How to Style a Men's Tie

Styling a men's tie is easy if you know the look you want, but selecting that particular look can be a challenge. The style of your tie should match the occasion, emphasizing looks, formality, or whatever you choose. Whether you opt for a brightly-colored bowtie or a more conservative tie in a full Windsor knot, the way you style your tie says a lot about you. Read on for more information on how to style a men's tie.

The first rule of thumb when styling a tie is that, unless you are wearing a tuxedo, bowties are out. Bowties used to be popular, but now they should be reserved for weddings and other situations in which you are in a tux. If you are at work or another place at which you wear a suit, a bowtie should not be worn. If you do opt for a bowtie, try to find a self-tie version rather than a clip-on. Self-tie bowties look better and clip-on varieties are more noticeable than their traditional counterparts.

The most popular knot style for men is a Windsor knot. Windsor knots show confidence, displaying a wide look that is perfect for wear around the office or at other formal events. Actually, any time you have a suit on, you should be wearing a tie with a Windsor knot. To achieve a perfect Windsor knot, make sure you use a high-quality tie. If you use a cheap tie, the material will not be thick enough to make the knot look good. Even worse, the knot could loosen throughout the day, giving you a weak appearance. It is better to have a few luxury ties in your wardrobe than a plethora of cheap ones.

If you do not like the very wide style of a full Windsor knot, you can go with a half Windsor knot style. A half Windsor knot is thinner than the full version, but easier to tie. Use a half Windsor knot if you are in a hurry or simply have been unable to get the full Windsor style down just yet.

Other tie styles include the Prince Albert, Four in Hand, and the clip on. The former style gives a long, elongated shape. This provides a subtle look that can be worn to more casual functions. The Four in Hand style is much the same, flourishing at less formal events. A clip on tie is a big no-no, regardless of the occasion.

When styling your tie, consider the width, length, color, and patterns you want on your tie. A tie that is too wide will look silly, but do not go too skinny, either. Wider ties are generally worn at formal occasions. There is one exception, however, which is the modern 'skinny tie.' These have become popular in recent years and are designed to look very thin. This is a fine choice for almost any time you are in a suit, but do not style your tie too thin if it is not meant to be that way.

Lastly, consider styling your tie with a tie clip. This gives a professional appearance and can keep the back portion of your tie in place. Otherwise, steer clear of any tie accessories.