The Art of Pairing Ties and Shirts: A Dandy & Son Guide

August 02, 2023 4 min read

The Art of Pairing Ties and Shirts: A Dandy & Son Guide

Dressing well is an art, and one of the most fundamental aspects of men's fashion is the pairing of the right tie with the right dress shirt for men. At Dandy & Son, we appreciate the power of a well-matched tie and dress shirt combination in enhancing your overall look. This guide will help you master the art of pairing a dress shirt and tie, ensuring you always make a stylish statement.

Understanding the Basics

Before diving into examples of specific dress shirt and tie combinations, it's important to understand some basic principles. Firstly, balance is key. If your are going for a bold or patterned shirt, opt for a solid tie or subtly patterned tie. Conversely, if your dress shirt is plain, you can experiment with a more vibrant, patterned, printed or striped tie.

Secondly, consider the color wheel. Complementary colors (opposite each other on the color wheel) and analogous colors (next to each other on the color wheel) generally work well together. We do not recommend wearing a dress shirt and tie in the same color.

Classic White Dress Shirt

The classic white dress shirt for men is a wardrobe staple and for good reason. It offers a clean canvas that allows almost any tie to shine. For formal occasions, pair your white Dandy & Son dress shirt with a black, burgundy, navy blue tie.

Our Dandy & Son silk ties in these colors would be perfect. For a more casual or creative setting, feel free to experiment with bolder colors and patterns. Why not try a dark orange tie, purple tie or a patterned tie? Click Here to check out the different ties Dandy & Son offers.

extreme cutaway collar dress shirt white dandy and son on modelLooking to get a new white dress shirt? Check out our collection of White Extreme Cutaway Collar Shirts for Men.

Light Blue Shirt

A light blue shirt, another versatile piece, pairs well with several tie colors. For a sophisticated look, try a black or navy tie, which creates a pleasing tonal effect.

Alternatively, a burgundy, red silk tie or striped tie provides a striking contrast. If you're feeling adventurous, our Dandy & Son knit ties or polka dot ties can infuse an element of fun into your outfit.

Looking for a new blue shirt? Click Here to view the large range of blue shirt Dandy & Son offers.

Model wearing extreme cutaway collar blue dress shirt in non iron fabric with tieLight Blue Shirt with Extreme Cutaway Collar. 

Other Solid Color Shirt

If your shirt preference leans towards a solid color shirt that isn't a white shirt or light blue shirt, the possibilities are still diverse. Burgundy, olive, or even pastel shirts can serve as a stylish background for tie selection. As a rule of thumb, remember to balance the intensity of colors. Don't match a vibrant pink shirt with a yellow tie with think stripes.

For example, darker solid shirts like navy, grey or black shirts pair well with a lighter, contrasting solid tie, such as pink, light grey or light blue.

A pastel shirt, on the other hand, can handle a tie with more saturated hues, like navy or burgundy. In the case of a bright shirt, it's often best to keep the tie in a neutral tone to prevent an overly loud combination. The key is to play with balance and contrast, always keeping in mind the occasion and your personal style preference.

Model wearing extreme cutaway collar pink dress shirt in non iron fabric with tiePink Shirt with Extreme Cutaway Collar from Dandy & Son

Striped Shirt, Checked Shirt or Plaid Shirt

A patterned shirt, striped shirt or checkered shirt can be a bit trickier to match ties to, but they offer an opportunity to showcase your sartorial prowess.

When wearing a striped shirt or checkered shirt, remember to choose a solid tie or a smaller patterned tie to avoid clashing. However, it is a good idea trying to match the tie to one color in the shirt. For example, if you're wearing a vibrant paisley shirt, pick a color that can be find in the pattern and wear a tie in that color.

Are you looking for a striped shirt? Click Here to check out different striped shirts for men from Dandy & Son
Red Striped Extreme Cutaway Collar Shirt from Dandy & SonRed Striped Extreme Cutaway Collar Shirt from Dandy & Son

The Power of Texture

Texture can add a new dimension to your outfit. A knit tie is a great way to introduce texture, especially when paired with a smooth, cotton white shirt(or other solid shirt).

On the other hand, a silk tie can provide a luxurious contrast to a textured shirt. Or why not try a tie with polka dots?

Seasonal Considerations

Your choice of shirt and tie can also reflect the changing seasons. Lighter colors and fabrics are ideal for spring and summer, while darker hues and heavier materials suit autumn and winter.

For instance, a pastel or white shirt from Dandy & Son with a light blue tie or beige linen tie can capture the essence of summer. While a dark shirt with a wool navy tie or knitted ties can evoke a cosy winter vibe.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of pairing a dress shirt and tie requires practice, but with these guidelines, you'll be well on your way to becoming a style connoisseur. Remember, fashion rules are meant to guide, not restrict. Don't be afraid to experiment and express your personal style. At Dandy & Son, we celebrate individuality and encourage our customers to do the same.

Extreme Cutaway Collar Shirt with Tie from Dandy & SonExtreme Cutaway Collar Shirt with Tie from Dandy & Son

Whether you're dressing for a business meeting, a casual outing, or a special occasion, the right dress shirt and tie combo can enhance your look and boost your confidence.

Explore our wide range of shirts and ties at Dandy & Son and discover the joy of creating stylish, harmonious outfits. After all, fashion is not just about looking good - it's about feeling good too. Here's to mastering the art of pairing a dress shirt and tie with Dandy & Son!

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