Adding a menswear necktie to an outfit is an acquired taste. Personally, I bat for Team Menswear Necktie. Having worn neckties for years as part of a school uniform, I am no stranger to neckties. Like button down shirts, they are an honest and nostalgic part of my style.
I’d like to rekindle the vibe with a pretty new necktie in soft colours. Something along these lines:
Some of my clients enjoy wearing neckties, and it’s fun to be creative with their outfits. Here’s some outfit inspiration for those who enjoy the look too. For those who don’t, perhaps you’ll appreciate the vibe from afar.
1. Necktie Bow
I’m fascinated by how they tied this necktie. Visually, it’s very effective! I think it’s a loosely tied bow, and will be experimenting at home. A high contrast necktie is worn on the skin of the neck, so inside the collar of the shirt and not around it. Choose any colour button down shirt and tie. You could wear the necktie bow over a T-shirt too. This shirt is semi tucked, and the pairing is worn with a floral mini skirt, which you can substitute with a skirt that is more to your taste. Add shoes and a bag that work with the outfit.
2. Utility Pants, Short Jacket, Heels
A pair of olive utility pants is paired with a tucked blue and white striped button down shirt. A high contrast navy necktie is worn around the shirt collar the traditional way. A short off white Chanel-esque tweed jacket is the dressy topper of choice. It matches dressy white pumps that amp up “the pretty” in the outfit. The black belt adds back traditional “menswear dressing”. Add a bag to match the palette.
3. Suited
These outfits are from Aritzia. The outfit on the left combines a dressy and somewhat slouchy grey pants suit with an untucked white T-shirt. A high contrast blue and navy striped necktie is draped loosely around the neck like an oblong scarf. Chunky athletic grey, black and white sneakers are the sporty shoe of choice. I’d have preferred to see low profile refined sneakers with the suit, although wear the shoes that work best for you. The outfit on the right combines a pair of black dressy and slouchy trousers with a brown and white striped button down shirt. A chocolate brown patterned necktie is worn in a traditional way around the collar of the shirt. A fluid dressy blazer tops the pairing. Dressy black boots and belt match the black bottoms and model’s hair.
4. Relaxed with Dressy Shoes
An oversized pale pink button down shirt with rolled up sleeves is tucked into a pair of dark grey pleated trousers. A low contrast light grey striped tie is worn in a loose and relaxed way around the collar of the shirt. White pointy toe pumps add a dressy, pretty and refined edge to the look. White earrings add a playful element. Add a bag that works with the outfit.
5. Jorts and Culottes
Last, a light blue and white striped button down shirt is combined with a matching necktie creating a delightful set and low contrast effect. Sleeves are scrunched to showcase forearm skin, and relax the shirt. The shirt is tucked into lemon jorts (culottes). Black slingbacks and clutch add a dressy edge, and match the model’s hair. Add jewellery, watch and eyewear as desired.
