Dark Neckties: Theory and Praxis

[RatherAnOddball]

Hola,

With the possible exception of my pocket square, my necktie is always the lightest/brightest and "busiest" article worn in any ensemble of mine. So, my ties are yellows, oranges, reds, sky blue, bright green - that sort of thing. I always thought that the point of neckties was to direct attention towards one's face and create a slimming vertical; ergo, I reasoned that lighter would always be better.

Yet I often see ties for sale and in photos here that are navy or maroon or other dark colors.

Just wondering what the philosophy is behind the use of darker neckties - when and why do you personally choose a darker one over a lighter one with any given ensemble? Is it simply for the sake of business professionalism, or is there a more fundamental concern of an aesthetic nature, i.e. color/tone theory? What do you think their "visual impression" is in contradistinction to that conveyed by a light necktie?

Just curious. Thanks.

 

[emmanuel]

I dont give it so much thought as you do. Sometimes I reach for a darker tie because that is what looks best with my color scheme that day. I love bright, colorful ties but sometimes things just flow better with a darker one. I really prefer to not pay so much attention to the science of getting dressed. I just like to look at things put them together and stand in front of the mirror. If it looks incredible then I walk out of the door and if it doesnt then I change. I understand that new learners may need strict rules but at this point in my life I think I would be limited by such structure so I just do what I want.

 

[RatherAnOddball]

Thanks for the response. It - and not "rules," per se - was the kind of answer I was after. "Flow." Okay. That's a little nebulous, but I think I can get a vague appreciation of what you mean and consider it next time I'm making a selection.

 

[yfyf]

Darker neckties tend to pull crazier outfits back into subtlety and elegance. I particularly like black and blue solids and knits, they go with almost anything.

Your point on "vertical line" is interesting, I've never considered it that way.

 

[DoubleDomer]

More often than not, I pair a darker, more subdued tie with more vibrant shirtings. It balances well, I think, especially with conservative odd jackets and suits.

 

[DocHolliday]

It's easy for a bright tight to become the focus of the entire outfit. I don't find that desirable, preferring for no one element to dominate.

 

[Zenny]

it depends on the occasion for me, darker = sombre.

 

[TBSDSpaniard]

Almost all of my ties were once quite "flashy"....after SF I am starting to understand however, how a tie can bring a certain level of elegance to an ensemble. I still have a few....but I usually pair them on a blank canvas such as a solid white shirt or solid light blue shirt. Now I aspire to mostly collections such as those in the following thread; http://www.styleforum.net/showthread...ight=soporofic

 

[Despos]

The eye is drawn to the highest point of contrast, being first a dark tie against a lighter shirt. The vertical line then draws attention to your center and then your face. Wearing a light tie against a dark suit, the eye is drawn away from the face to the jacket.

 

[globetrotter]

It's easy for a bright tight to become the focus of the entire outfit. I don't find that desirable, preferring for no one element to dominate.

Darker neckties tend to pull crazier outfits back into subtlety and elegance. I particularly like black and blue solids and knits, they go with almost anything.

Your point on "vertical line" is interesting, I've never considered it that way.

+1

 

[instep]

Originally Posted by Despos

The eye is drawn to the highest point of contrast, being first a dark tie against a lighter shirt. The vertical line then draws attention to your center and then your face. Wearing a light tie against a dark suit, the eye is drawn away from the face to the jacket.
Thank you for that - I will now start wearing light ties with my dark suits, the better to draw attention away from my face.

 

[manofstyle]

Originally Posted by DoubleDomer

More often than not, I pair a darker, more subdued tie with more vibrant shirtings. It balances well, I think, especially with conservative odd jackets and suits.

I agree, loud shirt, quiet tie.