MEN

The Necktie: Power Statement Or Just Plain Style?

Wearing a necktie used to be associated with a day at the office or a fancy dinner, but not any more! Neckties and even bow ties are becoming increasingly popular AND you don't even need to own a suit to wear one...

People will always notice your tie, especially if you're not the kind of guy to usually wear one, which is exactly why you should start stocking your closet with several trendy new designs and get ready to surprise.

Because you don't want to the guy, who always looks the same...

You can wear them with jeans and a buttoned shirt, cool cotton shorts and a nice cardigan, or under a leather jacket. We’ve even seen fashion shows that mix-up ties with sweatpants -- if you think you’ve got the style power!

Here are three trendy tie styles you HAVE to try once:

The Summer Necktie

If you don't usually wear neckties, for first-timers trying on a colorful and neat design is a great way to get started. Summer is just around the corner, a perfect time to try on a bright plain-colored jacket with a colorful striped tie or a diamond shaped tie.

 

Rockin’ Bow Ties

Bow ties are not only for wearing with black tuxedos; they can be made from wool, cotton, or silk and have a cool range of different designs. You don't have to be a genius to pick out a great bow tie for a rockin’ appearance -- just make sure its either made from a unique fabric, has a crazy pattern, or is very colorful -- and do not choose all of the above, because that really is too much. However, you do have to be quite a stylewiz to match the right outfit for it.

Strangely enough eventually it will be your tie that will stick out, but its the general outfit that will make the difference, so make sure that you wear plain simple colors when accessorizing with a unique bow tie.

Wear It Open

This next style might be just a fad, and it can be really be annoying if not done properly, or equally too frequently. We’re talking about wearing a bow tie but leaving it open. The trick is to still keep it stylish and in place, and not just hanging loose like a scarf and we also recommend going for plain colors. If you can pull this look off and not look too much like a chav, you can probably wear just about anything.

Wear it open, but keep it Sharp (FreshNeck)

For getting started on your brand new tie collection try FreshNeck -- the Netflix of the tie world. Members receive access to an unlimited inventory of ties, bow ties, pocket squares, and cufflinks from high-end designers such as Hermes, Prada, Gucci, Versace, and more. They can wear items for as long as they like, and exchange by sending back via pre-paid mailer. Check out the site for more information.