You might own an extensive collection of neckties where some of them are gifted from friends and families. You might also build your collection from the frequent purchase of ties to be matched with your day to day shirt and suits. But how many of these ties are versatile enough to be worn for multiple occasions and events?

Your collection of necktie should be made of styles that are classic, timeless, and versatile to be worn alternately on day to day basis.

1. Solid Neckties

If you are looking for your first necktie and looking for the perfect foundation to build your collection. It is ideal, to begin with, dark, deep, and rich colors as it the safest and most versatile option. A smooth and matte finishing dark blue, dark green, or burgundy is a preferable option rather than a glossy and bright option.

• For formal business

Both dark and bright colors appeal to a business setting even though the darker shades are considered to be a preferred choice.

• For casual business

Pastel and modest textured solid color ties are great to be matched with solid color shirts.

• For leisure

Can opt for patterned or textured tie in any bright color ties.

The option of solid colors are no longer restricted to black as more and more gents are venturing to a brighter and bolder shade of colors. Men’s fashion like other evolving trends has grown more flexible with a wider room for creativity and self-expression through colors.

Credit: Pinterest

2. Polka Dot Neckties

The distinctive dotted patterns introduce a flattering contrast to your daily plain shirts or suits. Although it is not recommended to be worn for major business deals or board meetings, it is relevant for day-to-day office wear with an added unique character that will not clash with your office wear. Stick to a dark and deep background color with small and widely scattered dots for an edgy yet professional finishing.

• For formal business

Opt for other styles of a tie like the solid color or foulard ties as polka dot ties are not ideal to be worn in a strict business setting.

• For casual business

For a more appealing option, choose a contrasting texture or shine finishing, for example, a matte background underneath shiny dots.

• For leisure

You can also select a shirt that matches the dots on your ties for a more customized final look.

2. Polka Dot Neckties

The distinctive dotted patterns introduce a flattering contrast to your daily plain shirts or suits. Although it is not recommended to be worn for major business deals or board meetings, it is totally relevant for day to-day office wear with an added unique character that will not clash with your office wear. Stick to a dark and deep background colour with small and widely scattered dots for an edgy yet professional finishing.

• For formal business

Opt for other styles of tie like solid colour or foulard ties as polka dot ties is not ideal to be worn in a strict business setting.

• For casual business

For a more appealing option, choose a contrasting texture or shine finishing, for example a matte background underneath shiny dots.

• For leisure

You can also select a shirt that matches the dots on your ties for a more customized final look.

Credit: Pinterest

3. Foulard Ties

Foulard ties can be recognized from a repetitive symmetrical pattern arranged in a fixed grid square. It is the go-to choice for the gents that would like to incorporate fine patterns into their daily formal or casual wear and stand out from the crowd but not drawing too much attention. The formality of a foulard tie depends on the contrast of the prints. A minimal contrast fits the nature of a formal event whereas a bolder and stark contrast is acceptable in a casual event. E.g: red patterns on a dark blue background give a laid back and fun vibe whereas a lighter blue pattern on top of a dark blue is more appropriate for a slightly formal dress code.

• For formal business

Try to minimize the contrast of colors and choose from a similar shade of color with probably one mild contrasting element. A distracting floral or geometric pattern is more appropriate for a casual event hence it is ideal to choose a fixed “wallpaper” like prints.

• For casual business

You have more room to experiment with unique patterns and bright colors for a casual event. E.g: geometric, floral, and abstract patterns.

• For leisure

Be creative with repetitive prints of quirky or iconic images. But keeping in mind that bigger prints are only limited for partying affairs as they are associated with novelty ties feature whereas smaller prints are fit to be styled at business casual events.

3. Foulard Ties

Foulard ties can be recognized from a repetitive symmetrical pattern arranged in a fixed grid square. It is the go-to choice for the gents that would like to incorporate fine pattern into their daily formal or casual wear and stand out from the crowd but not drawing too much attention. The formality of a foulard tie depends on the contrast of the prints. A minimal contrast fits the nature of a formal event whereas a bolder and stark contrast is acceptable in a casual event. E.g: red patterns on a dark blue background gives a laid back and fun vibe whereas a lighter blue patterns on top of a dark blue is more appropriate for a slightly formal dress code.

• For formal business

Try to minimize the contrast of colors and choose from a similar shade of color with probably one mild contrasting element. A distracting floral or geometric pattern is more appropriate for a casual event hence it is ideal to choose a fixed “wallpaper” like prints.

• For casual business

You have more room to experiment with unique patterns and bright colours for a casual event. E.g: geometric, floral and abstract patterns.

• For leisure

Be creative with repetitive prints of quirky or iconic images. But keeping in mind that bigger prints are only limited for partying affairs as they are associated with novelty ties feature whereas smaller prints are fit to be styled at business casual events.

Credit: Pinterest

4. Paisley Neckties

Features paisley figures that are placed on a solid background, decoratively lined and filled with abstract design. The spaces between the paisley figures are alternatively filled with smaller scales of floral designs. As long as you match it with a plain shirt, the paisley pattern will not clash with your formal or semi-casual business look.

• For a casual business

Intensify the paisley design without demanding too much attention with a deep and dark background of the tie with light highlight. E.g: deep dark blue background with light grey paisleys highlighted with golden lines.

• For leisure

Bolder paisley figures on top of a lighter background will be perfect for a relaxed evening outing.

4. Paisley Neckties

Features paisley figures that are placed on a solid background, decoratively lined and filled with abstract design. The spaces between the paisley figures are alternatively filled with smaller scales of floral designs. As long as you match it with a plain shirts, the paisley pattern will not clash with your formal or semi casual business look.

• For a casual business

Intensify the paisley design without demanding too much attention with a deep and dark background of tie with light highlight. E.g: deep dark blue background with light grey paisleys highlighted with golden lines.

• For leisure

Bolder paisley figures on top of a lighter background will be perfect for a relaxed evening outing.

Credit: Pinterest

5. University Neckties

University neckties are similarly appropriate for both formal and casual settings, unlike the regimental stripes style. It features diagonal stripes of equal size that slant downwards from left to right. It has become one of the essential styles of neckties typically to be worn at the workplace.

• For a formal business

Neutral stripes fit the general-purpose business tie. Typically chosen by a younger group of men. Some people see it as a typical stripe pattern or given personal customization to represent particular associations like schools or clubs.

• For casual business

Widely acceptable as its association to schools and clubs make it appropriate for an informal setting.

• For leisure

The diagonal stripes pattern makes it appropriate for a fun and casual events.

5. University Neckties

University neckties are similarly appropriate for both formal and casual settings, unlike the regimental stripes style. It features diagonal stripes of equal size that slant downwards from left to right. It has become one of the essential styles of neckties typically to be worn at the workplace.

• For a formal business

Neutral stripes fit the general-purpose business tie. Typically chosen by a younger group of men. Some people see it as a typical stripe pattern or given personal customization to represent particular associations like schools or clubs.

• For casual business

Widely acceptable as its association to schools and clubs make it appropriate for an informal setting.

• For leisure

The diagonal stripes pattern makes it appropriate for a fun and casual events.

Credit: Pinterest

Credit: Pinterest

To recap, the ideal guideline to help you manage your day to day necktie styling:

• 1-2 solid color tie - basic, versatile, and a classic choice for a general-purpose business tie.
• 1-2 polka dot ties - introduce a unique character for business setting as an alternative for a solid color.
• 1-2 foulard ties - laid back and fun alternative for business attire.