Finding the ideal shirt and tie combo is sometimes a bit of a challenge. Why are these details so important anyway, you may ask? I can assure you the difference between ordinary attire and a distinguished ensemble lies in the details.
Crafting an impeccable outfit requires not only the selection of high-quality garments but also an eye for color coordination, pattern play, and an appreciation of the aesthetic balance.
Read on to learn about the basic rules of color combinations, pattern matching, seasonal colors, and avoiding common style faux pas. Also, we will discuss mixing solids with patterns and learn how you can pair patterned shirts with patterned ties.
Throughout, I'll share some seasoned tips on how to blend your personality with your clothing choices and how to match specific shirts with different ties.
Matching Dress Shirt and Tie Colors
We will begin by reviewing the color wheel. No, this is not an art class but a lesson on matching various hues impeccably. There are twelve colors on the color wheel: three primary colors, three secondary colors, and six tertiary colors.
Complementary Colors
When it comes to our ensemble, we often worry about matching colors, but the reality is that we should strive for contrast. You want to aim for a striking combination and to achieve this, you need to choose complementary colors - those directly opposite each other on the color wheel.
For instance, imagine this: a royal blue shirt teamed with a burnt orange tie - a combination that is both vigorous and tastefully adventurous.
Analogous Colors
Another idea is to pair analogous colors - the ones that border your primary color on the color wheel. This will be a subtle blend but aesthetically pleasing.
For example, a crisp ice blue shirt paired with a deep navy tie—same color family, but with different shades.
Best Color Combos for Dress Shirt and Tie
Classic Combinations
Sometimes, less is more. The classics reign supreme for a reason: they always have an impact. For example, a crisp white dress shirt paired with a deep navy blue or blood-red tie is as classic as it gets. Timeless and always appropriate.
Experimental Combinations
Fashion should be fun! Experiment with color combinations to see what works and what you feel confident wearing. Adding a lavender dress shirt to a tie in an earthy shade of green might seem out of place, but these two colors look fantastic when paired together.
Seasonal Color Combinations
Every season brings a fresh look to your clothing choices. In the fall, earth tones such as brown, tan, and green work well. A brown shirt with an olive tie is a delightful pairing.
In the spring, lighten things up a little. A pastel pink or lavender shirt with a mint green or light blue tie breathes new life into your wardrobe.
Put your spin on these color combinations to express your personality!
How to Match Solids and Patterns with Dress Shirt and Tie
Shirts with solid colors give your tie room to flourish. Wearing a white or light-colored shirt gives you the freedom to experiment with bold, vibrant ties.
A white dress shirt paired with a paisley tie gives you an elegant appearance to go with your Southern charm.
Shirts and Ties That Go Well With Solids and Patterns
Solid Shirt and Patterned Tie Combinations
A navy shirt with a white or red polka dot tie would be stylish. If you are wearing a light blue shirt, try a blue tie with a floral pattern or one with a paisley pattern in a darker shade of blue.
Patterned Shirt and Solid Tie Combinations
Matching a patterned shirt with a solid color tie can add great interest. Match the tie color to one of the colors in your shirt pattern. A navy tie on a blue-striped shirt or a crimson tie with a red-check shirt will command attention. But just because they're solid, they don't have to be plain. A navy tie with a glossy satin finish is anything but dull.
How to Match Patterned Shirt with Patterned Ties
The key here is to ensure your patterns don't compete for attention.
Understand the Size and Scale of Patterns
If you are planning on wearing a shirt with a small pattern, your tie should have a larger pattern, and vice versa. For example, a pinstripe shirt can be paired with a bold, wide-striped tie for a handsome look.
Mix Different Types of Patterns
Try some true contrast for visual stimulation. Pair a checkered shirt with a polka dot tie or a striped shirt with a paisley tie. Now that’s a sight for sore eyes!
Don’t Shy Away from Playing with Colors
The balanced contrasting color play is intriguing and should be given some real estate in your wardrobe. As an example, pairing a light blue shirt with white stripes with a burnt orange tie with navy polka dots can make you stand out in all the right ways.
Patterns should Relate, Not Replicate
Too much repetition can make your outfit appear busy and overdone. Instead, mix and match different colors and patterns to create an eye-catching look. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combos until you find the perfect look. Have fun with it!
Best Combos for Patterned Shirt with Patterned Tie
There's an art to walking the line between stylish stand-out and flashing billboards.
Stripes with Stripes
When combining stripes with stripes, remember it is all about scale. To illustrate, if your shirt has thin stripes, then the tie should contain wider stripes and vice versa.
Checkered Shirt with a Paisley Tie
If you are interested in balancing the rounded, intricate paisley with the straight, defined checks, you can choose a subtle check in a soft blue or pink contrasted with a bold paisley tie rich with navy or burgundy hues. Adding paisley to your wardrobe adds a flash of vibrant color and a bit of texture without being obtrusive.
Polka Dot Tie with a Striped Shirt
If executed properly, polka dots and stripes can be quite charming. To enhance a thin striped shirt in a classic color such as white and blue, a medium-sized polka dot tie can be worn, and the dots can be blue to coordinate.
The key to mastering pattern-on-pattern is to remember that your tie should always be at least a bit bolder than your shirt. Your tie is like the soloist in the symphony that is your outfit, while your shirt acts as the supporting orchestra.
Combos to Avoid When Pairing Dress Shirt and Tie
Clashing Colors
Too much of a good thing can ruin the outfit. Therefore, avoid too many loud colors, such as a bright red shirt with a neon green tie.
Similar Pattern Sizes
Your patterns should not all be matchy-matchy. If your shirt has a narrow stripe pattern, then your tie should boast a wider, striped pattern. If not, stripes may start to blur together, causing a moiré effect.
Inappropriate Seasonal Combinations
There is a time and place for every pairing. A deep, dark burgundy tie or a heavy tweed might feel all wrong on a sunny summer day paired with a light and breezy seersucker shirt, carrying a very wintry vibe. Similarly, a pastel or floral tie may feel out of place with a pinstripe suit in the colder months. It's important to match your outfit to the season and occasion.
Other Tips for Pairing Dress Shirt and Tie
Consider the Occasion
Always bear in mind the occasion. A black-tie affair typically calls for a black bow tie with a white shirt. A garden wedding may be a cause to showcase that flowery pastel tie with a light blue shirt.
Take Your Overall Outfit into Account
In addition to your shirt and tie your suit, shoes, and accessories should coordinate with each other. A tailored linen suit with a loud paisley tie, for instance, could turn some heads - and not in a good way!
If you decide to don a navy three-piece wool suit, pair it with a white shirt, a blue paisley tie, and cap-toe oxford shoes - a combination that is both timeless and striking.
The Right Tie Knot
Classic Point collars require a four-in-hand knot, while Cutaway collars and Wide Spread collars require a Windsor or Half Windsor knot. The size of the collar dictates the type of knot to wear. Adding a touch of finesse to the collar ensures the tie fills the collar space properly.
Consider the Tie’s Width and Length
The tie width should correspond to the width of the suit lapel, and the tie length should touch the wearer's belt buckle.
Tips for Pairing Specific Shirts with Different Ties
Solid White Shirt
You can never go wrong with a white shirt—a pristine canvas prepped for the star of the show - the tie. A classy silk tie in deep navy or burgundy never goes out of style. However, if you are feeling adventurous, why not rock the paisley and tie it with a vibrant pattern just to stir things up a little?
Gingham Check Shirt
To complement a gingham shirt, opt for a solid-color tie. Navy or burgundy ties work well here. Just ensure the tie is darker than the shirt to create a striking contrast.
Striped Shirts
To be on the safe side, opt for a solid-color shirt. If you prefer to go bold or go home, slay a polka dot or paisley patterned tie. Please ensure that the pattern on the tie is larger than the stripes on the shirt. This is crucial to prevent a clashing catastrophe.
If you want to be a sharp-dressed man, consider my guidance in this article, but most importantly, let your personal style guide you.
Wasn't that easy?
Wrapping up this thorough examination of pairings between dress shirts and ties, I trust that you now possess a greater understanding, confidence, and possibly even enthusiasm for blending and coordinating your formal attire.
While delving into various styles and guidelines may have appeared somewhat overwhelming at first, simplifying it reveals that it primarily involves grasping the nuances of colors, patterns, and the overall aesthetic you intend to create.
Before you go - don't miss out on our exclusive sales and deals that keep you looking like a true Southern gentleman without breaking the bank - sign up for our newsletter for more style tips.
