To Pair With Your Black Shirt
Your black shirt is no longer for stagehands or mobsters. They have returned to many people’s wardrobes in recent years.
But, what makes them difficult is that black is nowhere on the colour wheel. And this is why the only colour tie that works with your black shirt is a tonal one. But for an easier option, ditch the tie altogether and slip on a black suit jacket instead.
Best Tie To Pair With Your Striped Shirt
Introducing a pattern can be a great way of bringing some interest to your look. But there are some style rules that you need to be aware of. While the standard rules of colour, size and fabric choice apply, you need to choose your tie carefully.
Make sure that it harmonises with your outfit rather than fighting your shirt for attention. And the easiest way to do this is with a colour block tie. However, if you do want to play with patterns, just make sure that they vary in size.
Best Tie To Pair With Your Check Shirt
Although a striped shirt with a bold patterned tie can work, a checked shirt needs a tie with a large pattern.
This will help it to avoid becoming lost. There is, however, one exception to this rule. And that is when you wear a windowpane check shirt. This usually offers you greater flexibility as the scale is so large and the pattern small.
Gingham shirts are the most dress code friendly of the check shirts. And more often than not, this pattern has a white base.
When picking a complementary or similar shade, coordinate it with a check colour than your white base. So, a navy tie looks great with a sky blue or pink gingham shirt.
Best Tie To Pair With Your Textured Shirt
In recent years, textured shirts have been taking over people’s wardrobes. and they are perfect for office attire that is business-casual. You can tone down a classic blazer with a shirt in denim, chambray or even flannel. It is the perfect way to bring a touch of personality into your look.
Many of the other pairings on this list rely on you creating contrast. And while the usual guidelines around colour remain, steer clear of anything silk or with a shine. Knitted ties are the go-to for many when it comes to a textured shirt. It is a classic combo that is perfect for your relaxed job interview.
How to style men’s shirts and ties. Irish fashion news.
