How To Match Your Shirt And Tie

February 11th, 2008

As you start to build your shirt collection, variation is critical. Different fabrics, collars, and styles can make even the most basic shirts seem unique. Also, as you add patterns, be cognizant of what will with your jackets and ties.

SHIRT&TIE (BUTTON-DOWN COLLAR)
The name refers to the collar, which buttons to the shirt. And the statement is classic conservative. If you looked any more Ivy League you’d have ivy growing on you. Though the most casual of dress shirts. Therefore, it looks best with a sport jacket, not with a suit. It also is the best shirt for travel because wrinkles don’t show as much.

TIE: SMALL DOT , TONAL

SHIRT&TIE (Spread Collar)
Once thought of as a European-style shirt, the spread collar is now an American staple. Made of broadcloth, it gives a little more polish to a suit and tie. This shirt style looks best on men with thin faces as it will give the appearance of width.

SHIRT&TIE (Point Collar)
French blue, a deep blue shirt that also has European roots, can be worn with either a straight or spread collar. Learn the blue this shirt looks especially natty with a navy suit and a dark blue tie.

TIE: SMALL DOT , TEXTURED

SHIRT&TIE (Oxford Cloth Shirts)
A button-down oxford cloth shirt is classic preppy. It is the starter shit worm with the starter tie, usually a rep, for most boys. The oxford cloth is a rougher weave and less formal than most other cottons, so a button-down collar is fitting. It can be blue or white, even yellow or pink. It’s relaxed and friendly and priced, perfect for casual dress-down days, while being business appropriate. Dress up with a tie and blazer. Keep away from formal suits or occasions.

TIE: CLUB , PAISLEY

SHIRT&TIE (Stripe Shirts)
Shirt with thin, vertical stripes in one color are a business staple. The wider the stripe, however, the more eccentric the wearer. The same goes for multicolored striped shirts; anything more than two hues is a bit much. Pairing ties with striped shirts can be trick at times. Solids are always safe. Striped ties work well as long as the shirt. The same goes for patterns they should be bolder than the stripe.

TIE: LARGE DOT , REP

SHIRT&TIE (Colorful Shirts)
Color is an excellent way to break out of the monotony of white and blue. For now, light pastels pink, yellow, purple, even green are the safe way to go. They express individuality without being gaudy. Since the shirt is already adding a splash of color, try not to overpower it with an equally colorful tie. And be careful not to clash colors say, a bright red with a pink.

TIE: PATTERN , REP

SHIRT&TIE (Pattern Shirts)
Less formal than a stripe, a patterned shirt is ideal for days when you are feeling more casual but still want to look professional. It will likely, but not necessarily, have a button-down collar. Whether it’s a gingham check, a plaid, or a tatter sall a patterned shirt is best worn under a sport jacket, and paired with a tie. Solids often work best.

TIE: TEXTURED , SMALL PATTERN

SHIRT&TIE (French Cuff Shirts)
No dress shirt is as formal as white with French cuffs. Unlike those with barrel cuffs, shirts with French cuff links. They come with straight or spread collars. This shirt looks best with a suit, though it can be worn with a sport jacket. Either way, save it for lunch with the boss.

KNOTTY BUT NICE NECKTIES
The best pair of first cuff is a set of navy silk knots. Simple yet elegant (and very inexpensive), they come in almost every color and combination.

HOW TO CHOOSE: CUFF LINKS
When putting on silk knots start inside and work out.
When putting on cuff links, align holes, then start at the top and work down. Or call for help.

TIE: SMALL PATTERN - CUFF LINK: SILVER OVAL
TIE: SOLID - CUFF LINK: SILK KNOT

POLOS
For those who can dress down (somewhat) at the office, a polo shirt or sweater is a smart option. With the advent of casual Fridays, it became a new classic. In cold weather, a long-sleeve merino polo is ideal (you can also put a white, navy or black T-shirt underneath one), and in warmer climates, a smooth knit polo with a longer collar works best.

WORD TO THE WISE
Save those pique polo (those with nub by cotton fabric) for the weekends. They are too laid-back for the office.

Sweaters
A sweater at the office is really only needed in cold weather climates, but in some workplaces it may be acceptable office attire without a jacket. If you’re wearing it with a jacket, merino wool is the most lightweight and shouldn’t affect the fit of the coat. (Nor should a slightly heavier cashmere vest.) V-neck is better than crew neck, especially if you are wearing a tie. Charcoal and navy would be the colors to start with, and in general, sweaters go best with sport jackets not suits.

BLACK V-NECK MERINO SWEATER
WHITE SHIRT
PAISLEY TIE

Following the rule of two solids and one pattern, this combination works well with a pair of gray flannel or black trousers. The simple pairing of black and white is offset by the burst of color and pattern in the tie.

NAVY V-NECK LAMB’S WOOL VEST
GINGHAM SHIRT-SOLID BLUE TIE
A dressed-up alternative for a casual Friday, this combination adds a bit of polish to an otherwise relaxed shirt and sweater paring. Note how the solid blue tie doesn’t compete with the shirt. This could work well with a pair of gray or tan trousers and a blue blazer.


From – Dress Smart for Men