Tips for Dressing Down a Tie
By Katharine Swan
Dress code expectations have changed a lot in the last few decades, and sometimes they seem to be in a constant state of flux. Businesses have instituted policies such as “business casual” and “casual Friday,” yet definitions of these terms can vary from business to business, or even from day to day. As a result, dressing for a new situation can be rather intimidating; misinterpreting a dress code can give the wrong impression or even result in a lost opportunity, not to mention it is highly embarrassing to arrive under- or over-dressed.
The answer to this fashion dilemma lies in the tie. With a carefully chosen tie, you can dress up or down, or somewhere in between. Remember, when in doubt it’s better to err on the more formal side; you might be in for a little embarrassment and good-natured razzing if you are overdressed, but underestimating a dress code can cost you a career opportunity, keep you from entering a restaurant or dressy venue, or undermine valuable first impressions. There are a number of ways to “dress down” a tie so that you won’t feel too bad if it turns out the tie wasn’t required, yet pass inspection if it was.
Material
Variations in fabric make for one of the more subtle ways to dress a tie up or down. Dressy ties tend to be made of silk or another glossy fabric, and are meant to be worn with a suit. Casual ties are often made of cotton or a blend, and can be worn with casual pants or even jeans. If you’re unsure of the dress code requirements, these differences in ties should make it fairly easy to put together an outfit that could swing either way: dressy or casual.
Pattern
Pattern is another determining factor in whether a tie is seen as dressy or casual. Traditionally, dressy ties feature geometric patterns, while “fun” patterns – holiday and sports designs, cartoons and other pictures, etc. – are considered more casual and carefree. For a more conservative approach at dressing down a tie, striped ties can often be worn with a casual outfit.
Color
The color of a tie can also dress an outfit up or down. For instance, ties generally intended for wear with more formal outfits tend to be more conservative in color: black, grey, navy, white, and shades of brown complement a suit or sport jacket well. However, adding a brightly colored tie to an outfit can instantly create a casual appearance, while still maintaining the presence of a tie.
Width
Just like every other piece of clothing, ties are subject to current trends. Currently, super-skinny ties are popular. Following the fads is a good way to draw the attention away from your tie and onto the overall outfit, but if you’re not the right person – or you won’t be in the right place – to pull off a more daring look, try a more conservative version of the style. For instance, try a tie that is just a little narrower than usual.
The Way You Wear It
Other tie fashions focus on how the tie is worn. Traditionally, a collared shirt is buttoned all the way up and the tie is knotted at the throat. For a more relaxed look, try leaving the top button undone and knot the tie a little more loosely than usual. The benefit to this look is that if you find you’ve severely underestimated the dress requirements, you can button up and cinch the knot before anyone notices.
Having Fun
A tie doesn’t have to be an abhorred accessory. Today’s tie manufacturers and fashion designers have left lots of room for personal interpretation, from traditional to trendy. When it comes down to it, what you do with a tie – whether you dress it up or down, make an impression or a statement – is all about making life interesting…one tie at a time.
