Spring Essentials - Silk Knit Ties

At Modern Dignified we recommend that every closet should have multiple silk knit ties, which isn't coincidentally one of the best retro items of recent memory. This preppy classic is back with a vengeance. It is now slimmer, bolder and a great addition to any wardrobe. The silk knit tie adds texture to a suit and shirt combination, which makes the outfit more visually appealing. It also is a more casual, but still proper version of the suit & tie. While we would not suggest wearing this for power meetings, it certainly will not be shunned during a normal day at the office. The knit tie is a great way to throw a curve ball into an outfit and keep everyone guessing, especially if it has a bold pattern, a bold color or both.

 

The silk knit tie is perfect for spring, as it compliments linen, cotton and wool. The knit tie also is often the bold statement that an outfit needs to compliment the bold sun in the sky. Bright shinny days call for bright, bold colors, while the cold, dark days of winter call for darker, richer tones. Once spring hits it is time to break out the colors that come with some attitude.

 
Our favorites are the patterned ties for this spring. Whether it be polka dots or stripes the silk knit tie is certainly looks great with a pattern.  Currently a lot of designers and tie makers from Ralph Lauren to online tie retailers have knit ties in expressive patterns.

 

The knit tie do its unique texture looks equally good with jeans, a suit or a cardigan. Sometimes a standard silk business tie can look stuffy when worn with a more relaxed outfit, but the silk knit tie will instead just look cool. It is a fun tie to wear, a great tie to experiment with and it is now a Spring Essential.

Style Profile - Ign Joseph

Sometimes a fashion statement can be as simple as brightly colored socks.  Ign. Joseph has created a fantastically eclectic and unique style out of exquisite shoes, navy blazers, gray slacks and socks that pop with color.  Ignatious Joseph makes great shirts and clothes, they are well tailored and come in bold colors and patterns, without losing their classic feel. 

The bright burgundy shoes and bold socks seem to fit perfectly with the classic feel of the rest of his outfits.  And since the socks and shoes are so powerful, it seems appropriate that the pants don't reach the shoes and in fact are tailored to expose his bold decisions. 

Normally, I would frown upon the dramatically shortened pants, but Ign. Joseph owns the look and makes it seem quite normal.  Even without the shortened slacks we all can learn to brighten up an otherwise ordinary outfit with a bold choice in hose.

Fall Necktie - Paisley

The closer we get to the cold weather of fall the more I think about about paisley ties. My favorites are wool or flannel material paisley ties, but this season there are a lot of great paisley ties.

Ben Silver makes this great wool tie. I prefer the mustard and red versions of the tie but it comes in multiple different colors.

Drakes of London makes these two Paisley ties. Their bespoke ties are the ultimate of luxury.

Faconnable makes a great paisley pocket square & tie.

Robert Talbott makes a beautiful paisley tie this season. It has a beautiful design more focused on other elements than the paisley tear drop.

XMI makes this great paisley. The colors are all utilized in fall and make this tie quite versatile.

Enjoy the paisley.

Tie w/ no Jacket

When you are wearing a tie with no jacket, wear a tie bar. It helps the tie look grounded to the outfit and literally keeps it "grounded" or attached to the shirt. This keeps the tie from looking out of place and helps tie the outfit in together. We at Dandy Fashioner believe that ties must be worn without jackets, so just throw on a tie bar to keep it looking right.

In the picture, notice also the use of multiple patterns in the outfit. Bold striped shirt, blue tie with red anchors and a small plaid to the pants. By following the rules of patterns, the outfit works well together and is not over-powering to the eye.

It also has just the right amount of sprezzatura: rolled up sleeves, undone & crooked tie and multiple patterns. The outfit looks thrown together, but took some planning to make it all fit together well.

Multiple Patterns - shirt and tie

Wearing multiple patterns at the same time is all about wearing complimentary patterns and colors. A blue striped shirt with a blue polka dot tie is attractive since the blues in both patterns are complimentary and the patterns don't clash. Two competing plaid patterns would fight against each other and be distracting to the eye.

Keep it simple. Focus wearing a simple patterned shirt: striped, windowpane, tattersall or gingham check all can be basic patterns and easy to pair with a tie.

The tie should have a simple pattern. A polka dot tie, a rep tie, a horizontally striped tie, a simple plaid or a minimalist paisley tie will work best. Most of the tie should have a solid color that is in the same hue as the shirt. The other color or colors in the tie should be in the same family of colors or a complimentary color.

Lastly, wear a plain suit with clean lines. Stay away from the herringbone, striped or windowpane check for the suit. A simple suit will add balance to the outfit and give the eyes a safe place to rest. The simple suit will act as an anchor keeping the outfit grounded.

Start with something safe before branching out to the more daring. Remember you must be comfortable and confident to be able to make the outfit work.