The Plain Neck-Tie – A User’s Guide!

You don’t have to be the CEO of Goldman Sachs to know that a good businessman can back up his financial models only if his persona fits his appearances. If you want to get ahead of the game, remember three important things…Power Suit, Power Tie, Power stare.  Today we’ll be focusing on the Neck Tie – essential to any formal or semi formal event.

Whether you’re just starting out in the industry or wooing your father in law at fancy restaurant venue, the Neck Tie is essential for exuding a good impression onto others.  The options available are astoundingly large, with variations coming in color, shape, patterning and even method in which the wearer ties the plain tie.

Most colors are solid with a dark or light color to match a person’s undershirt or dress shirt.   Special consideration must be given to the event.  Etiquette plays a great part, as the event may indicate whether it is a sad or happy occasion, business-like or more informal.  For daytime events, it’s more desire able to wear light solid ties whereas events that take place at night might make darker colors more appealing in the formal setting.  Some of my own personal colors that I favor for plain neck ties include dark green, dark blue, or even full silver hues.  Regardless of which color you choose, the solid colored plain tie creates a sense of confidence and allows a man to show himself as simple yet effective in any social setting.

Next, Ties can be found with a great many variations in patterning.  Many ties come in striped patterns, which is the preferred pattern among formal events.  These ties tend to match a wide variety of shirts and suits, and can come in different striping colors that either match the background base color of the tie or add extra subtle design and flavour.  Other patterns may be more formal and classic, with antique printing designs that are repetitive and colorful, also matching depending on the dress shirt that goes with the tie.  Design should always be considered secondary to color, as plain neckties can be quite the simple touch in many occasions.

Finally, the man with the necktie is not complete without the proper arsenal of different knots to the tie the necktie with.  A few simple knots include the Windsor, double Windsor and the Four In Hand.    The Double Windsor, my personal favorite knot, is a classical knot that dates back to early Anglosaxon history – and is the perfect tie for any formal occasion.  The Windsor matches especially well with plain ties as these neckties show a powerful presence with such a beautiful knot.  If you’re in a rush, I would recommend learning the Four In Hand method as this method is quite handy in times of distress and expedience!  There are many websites that are out there today that one can learn to tie knots from, so check it out.