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June 10, 2007
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5 things
you need
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Buying a tie
If shopping for neckwear has you in knots, just refer to this expert guide.
Aim for a classic look, not glitz.
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Ever popular at Father's Day, the necktie is a man's window into the head-spinning world of fashion. And as guys know, it is not a purchase to be made recklessly.
"There are so many varieties, printed or solid, wool or silk -- it can be overwhelming," says Adam Rapoport, style editor at "GQ" magazine. "To keep it simple, look to Cary Grant in 'North by Northwest': If you have a white shirt and a dark tie on, you're going to look great." Some other tips:
1 Go for classic elegance. For a job interview, a wedding or a first date, "you can't go wrong with a simple dark tie," Rapoport says. "It can be solid or have a small pattern in it. You can even wear it in the summer, with a khaki suit. You don't need to dress loudly to make a statement."
2 Play with color. Ocean shades and pastels are hot this season, says Gregg Andrews, fashion director at Nordstrom. "We're seeing light blue, aqua and sapphire blue, even lavender and lilac," he says. "They look great with light shirts and can pop against a deeper-toned shirt." Tip: Take your shirt to the store with you to test-drive ties. For Father's Day: "Look at his [wardrobe] colors; if he doesn't wear brown, don't get an earth-toned tie."
3 Pay attention to proportion. "Younger, hipper dressers may go for skinny ties, but they only work if the suit has a narrow lapel," Rapoport says. "The widest part of the tie should be about the same as the widest part of the lapel." The knot also should match, but "unless you're a hip-hop mogul, avoid an oversized tie knot."
4 Avoid flashy prints. Subtle pin dots and stripes are fine. (If you're matching a pinstriped suit, try a wider stripe.) "If you want a tie that reflects a hobby or a profession, it should be understated," Andrews warns. "Nobody needs a tie with a big golf club on it."
5 Vary fabrics. "You can always wear a silk tie," Rapoport says. "But if I'm at a summer wedding, it's completely appropriate to wear a nice cotton seersucker or madras tie with a cotton suit." Whatever the material, always check how a tie knots. It should have one pleat (the "dimple") and no corners or sharp edges. -- Frappa Stout
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