How to Match a Tie to a Formal Shirt
Matching a tie to a formal shirt does not need to be complicated. The easiest way to get it right is to start with the shirt, keep the colours balanced and make sure any patterns work together rather than compete. A few simple combinations will cover most work, wedding and smarter occasions.
Start with a Plain Shirt
Plain shirts are the easiest to pair with a tie.
A white formal shirt works with almost any classic tie colour, while pale blue is equally versatile and pairs especially well with navy, burgundy, green and deeper shades of blue.
If in doubt, keep the shirt simple and let the tie add the colour or pattern.
Matching Colours
You do not need the shirt and tie to match exactly. In fact, a little contrast usually looks better.
A darker tie against a lighter shirt is a dependable combination. Navy with pale blue, burgundy with white, and green with blue or white are all easy choices.
Try to keep the colours complementary rather than identical.
Mixing Shirts and Patterns
A patterned shirt can still work well with a patterned tie, but the scale of the designs should be different.
A fine striped shirt, for example, works best with a tie in a larger stripe, spot or simple motif. With a checked shirt, a plain tie is often the safest and most effective choice.
If the shirt is doing most of the talking, keep the tie quieter.
Think About the Occasion
For business meetings, interviews and more formal events, plain or subtly patterned ties are usually the best choice.
Weddings and dinners give you a little more freedom to introduce stronger colour or pattern, particularly when worn with a plain shirt and simple suit.
Keep the Rest of the Outfit Balanced
Navy, grey and charcoal suits provide a dependable backdrop for most formal shirt and tie combinations. Leather shoes and a simple belt finish the look without making it feel overworked.
Shop Formal Shirts and Ties
A well-chosen formal shirt and tie make the right starting point for any smart outfit. Shop men’s formal shirts and shop men’s ties to complete the look for work, weddings and smarter occasions.