How to stay classy in a world of T-shirts and sweatpants

By: William Pattee

Staff Writer

If you ask people what their favorite accessory in a man’s wardrobe is, you might get a few answers. Some people think socks should stand out. Other people might insist that a watch is a must-have for any outfit. But for the longest time, one accessory has remained a menswear go-to: the necktie.

Among years of modifications and fashion experiments, the tie has managed to maintain itself as a staple in tailored wear and has been used to both make a statement as well as give off self-assurance. But in 2018, there seems to be a gap in menswear and collars where that accessory once was. So what’s going on?

In an era of billionaires presenting themselves in jeans and T-Shirts, the tie (and perhaps even the suit and shirt) has lost some of the leverage they once had in presenting a man as strong and composed. Looser dress codes provided by modern and forward companies have watered down the need to look the part. The part being: confidence.

In reality, the power of the necktie hasn’t faded, but rather has become lost in the natural transitions of popular men’s fashion. Still, it’d be wise to lean on the side of wearing one to your next meeting, or the more tedious days of your work week and here’s why:

They complete outfits that might otherwise be lacking

Ties come in a multitude of prints, fabrics, widths and formalities. That being said, so long as you’re wearing a suitable button to wear under it, there’s likely at least one tie out there that can finish off your look. The clean slate you have to work with holds the potential to elevate your outfit and compliment the larger pieces of your outfit through pairings of color and texture. So, reconsider leaving your collar open if you’re on the fence about your next outfit.

They add dimension

One of the best ways you can make your work get-up stand out from everyone else’s is often done with a tie. This is because they provide dimension and depth to an outfit due to the way they hang. The knot and drape of a tie pop out when neatly fastened under a jacket and prevents your shirt collar and jacket lapels from making your silhouette appear too flat.

They can be the star of an outfit

If you tend to dress in darker, solid colors, ties can be a subtle and effective way of making your outfit pop a little more. For example, if you’re opting for a gray or navy suit, a dark red tie can help you stand out without appearing too flashy. The key to this is sticking to your own personal style and ensuring that your color combinations work well off of one another. Refer to the color wheel and you can’t go wrong.

In a modern era of T-Shirts and open collars, it’s time to bring back the tried and true. There are a few occasions where they aren’t appropriate (the gym) and you’ll probably find that they do more good than harm to your outfit, your image and your overall look on style.