Blue printed ties for job interviews and formal business settings?

[josepidal]

From what I understand, the most sensible default job interview ties (for law, i-banking, accounting, etc.) would be a red or blue with small squares or dots, or solid or conservative stripe pattern.

What about small prints, like a number of Hermes or Ferragamo ties? I don't own any of those, but have a couple of favorite blue ties that just didn't seem formal enough for me when you want to look as formal as formal business wear gets, namely for job interviews.

The ties I first described are, incidentally, extremely hard to find on discount.

 

[drizzt3117]

Originally Posted by josepidal

From what I understand, the most sensible default job interview ties (for law, i-banking, accounting, etc.) would be a red or blue with small squares or dots, or solid or conservative stripe pattern. What about small prints, like a number of Hermes or Ferragamo ties? I don't own any of those, but have a couple of favorite blue ties that just didn't seem formal enough for me when you want to look as formal as formal business wear gets, namely for job interviews. The ties I first described are, incidentally, extremely hard to find on discount.
I think it depends, but if it's something fairly neutral, like diamonds, or geometric designs, it's probably going to be fine, but if it's something cute like little frogs or something like that, save it for casual friday. For example, I think this is fine: http://www.bluefly.com/pages/product...&Nu=Product+ID but this might be borderline: http://www.bluefly.com/pages/product...&Nu=Product+ID

 

[whoopee]

The first group of ties you mention are not hard to find at all. You can expand your horizons at the Polo sales you know so much about. Many stripes, neats, and solids to choose from. They are very widely available elsewhere, too, at all the seasonal sales. Probably discount stores and ebay, too, if you wish to look.

 

[drizzt3117]

Originally Posted by whoopee

The first group of ties you mention are not hard to find at all. You can expand your horizons at the Polo sales you know so much about. Many stripes, neats, and solids to choose from. They are very widely available elsewhere, too, at all the seasonal sales. Probably discount stores and ebay, too, if you wish to look.

I'd agree, the traditional varsity stripe might be a good pickup, as well as solids. One of the coolest navy ties I've seen lately (besides the David Chu, which I hope to get on final cut near xmas) was the RLPL in solid navy, as well as the RLPL pin dot/polka dot in navy.

 

[DocHolliday]

I wouldn't wear any cute patterns to a job interview. Don't want the interviewing trying to figure out what's on your tie, rather than listening to what you say. A conservative interviewer also might see it as a sign you're frivolous/lack gravitas.

Some guys react very strongly to cute patterns, I've found.

 

[whoopee]

The RLPL navy pin dots and twill solids are among my favs, too. They're not the most lavishly constructed, but they perform.

 

[drizzt3117]

Originally Posted by whoopee

The RLPL navy pin dots and twill solids are among my favs, too. They're not the most lavishly constructed, but they perform.

What do you guys think about silver ties for interviews, just out of curiosity? I've gone with it a number of times in business formal settings, and I think it would be appopriate if you weren't interviewing for a bank or something, but was curious what people's opinions were.

I think this might be the next tie I invest in.

 

[DocHolliday]

Originally Posted by drizzt3117

What do you guys think about silver ties for interviews, just out of curiosity? I've gone with it a number of times in business formal settings, and I think it would be appopriate if you weren't interviewing for a bank or something, but was curious what people's opinions were.

I find solid silver too much for daywear, in general. I sold a Charvet in silver because I never wore it.

I think the Carlo Franco is a handsome tie, and a good choice. Classic style.

 

[drizzt3117]

Originally Posted by DocHolliday

I find solid silver too much for daywear, in general. I sold a Charvet in silver because I never wore it.

I think the Carlo Franco is a handsome tie, and a good choice. Classic style.

Heh, I always wonder if it's going to look a bit slick but that's not necessarily a bad thing for a sales executive

I've been pairing it with light-medium blue herringbone shirts (CF) and solid navy/charcoal suits with black shoes so I don't think it's really on the flashy side though. Sometimes I went with electric/royal blue shirts, and thought it might have been a bit too much, though.

 

[pejsek]

I think a Ferragamo or Hermes repeat-motif print featuring frogs, beavers, or chipmunks would be perfect for the settings you describe. Maybe a tiger--if you're feeling like a go-getter!

 

[Manton]

I have an aversion to iconic brand ties for job interviews. Actually I have an aversion to iconic brand ties generally. However, sticking to the subject at hand, I would hesitate to wear Hermes or Ferragamo to a job interview. To the non-obsessed (i.e., people who, unlike a lot of us, do not know of or drool over Marinella, Drake, Nicky, etc.), these two brands are at the top of heap, price- and status-wise. Thus you might unwittingly engender unhelpful thoughts, such as "Who does this punk kid think he is, dressing like someone twice his age with ten times the income?" Unfair, to be sure, but life is often unfair.

 

[josepidal]

Heh. Like I said, I don't own any of those "iconic" ties, but was looking for some way to describe small prints.

These ties can be had for a bit less on eBay, right, although there is always the "iconic" fake tie to be had as well.

 

[epa]

I believe to remember that I used the same printed Ferragamo tie (with horses) for interviews the last three times I tried to change my job. And I always got the job. Now, it may have had more to do with my qualifications than with the tie.
(In any case, I guess I should regard it as a "lucky tie" and save it, should I need to change my employment again in the future).

 

[josepidal]

Originally Posted by Manton

"Who does this punk kid think he is, dressing like someone twice his age with ten times the income?"
Someone who still lives with his Dad and thus has ready ties to borrow.

 

[itsstillmatt]

Originally Posted by Manton

I have an aversion to iconic brand ties for job interviews. Actually I have an aversion to iconic brand ties generally. However, sticking to the subject at hand, I would hesitate to wear Hermes or Ferragamo to a job interview. To the non-obsessed (i.e., people who, unlike a lot of us, do not know of or drool over Marinella, Drake, Nicky, etc.), these two brands are at the top of heap, price- and status-wise. Thus you might unwittingly engender unhelpful thoughts, such as "Who does this punk kid think he is, dressing like someone twice his age with ten times the income?" Unfair, to be sure, but life is often unfair.
I agree with the aversion in general to Hermes and the like. I like some prints, but not recognizable ones of barnyard animals.