Diversity of Ties

[Nobilis Animus]

We've all seen it. Men who are otherwise well-dressed in CM and tailored jackets, but leaving out the ties. I do not want to belabour the discussions about the paucity of proper ties in the wild. Instead, I wonder if anyone else has noted that the trend seems to be taking aim at a false target.

Ties, both long and bow, are not the only appropriate neckwear for a classically-dressed man. I've often felt that we moderns actually restrict our own variety of choices far more than any rules from the past.

Take this picture for illustration:



This is a look that I often sport when I simply don't feel like wearing ties of a day, and I believe it is an elegant solution (which perhaps could be improved here with the addition of a handkerchief).

Other possibilities include knitwear, with turtlenecks or long-sleeved knit shirts providing options which add some je ne sais quoi to the look without choosing a tie. Silk scarves may also be tied like cravats, knotted, etc.

Unfortunately, it seems that many opt for shirts and accessories which cry out for the tie's addition, but are neglected. The above ideas are actually fairly rare to see, although that doesn't mean they are not worth trying.

Any thoughts on this? Do you also replace the tie with another item when going for a more casual look?

 

[vida]

We've all seen it. Men who are otherwise well-dressed in CM and tailored jackets, but leaving out the ties. I do not want to belabour the discussions about the paucity of proper ties in the wild. Instead, I wonder if anyone else has noted that the trend seems to be taking aim at a false target.

Ties, both long and bow, are not the only appropriate neckwear for a classically-dressed man. I've often felt that we moderns actually restrict our own variety of choices far more than any rules from the past.

Take this picture for illustration:

View attachment 1449307

This is a look that I often sport when I simply don't feel like wearing ties of a day, and I believe it is an elegant solution (which perhaps could be improved here with the addition of a handkerchief).

Other possibilities include knitwear, with turtlenecks or long-sleeved knit shirts providing options which add some je ne sais quoi to the look without choosing a tie. Silk scarves may also be tied like cravats, knotted, etc.

Unfortunately, it seems that many opt for shirts and accessories which cry out for the tie's addition, but are neglected. The above ideas are actually fairly rare to see, although that doesn't mean they are not worth trying.

Any thoughts on this? Do you also replace the tie with another item when going for a more casual look?

I have worn scarves in the winter in a similar way to your photo. And I have experimented with bandanas (cotton neckerchief, not silk as it is just too formal) in the summer with a crew neck sweater. It is a tricky look because it can easily look a bit affected, but done well it really completes an outfit. Cary Grant in To Catch A Thief does the neckerchief and sweater very well. Anderson and Sheppard stock very subtle versions.

 

[Nobilis Animus]

Additional examples sans tie:










Also worth noting, for those who mistakenly believe that sportswear was a 20th century innovation, is that this sort of casual scarf wearing was an option for mid-19th century sportswear as well. One 'authority' of the time recommended it even for suits, as a more comfortable alternative to the tie.