The Best Ties to Wear to Work
If you want to master the art of the corporate game, you must recognise how the proper work ties can make a good impression.
The Best Ties to Wear to Work
When dressing for success, a well-chosen tie can make all the difference. The right business tie complements your suit and reflects your professionalism and attention to detail. Whether heading to a meeting or a formal event, selecting the appropriate tie is key to making a positive impression.
The Corporate Stripe
A thick, bold diagonal stripe is the asset you need to make a statement in the office. Due to their controlled lines, striped ties communicate confidence and straightforwardness. Pairing a striped tie with a plain black or navy suit will instantly achieve a masculine look. These ties are perfect for law, finance, and business jobs. When opting for a corporate stripe tie, go for yellows, whites, blues, and reds for the classic take.
The Red Tie
If you want something that will pop, a scarlet red tie is the original "power tie" men use in the boardroom. Red ties for work are a sharp option because they contrast so well with deep-coloured suits. Suppose you want to read more carefully about the meaning of colour. In that case, red ties communicate power and confidence — they say, "I'm in it to win it." If you're looking for the best fabric for a tie, silk is an excellent choice as it adds a luxurious sheen, complementing the boldness of the red. In a job interview, red ties may be too bold as they can be interpreted as overly confident and perhaps even a little cocky. Only wear your red tie once you're an established team member.
The Burgundy Tie
This is a much less polarising alternative to the red power tie—the more profound, subdued shade hints at people about your taste and level of restraint. Burgundy ties are a great option to wear to job interviews and when you're an established employee.
The Blue Tie
Blue ties are slightly less bold than red ties and are a sophisticated option for your corporate wardrobe. When paired with a navy or black suit, blue ties for work communicate that you're sophisticated, calculated, and honest. Blue ties are an excellent choice for job interviews because they look smart without being too bold.
The Yellow Tie
Yellow ties are a quirkier choice for the boardroom. They'll let your colleagues know you have a whimsical side. Yellow invites people to perceive you as open, optimistic, and creative. We recommend reserving yellow ties for creative/media jobs rather than law firms.
The Brown Tie
Brown ties are a perfect option for interview situations. They're slick and subtle, so they won't polarise your audience and pair best with navy blue suits.
You might wonder: Is a tie always necessary for job interviews? Yes, we recommend wearing one to appear smart and polished.
The Benefits of Wearing a Tie at Work
Wearing a tie at work gives your look a polished appearance. It plays a key role in how others perceive you and how you feel about yourself professionally. A well-chosen tie can boost your confidence and help you make a lasting impression. Consider these benefits:
- Professional aesthetic: A tie sharpens your look and immediately makes you appear more polished and serious about your role, showing that you understand workplace expectations.
- Confidence: A well-chosen tie can boost your self-esteem and help you feel empowered. It's a small detail that may make you carry yourself with more authority.
- Improved perception: Wearing a tie shows that you care about your appearance and pay attention to details, helping you build trust and credibility with your colleagues, clients, and superiors.
- Projection of authority: Wearing a tie associates you with leadership and authority, allowing you to establish yourself as a professional ready to take charge when needed.
- Boosted focus: Putting on a tie signals to your brain that it's time for "work mode," helping you stay focused, organised, and prepared for the day's challenges.
How to Pick the Right Tie for Your Work Outfit
Choosing the right tie is crucial for a polished, professional look. It adds personality while balancing your overall outfit and should reflect your style and industry. Matching your tie with your suit and shirt can boost your appearance and make a strong impression. Here are some tips for pairing ties with suits and shirts, depending on your industry.
Matching Ties With Suits and Shirts
When pairing a tie with your shirt, aim for a balance that improves your look without overpowering it. Dark suits, such as navy, black, or charcoal, pair well with bold-coloured ties like a red, burgundy, or navy blue tie, creating a sharp, authoritative look.
Lighter suits in shades like grey or beige pair well with pastel or softer-coloured ties, like light blue or pink ties, for a fresh and relaxed vibe. Opt for a solid tie to keep things balanced if your shirt has a pattern, such as checks or stripes.
On the other hand, plain shirts give you more freedom to experiment — choose a patterned tie, like stripes, dots, or even geometric designs, to add some visual interest. Also, keep your dress shirts wrinkle-free for a polished look.
Additionally, consider the fabric of your tie. Silk ties are classic and versatile, perfect for most office settings. In contrast, wool or knit ties work better in casual or creative industries. The key is maintaining harmony in your outfit, ensuring that your tie complements your shirt and suit without distracting your overall professional look.
Matching Your Tie to Your Industry
Different professions have different norms when it comes to neckwear.
- Banking and finance: Stick to classic, solid-coloured or subtle striped ties in darker hues like navy, black, or deep burgundy. These colours exude professionalism and authority.
- Accounting: To maintain a conservative look, opt for traditional, solid-coloured ties in muted shades like dark blue, brown, or grey ties. Avoid overly flashy colours or patterns.
- Media and creative industries: Knitted ties or ones with bold patterns, such as polka dots or floral tie designs, work well while maintaining a polished look. Play with colour options, like deeper shades of green, purple, or burgundy, to stand out while staying professional.
- Law: Keep it classic and refined. Solid or subtle striped ties in dark blue, grey, and deep red are the go-to for law professionals, conveying respect, authority, and seriousness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What colour tie is best for the office?
A navy blue or deep burgundy tie is ideal for the office as it exudes professionalism and complements most business attire.
What ties are professional?
Professional ties, suitable for corporate environments, are typically solid-coloured, striped, or subtly patterned in classic colours like navy, black, grey, and dark red.
Which type of tie is best for work?
The best type of tie depends on the occasion, but a silk or wool tie is ideal for most professional settings because of its classic look and durability.
What tie should I wear for a job interview?
For a job interview, it is best to wear a solid-coloured or subtly patterned tie in a conservative colour like navy, burgundy, or grey to create a polished and professional impression.
Can I wear a bow tie to work?
While bow ties are less common in traditional office settings, they can be worn to work in creative or more formal environments, as long as they match the rest of your outfit and the company's dress code.
