Once you have covered the tie basics, the grenadines and repps, the plains and basic stripes, the real fun begins. Two words: seasonal ties. Of course, you could wear silk all year round, but the surface, texture and hand of shantung, wool, cashmere and ramie is so much more interesting.
For winter, it’s a good idea to start with a versatile classic like a grey glencheck wool tie. Formal enough for informal suit ensembles, but also works perfectly with, say, a green tweed jacket. Add a burgundy dotted grenadine tie and you’re set for almost any occasion.
For summer, it’s hard to beat shantung and ramie. Their matte, irregular structure looks and feels great and gives off an unmistakably summery vibe. Take one classic navy striped shantung tie and one green plain ramie tie, and you will be able to wear your summer blazer, tobacco linen suit and light grey fresco with the casualness and ease they deserve.
