Fashion Today: How to express your style despite a conservative dress code

Neckwear

Take neckwear, for instance — a perfect example of when color can be your best friend. Straight ties and bowties are an excellent way to add some personality to your ensembles. Bold colors, fun prints, and even subtly whimsical pairings of shirt and tie color are excellent choices to try out.

Looking for a basic primer on ties? We’ve got you covered. You can never have too many ties, but if you’re just starting your collection, it’s a good idea to focus on simpler, solid ties (look for fabrics like grenadine, ribbed silk faille, or basketweave). 

A great-looking solid but textured tie in any of these fabrics is going to be easy to wear and match with your shirt and suit, while adding color and texture to your outfit. If you’re ready to branch out into some patterns, look for club ties, which come in both block and ribbon stripes. Or, try pin dots and ties in other classic small patterns. (If you’re still looking for more guidance, check out Put This On’s “Necktie Series.”)

Bowties are no more or less formal than straight ties — though most truly formal occasions do call for specific, formal styles of bowties — but they can be more fun than straight ties. Even in tame colors and patterns, bowties are often considered a more eccentric choice, and in almost any business setting, you’ll stand out while wearing one. 

Here’s a pro tip: 
If you’re going for the bowtie, make sure to rock it with an outfit that doesn’t leave a huge amount of vertical space between your bowtie and your jacket’s first button; try a double-breasted jacket, a three-piece suit, or even a cardigan layered under your jacket to see what we mean.