Fashion Tip: How to Choose the Right Tie

Men do not often have the luxury of accessorizing. We seldom have the chance to wear necklaces or earrings or carry around handbags. For most of us, a tie is the only way we can accessorize our look; however, wearing the wrong tie for the wrong occasion can make a guy look completely out of place. Here are a few guidelines that can help you choose the right tie for the right situation.

1. Color. While everyone has their own preferences, I tend to lean towards classic and traditional looks. Traditionally, a tie should be a lighter color than one's jacket, and darker than one's shirt. The tie should not match the color of either the shirt or the jacket, however. For example, with a white shirt and black jacket, a red tie is appropriate, as would be blue or yellow. Wearing a black tie with a black jacket will make you look like a 1950's FBI agent, an undertaker, or a maitre d'.

2. Pattern. I detest patterned ties. In my opinion, they are tacky and do not match many outfits. One would never wear a striped tie with a corduroy jacket, for instance, or a paisley tie with a houndstooth jacket. Stick to solid colors and you will never look out of style.

3. Fabric. Silk ties are perfect for virtually any occasion, they belong as much in the board room as they do in a wedding ceremony. I also like ties made out of synthetic materials, since they tend to hold their color longer and do not fade with washing. When dealing with removing a stain from a tie, it is always best to leave the cleaning to a professional dry cleaner.

4. Width. Skinny ties should only be worn by skinny men. If you are a bigger guy, avoid the skinny tie, unless you want to look like John Belushi's character from the Blues Brothers.

5. Length. The universal rule regarding tie length is that the pointed end of the tie should reach just above the belt buckle. Of course, the location of your belt buckle is going to be different if you wear high-waisted pants. In this case, it is perfectly acceptable for the tie to reach the belt buckle. In no circumstance should the tie extend below the belt buckle.

6. The Knot. Knot size is often a matter of individual taste, though some knots tend to be more stylish and trendy than others. Currently, fatter knots are in style. Some knots are also better suited for more formal occasions, such as the Windsor knot and the half-Windsor. The most common knot, which is also the easiest to tie, is the four-in-hand knot. This knot is used by about 80% of tie-wearers, and while it is acceptable for work situations, it is generally considered too informal for weddings and special occasions.