← Best Materials For Dress Shirts How to Keep Dress Shirts Wrinkle-Free →

Best Dress Shirt And Tie Combinations For Men: Nail Your Look

Finding the right tie and dress shirt combination, including selecting the perfect necktie for men, can enhance any man's style, whether for a business meeting, wedding, or casual outing. With so many options available, learning how to pair ties with dress shirts is vital to creating a polished look. This guide offers practical tips on the best tie and dress shirt combinations for men, focusing on colour coordination, pattern mixing, and style considerations.

Why Shirt and Tie Combinations Matter

Choosing the right shirt and tie combination is more than a fashion statement. It reflects your personality, conveys confidence, and can set the tone for any occasion. Choosing the best dress shirt materials is equally important, as they impact comfort and appearance.

Accessorising with something as simple as a men's lapel pin can further complement your overall style. Understanding how to match these elements can help you prepare to stand out at formal events, business casual events, or relaxed gatherings.

Colour Theory in Men's Fashion

Colour theory lays the groundwork for choosing a tie that complements your shirt. Knowing principles like complementary, analogous, and contrasting colours lets you make confident and coordinated style choices that suit any occasion.

Basic Principles of Colour Matching

Complementary Colours: Colours opposite each other on the colour wheel, like blue and orange or purple and yellow, create vibrant contrasts. Use them to make a bold statement.
Analogous Colours: Colours next to each other on the wheel, such as blue and green or red and orange, offer a more harmonious look.
Contrasting Colours: Pairing light and dark shades, like a light blue shirt with a dark navy blue tie, adds depth and sophistication.

Warm colours like red and yellow evoke energy and confidence and are ideal for presentations or networking events. Cool colours like blue and green project calmness and professionalism and are perfect for everyday office wear.

General Rules for Matching Ties with Dress Shirts

Considering Patterns

Solid Shirts with Patterned Ties: Solid shirts are a canvas for experimenting with patterned or unique ties. A white or blue shirt pairs well with stripes, polka dots, or paisley patterns.
Patterned Shirts with Solid Ties: When wearing a patterned shirt, wear a solid tie in a complementary or contrasting colour. This will balance the look without overwhelming it.
Mixing Patterns: If you're mixing patterns, vary the scale. For example, a thin-striped shirt pairs well with a tie with broader stripes or a small polka dot pattern.

Playing with Colours

Complementary Colours: For striking contrasts, pair a blue shirt with an orange tie or a green shirt with a red tie.
Contrasting Colours: A light blue shirt with a burgundy tie or a pink shirt with a navy tie creates a sophisticated look.
Monochromatic Looks: Using different shades of the same colour, like a light grey shirt with a charcoal tie, creates a refined and cohesive outfit.

Best Tie Combinations for Common Shirt Colours

What Tie to Wear with a White Shirt

White shirts are the most commonly worn dress shirt colour, meaning you have nearly unlimited colours & patterns to choose from. Here are our favourites:

Classic Combinations: Pair a white shirt with navy, black, or deep red ties for formal occasions.
Bold Choices: Experiment with vibrant ties like bright orange, emerald green, or royal blue.
Patterned Ties: Stripes, polka dots, or paisley patterns all work well with white shirts.

What Tie to Wear with a Blue Shirt

Blue shirts are versatile and work well in both formal and casual settings.

Neutral Ties: A navy or grey tie compliments a light blue shirt, creating a balanced and polished look.
Contrasting Ties: Red, yellow, or pink ties add a pop of colour and work particularly well with darker blue shirts.
Patterns and Textures: Pair a solid blue shirt with a patterned tie, such as stripes or paisley, for added interest. For a casual look, try a knit tie.

What Tie to Wear with a Black Shirt

Black shirts can be challenging to pair, but with the right tie, they create a sleek and sophisticated look.

Best Colours: Opt for burgundy, navy, or dark green ties. These deep colours stand out without clashing.
Patterned Ties: Subtle patterns like small dots or fine stripes work best. Avoid overly bright or large patterns, as they can look overwhelming.

What Tie to Wear with a Grey Shirt

Grey shirts offer a neutral base that pairs well with many tie colours and patterns.

Classic Combinations: Navy, black, and charcoal ties suit formal settings.
Bold Choices: Try burgundy or forest green ties to add a touch of colour. These shades complement light and dark grey shirts.
Patterned Ties: Patterns like stripes, checks, or small geometric prints can add depth and interest. Make sure the tie is darker than the shirt for a cohesive look.

Best Tie and Shirt Combinations for Formal Occasions

Weddings and Special Events

Your tie and shirt combination should reflect the occasion's formality and style for weddings and special events. See the best ties to wear for a wedding below:

White Shirt with a Patterned Tie: A white shirt paired with a preppy stripe or tartan tie adds visual interest. For a more textured look, try a solid knitted tie.
Light Blue Shirt with Bold Ties: To stand out, pair with tonal ties in the same colour family or go for contrasts like orange or red.
Pink Shirt with Navy Tie: This classic combination is formal and stylish, ideal for weddings and other celebratory events.

Business Meetings and Interviews

Your attire should project confidence and competence in professional settings.

White Shirt with Dark Ties: Navy, burgundy, or forest green are the best tie colours to convey authority and professionalism in a job interview or meeting.

Light-Coloured Shirts with Patterned Ties: A light blue shirt with a subtle check pattern pairs well with a solid or small-patterned tie.

Black-Tie and Formal Dinners

For black-tie events and formal dinners, keep it classic and elegant.

White Shirt with a Black Bow Tie or Necktie: As far as bow ties for men go, this timeless combination is perfect for traditional black-tie events.

Light Blue Shirt with Dark Orange Tie: For a modern twist, this combination adds personality while adhering to formal dress codes.

Best Tie and Shirt Combinations for Casual Occasions

Smart-Casual Looks

Smart-casual attire allows for more creativity in your shirt and tie combinations. Knowing how to wear a tie casually will give your look an added touch of style.

Chambray Shirt with Knit Tie: This pairing adds texture and sophistication without being overly formal.

Gingham Shirt with Solid Tie: A navy gingham shirt with a solid burgundy tie strikes the perfect balance for smart casual settings.

Creative and Playful Pairings

For more relaxed events, feel free to experiment with colours and patterns.

Pastel-Coloured Shirt with Patterned Tie: Try a light pink shirt with a navy polka dot tie for a playful yet refined look.

Striped Shirt with Floral Tie: Ensure the patterns differ in scale to avoid clashing.

Seasonal Considerations for Shirt and Tie Pairings

Spring/Summer Combinations

Light Fabrics and Bright Colours: Opt for cotton or linen shirts in pastel hues like light blue or mint green. Pair them with ties in vibrant colours or light patterns.

Seersucker Shirts with Solid Ties: Perfect for warm weather events, these shirts add a casual flair to your look.

Fall/Winter Combinations

Richer Colours and Heavier Fabrics: Choose deep burgundy, forest green, or navy shirts. Pair them with wool or knit ties in complementary shades.

Plaid Shirts with Solid Ties: For a classic winter look, try a plaid shirt with a solid-coloured tie in a darker shade.

Advanced Styling Tips

Complementing Your Suit

Ensure your tie and shirt complement your suit by focusing on colour harmony and texture.

Colour Harmony: Pair a navy suit with a white shirt and a navy or burgundy tie for a classic look.

Texture Play: Mix textures, like a knit tie with a cotton shirt and wool suit, to add depth.

Coordinating with Accessories

Pocket Squares: Choose a pocket square that complements your tie without matching it exactly.

Cufflinks and Watches: Match these to the metal finishes of your belt or shoes for a cohesive look.

Do's and Don'ts of Shirt and Tie Combinations For Men

Do's

Use complementary and contrasting colours to create balanced looks.
Mix patterns strategically by varying the scale.
Experiment with textures like knit ties for added interest.

Don'ts

Avoid clashing patterns or overly busy designs.
Don't wear ties that overpower the outfit.
Refrain from matching delicate patterns with similar designs in the shirt.

By mastering these principles and guidelines, you'll be well-equipped to create stylish tie and dress shirt combinations for any occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Match Shirts and Ties?

Match shirts and ties by balancing colours and patterns. Use complementary or contrasting colours, and ensure that if one has a bold pattern, the other is more subdued.

How Do I Choose a Shirt and Tie?

When choosing a shirt and tie, consider the occasion, coordinate colours, and select patterns or textures that complement each other for a cohesive look.