There aren’t many gamechangers out there for guys so, know this: everyone looks at your tie (bowtie) and pocket square. Whether you’re getting dressed for the holiday office party, getting ready to knock-it-out-the-park for date night, or just heading to the big meeting at work, there are a few ties every man should own. They are… Red – the red should be a slightly deeper red and focus on a print or pattern that is simple to start. Throw in
Ties are one of the most important fashion accessories for men. Unlike ladies where we can use handbags, shoes, jewelry, scarves, smartphone cases, belts, etc, the average man has just a few ways to ‘make it pop’. If you reside in a city like Washington, DC then the tie becomes even more important because we’re looking for something beyond the standard blue suit fare. There are lots of basic know-how things to remember about ties but today we’re focusing on
When you wear a tie that is excessively patterned/overly zesty/truly eye-popping, it requires a plain shirt. Do you understand?
If you’re going to do mixed patterns, one should be more pronounced than the other Holiday season = party season so darker colors dress up easier The ‘louder’ plaid in the tie offers a bit of Holiday attire-ish compromise Shirt by Tommy Hilfiger; tie by Hugo Style solution: this combo goes from casual day to nighttime with a sportcoat or even relaxed tuxedo jacket!
A quick bit of style advice regarding which width tie to wear when…. Wide is wack and out-of-date (look around, everything today is about being long and lean) Skinny is frat boy (that’s approx 5cm and what you’ll see for the kids just starting out) Moderation is best (look for something around 7-8cm, or slightly wider than your blazer lapel!) In terms of length, don’t let it go lower than the top of your pants or higher than your belly
This grey summer wool tie is available at Figs today only for $60 (normally $75)! An ideal addition to the blue power suit or a fabulous off-color nuance to a summer camel look….there are many ways to rock this!.
Gents- you all have button-down shirts or sport shirts that you pack for the long weekend, but somehow they always seem to be too stuffy. We’ve been preaching the benefits of floral ties and plaids, but opt for a slim khaki tie and you’re in business! The tie can be worn to your swank evening BBQ, nighttime pub crawl, meet-the-parents lunch, etc.
I had the chance to go to Final Four in Houston, TX a few weeks ago and had a blast! While there, I met a very dapper gent who, through subsequent meetings, has taught me the style value of men’s floral ties. Indeed he sports them regularly and often, and to my surprise, makes them look great. We did our research and here’s what we discovered: Floral ties are a fabulous alternative to the microcheck The print/color usage make these
Yet another fabulous shot by David Lewis Taylor for Four Seasons Magazine. The pieces were artfully selected by Mark Grischke and I wanted to share. Ties have been around since King Louis XIV, but never have they been such an important part of completing a man’s ensemble. At Blueprint for Style, we love the bow tie but recognize the four-in-hands as the staple with a business suit especially in conservative DC and the perfect compliment to a black suit in place
Windsor: it’s big, bold, and perfectly symmetrical – it’s the ultimate tie knot (10 steps)!
Entry Requirements: (1) post a comment [here] about which Vittorio J tie you like the best and (2) become a Vittorio J Facebook Fan Page Prize: Two Vittorio J ties (Sugar and Cristy) Winner: Kyle Winner Selected by Blinded Drawing: all participants that posted a comment and became fans of Vittorio J via Facebook were entered into the drawing pot!
A stylish start to the week from last week’s lessons learned…. Leave No Rock Unturned: we have yet to happen upon a men’s magazine that shows wearable, everyday styles for the big(ger) man or semi-professional type….we’re looking! Pinky Toe in the Pool: a small leap for the dapper don but, a giant leap for you — just try a print or pattern in your tie for starters!! Man Purse: we’ve seen too many…besides chapstick, cash & credit cards, what else
Brightly striped ties are the next spring trend. Amazingly, many of the style trends for men this fall are focused on furnishings so the favorites we show here can work easily with your standard DC navy power suit, or your ready-for-spring camel lighter weight getup, or the weekend/date uniform of jeans, dress boots and a button-down. They add just a dash of color…so we can look down and be hopeful about the warmer weather to come.
Company: Joe Dues Where: Southern roots Who: The President is Jarvis Robertson…but he has a few ‘faithfuls‘ throughout the country helping him to build the brand What: Bowties…and a lifestyle When: They’ve been doing it for a while… How: Head to the website, Joe Dues, and check out the latest hauteness (the Colvin, pictured above, is my favorite) How Much: The current collection is all under $25!
Throughout the month of February, Blueprint for Style will be paying extra attention to men’s furnishings such as ties, cufflinks, pocket squares, bowties, belts, and the likes! Today, our recommendation is simple: as you plan for spring, think bright! It’s too early (and cold) to transition into seersucker or our wonderfully versatile tan suit so, stick with the DC politico navy blue or charcoal grey — but add some color! Look at Barneys, Band of Outsiders or Dries Van Noten;
So just start slow – and this HUGE sale at Ventuno will help you re-build your closet full of haute dress shirts and silky ties. The downtown haberdashery Ventuno is throwing a 2-hour sale where everything is 30% off! Plus, rumor has it that there will be free wine and mini-empanadas (just make sure to make your selection before the drinking the wine)! 411: Jan 29th, 6-8pm, no cost, Ventuno (1055 SE First Ave, 305-372-5017)
Shirt ($415) and tie ($195) by Borelli Shirt and tie combination: a khaki and white check shirt (+) gray flannel tie — (+) a grey or navy suit = classic! Why? Every grey or navy suit is conservative, and the splash of understated color mixed with the texture of monochromatic tie says ‘you’ve arrived…in style’!
Washington, DC Metro Area
barnettm@blueprintforstyle.com
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