These days, as increasingly more of us are working from home, sweatpants are now business casual. For some, this is a welcome change, but if you’re anything like us, you’re starting to miss the stability of an office dress code. You need the right clothes for the right mindset.
Enter: the tie. Sleek, reliable, often characterized as a symbol of corporate repression. But this is a complete misrepresentation of the tie, which affords men an avenue for self-expression rarely found elsewhere in traditional male formalwear. Malleable to all styles, vintage ties belong in the present, and are excellent for showing off your personality.
If you’re wondering how to incorporate vintage ties into your business or date night looks, read on.
Avoiding the Obvious
Maybe you associate “fun ties'' with math teachers and fear that going bold will make you look dated. But (unless that’s your thing), you don’t have to stick to pencil patterns. If you enjoy an eye-catching print, there are many ways to wear a tie in a modern, stylish look.
Discover the unique vintage ties like these:
- Show some love for the bees in this gorgeous yet eminently wearable silk tie.
- Indulge your psychedelic side with this funky paisley tie.
- Channel your inner Don Draper with this gorgeous mid-century patterned tie made of 100% silk.
Vintage ties are incredibly effective at communicating all sorts of moods and sartorial perspectives. As Claudia Kidwell, a curator of the Smithsonian Institution’s costume division, said, “It's specific to the time, place and person.”
Don’t view the necktie as a chore or obligation: instead, shape your tie to your tastes and enjoy the confidence boost it provides.
Date Night, Elevated
Put your cargo shorts in your dresser: bring back getting dressed up for dates. Men, it’s time to take fashion inspiration from your icons. Justin Timberlake said that it is time to bring sexy back, and we absolutely agree.
Take your date out for cocktails at a snazzy rooftop bar or out dancing, and enjoy the transformation that comes with strutting your stuff in a tailored fit. We guarantee that you’ll be turning heads if you go out in a classic suit and tie ensemble.
Dressing for Yourself
Your significant other will certainly enjoy seeing you looking sharp, but it’ll surprise you how putting a little more care into your appearance will translate into other aspects of your life. Give yourself permission to take pride in the way you look: you deserve to feel good about yourself.
Spending just a bit more time and effort on your outfit is not an act of vanity but one of self-care. You’ll be amazed at the effect a nice outfit will have on your posture and your sense of happiness.
Making the Plunge
The impact of an accessory truly cannot be overstated. Bringing back the vintage tie will bring you more attention than you’re used to, but we promise that it will all be positive.
Sources:
A Twisted History of Neckties | The Washington Post