Key Highlights
Learn how to effortlessly match shirts and ties to maintain a sharp business wardrobe, understanding the fundamentals and planning ahead for stylish combinations
Plain Shirts: White shirts provide a versatile base for any tie, allowing for a range of colors and patterns to harmonize effortlessly, especially when paired with a navy suit jacket. Lighter plain-colored shirts, such as sky blue or pink, offer successful combinations with ties, whether opting for analogous, complementary, or contrasting colors.
Check Shirts: When pairing patterned shirts with ties, ensure the tie pattern is larger than that of the shirt for visual balance, whether it's bold checks with thin stripes or vice versa. Opt for simplicity when pairing a patterned shirt with a solid tie, choosing a tie darker than the shirt for cohesion, or varying the size and scale of patterns for visual interest.
Quick Tips on the Colour Wheel: Refer to the color wheel for guidance when selecting shirt and tie combinations, choosing complementary colors for striking contrast or analogous colors for a harmonious look.
April 14, 2023
Unlocking the Secrets of Shirt and Tie Coordination
Matching shirts and ties seamlessly isn't overly complicated, yet not all men nail it. Fortunately, once you grasp the fundamentals, it becomes a breeze. By understanding the basics and planning ahead, you can effortlessly maintain a sharp business wardrobe. Here's how to do it:
Plain Shirts
Monochromatic shirts offer versatile appeal, seamlessly complementing various suit colors and tie styles. White shirts serve as a blank canvas for ties, allowing almost any color or pattern to harmonize effortlessly, especially when paired with a plain jacket. For instance, a navy suit jacket opens the door to a range of tie options, from classic stripes to intricate prints like polka dots or tartan. Consider accessorizing a pristine white formal shirt with a vibrant floral tie like our ETON Red Floral Tie for a standout look.
Lighter plain-colored shirts, such as sky blue or pink, offer successful combinations with ties. One approach is to opt for an analogous tie color, pairing a light shirt with a darker tie in the same color family. Alternatively, select a complementary tie color based on the color wheel for unexpected yet stylish pairings. Lastly, contrasting colors can be chosen for a bold statement, ensuring that the tie complements rather than clashes with the shirt, such as a red silk tie against a blue shirt or a navy tie paired with a pale pink shirt.
Lighter plain-colored shirts, such as sky blue or pink, offer successful combinations with ties. One approach is to opt for an analogous tie color, pairing a light shirt with a darker tie in the same color family. Alternatively, select a complementary tie color based on the color wheel for unexpected yet stylish pairings. Lastly, contrasting colors can be chosen for a bold statement, ensuring that the tie complements rather than clashes with the shirt, such as a red silk tie against a blue shirt or a navy tie paired with a pale pink shirt.
Check Shirts
Check shirts offer a versatile canvas for introducing personal style into your work wardrobe, but pairing them with ties requires a measured approach. While combining patterns can be risky, when executed well, it can yield spectacular results. To ensure harmony, opt for a tie pattern that is larger than that of the shirt, preventing it from getting lost against the background. For instance, pair a thinly striped shirt with bold checks, ensuring the checks are larger for visual balance.
When pairing a patterned shirt with a solid tie, simplicity is key. Choose a tie that is darker than the shirt to create a cohesive look. For example, a Houndtooth Pink Formal Shirt pairs well with a solid navy or burgundy tie. When teaming a tie with a striped shirt, vary the size and scale of the patterns for visual interest. For instance, thin vertical stripes on a shirt can be paired with a club-style tie, as long as the tie's diagonal stripes are chunky. Similarly, combining a formal striped shirt with a Geometric Silk Tie allows both designs to stand out, provided the scale of the patterns differs.
When pairing a patterned shirt with a solid tie, simplicity is key. Choose a tie that is darker than the shirt to create a cohesive look. For example, a Houndtooth Pink Formal Shirt pairs well with a solid navy or burgundy tie. When teaming a tie with a striped shirt, vary the size and scale of the patterns for visual interest. For instance, thin vertical stripes on a shirt can be paired with a club-style tie, as long as the tie's diagonal stripes are chunky. Similarly, combining a formal striped shirt with a Geometric Silk Tie allows both designs to stand out, provided the scale of the patterns differs.
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Quick Tips on the Colour Wheel
When opting for a plain tie with a striped shirt, ensure the colors are complementary rather than clashing by referring to the color wheel. Complementary colors, positioned opposite each other on the wheel, create a striking contrast, making them a bold choice for shirt and tie combinations. On the other hand, analogous colors, which are close to each other on the wheel, offer a cohesive and harmonious look. For instance, ties ranging from yellow-orange to red-orange are analogous to yellow, creating a balanced ensemble when paired with a yellow shirt.
Mastering shirt-and-tie combinations, whether basic or complex, is easily achievable with a grasp of these principles. By observing the general rules, you can confidently showcase your style while letting your personality shine through in your attire.
Mastering shirt-and-tie combinations, whether basic or complex, is easily achievable with a grasp of these principles. By observing the general rules, you can confidently showcase your style while letting your personality shine through in your attire.
