Saying that wearing a tie is only appropriate for formal events is like saying that baseball caps are only suitable for baseball games. Just like it’s OK to rep your favorite baseball team outside of the ballpark, there’s nothing wrong with showing your necktie style even in a non-formal setting.
Despite the common misconception that wearing a tie to class is somehow unacceptable, doing so the right way in an informal setting distinguishes you as a gentleman among your Neanderthal classmates. Here are a few tips to help you tie your knot in style.
Keep your shirts slim
A tie is only as good as its button-down counterpart. Nothing says unstylish like an oversized button down. Your shirt should be as slim as possible, and should fit nicely to your torso. A shirt that’s too big looks like it has giant air pockets, which is a must-avoid. Slim shirts are essential no matter what style you desire — whether it’s formal, semi-formal, preppy or even hipster. Keep the shirt thin and you’ll only have to worry about making sure the tie matches.
Want to be cool? Wear a skinny tie
Standard ties are great for formal wear, but there’s nothing cooler than a nice skinny tie. The skinny tie, which can be worn easily with dress pants or even jeans, nicely juxtaposes the formality of the tie and the casualness of something a bit unconventional. Though standard ties can be great too, especially for formal wear and the collegiate look, it’s easier to pull off a skinny tie in a non-formal setting, like a party or even class. It isn’t as business oriented, so it works.
Casual neckties, casual pants
Ties aren’t necessarily formal, so your pants don’t have to be either. It’s perfectly fine to wear a button-down, tie (preferably a skinny tie, but not necessary) and jeans. Darker jeans probably look a bit better. If you want, top it all off with a jacket — anything from tweed to a standard sport coat.
There are also alternatives to jeans. Prepsters love their brightly colored jeans, which can work well for some. And standard khakis work, too. The point is that you have a multitude of options, and you don’t have to feel like your pants should be formal.
Be neat
You can have an amazing sense of style, but if you don’t execute properly, it will be all for naught. Remember, the match is most important. Feel free to choose bold colors, but don’t clash your shirt and tie. And although Evanston winters can be brutal, make sure your choice in clothes doesn’t succumb to convenient alternatives; keep it classy. If you can’t keep it together, then you might as well go back to wearing oversized sweatpants.
Vests
The specific tie you choose obviously says something about you, but your accompanying outfit speaks volumes. Once in awhile, it doesn’t hurt to be bold and wear a vest with your tie.
Standard vests, or even sweater vests, are the perfect complement to your tie. Wearing a vest adds life to what might otherwise be a boring outfit. Sweater vests in particular have been ridiculed over the years, but don’t be afraid to wear one – it’s probably the most elegant touch you can add to your attire. Plus, studies show that 150 percent of ladies dig sweater vests.
Choosing a design
There isn’t a set of rules for picking out a specific tie combination, but personally I like my attire to reflect the weather. In the winter, for example, I try to keep my clothes darker and more conventional; I reserve the bright, multicolored outfits for summer wear. Similarly, in the fall I prefer richly colored reds and oranges. But you don’t have to let the weather determine your wardrobe. Sometimes, my tie style will mirror my mood, or the way I want to be perceived. If I want to remind everyone that I’m a college student, for example, then I’ll dress preppy. Sport your tie the way you desire.