We are all familiar with the stereotype regarding men and fashion, how the collision of those two worlds often results in a lousy ensemble of colors and textures. That is, of course, not entirely true, but men who don’t want to think about their wardrobe usually stick to wearing the same combinations or randomly pick clothing from their wardrobe. Dear gentlemen, it is not difficult to master this game, and we are here to help. What follows are some basic tips for choosing charming and appealing combinations of shirts and ties.
Before you engage into matching combinations, you should study the color wheel basics and learn about complimentary and contrasting colors. Every color has its complimentary (opposite) color, placed on the opposite side of the color wheel. However, when it comes to shirts and ties, the point is in combining contrasting colors, because complimentary ones are harder to match and wearing them can be unbearable for the human eye.
The three basic shirt and tie combinations are: solid-on-solid, solid-on-pattern (and vice versa) and pattern-on-pattern.
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Solid / Solid
The safest combination, solid-on-solid, is a classic wardrobe combination. Having the pattern problem out of the way, all you have to think about are colors. Make sure you use contrasting and analogous color combinations. If you have a solid white or any light color shirt, they offer maximum versatility. You can pretty much use any color solid tie you want. Analogous combination is very classy and it means combining, for example, a light blue shirt with a navy blue tie. Unlike contrasting combinations, analogous is set to just a milder diversity in shades, producing a certain sophisticated effect. Avoid wearing the same color shirt-and-tie combinations, or colors that are too close in hue (light solid shirts with light solid ties).
Solid / Pattern & Pattern / Solid
Don’t freak out, we are still going easy, but going for this type of blend does require a bit more consideration. If you’re going for a solid tie/patterned shirt combination, then match the tie color to one or more of the colors in your shirt pattern. The same idea is applicable for solid shirt/patterned tie combination. With the rise of custom made online shops, you can order personalized custom dress shirts to match your ties, and be sure your combinations are unique.
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Pattern / Pattern
Now this is a highly avoidable venture amongst men. But, if you follow a few simple steps and rules, you will understand that there was nothing to fear from. First of all – always have pattern type variations. Don’t pare dots with dots. On the other hand, if you try to do that, make sure to vary the size and scale of the pattern. Don’t combine shirts and ties both with thick, white dots or stripes. Thick, white stripe shirt with a larger patterned or thin striped tie is something that works quite well. Also, make a clear contrast by varying stripe orientation. You can pair a horizontal striped shirt with a diagonal striped tie. The aim is to differentiate each piece. The last piece of advice is to determine the dominant color in your checked shirt, and find a tie with that color within its pattern.
You see that it is not that hard to find a great shirt-tie combination, now when you know how it’s properly done. Try, experiment and practice in order to find your own stylistic expression, and you will be the best dressed guy around.
