How to Pick the Right Bow Tie Color

Bow ties come in endless amount of colors, patterns, and even sizes. These endless amount of choices might make it difficult to find the perfect fitting bow tie. When choosing the right bow tie you not only have to consider the occasion and dress code, but you should also consider the time of the day, your ensemble, as well as your facial features and proportion.

The Classics: Black, White, & Silver
These three colors are by far the most popular bow tie colors with black being right at the top of this list. The solid black bow tie is the classic choice for black tie attire consisting of classic tuxedo and either waistcoat or cummerbund. Silver is a great alternative to black. It is formal and elegant and unlike the black bow tie also suited for occasions during the day. Traditionally white is the most formal bow tie color. In fact, there is a dress code called "White Tie" that consists of white bow tie, tailcoat jacket, and a white waistcoat.

Bright Colors: Reds, Yellows, Greens, & Co
Bright colored bow ties are most common for weddings that occur during the day. Those bow ties are typically matched with a handkerchief. Especially bright colors and pastels are popular during the spring and summer. As a general rule: The more shiny the bow, the more formal it will appear.

Patterns: Polka Dots, Stripes, Paisleys
The more casual bow tie has a pattern. These bow ties are popular among bow tie aficionados that often times choose a bow tie over a necktie for their daily attire. Such bow ties are typically matched with sportscoat or blazer jacket rather than a complete suit. Typical professions that wear these bow ties are professors, architects, and designers. We at Bows-n-Ties.com carry a wide selection of Casual Bowties

A Note on Size
There are several bow tie sizes. By size we mean the bow tie spread (the vertical size of the actual bow), rather than the length that is tied around the neck. Most common are bow ties that have a spread of 2.25 inches - 2.75 inches. Smaller, skinnier bows (sometimes also known as bat-wing bows) look best on men that have a narrow and longer neck. Larger bow ties (commonly called butterflies) looks best on men with wider and shorter necks.

Free-style or Pre-Tied?
Most men that only wear a bow tie for special occasions choose a bow tie that was already pre-tied. These bows are not only more convenient, but they also accommodate any necksize. There is no need to tie your own bow, and the actual shape is already perfect! Self-tied bow ties (also known as freestyle bow ties) are most popular among bow tie aficionados. The self-tied look does add more sophistication and will differentiate the true bow tie lover from the occasional bow tie wearer. For more information you may also want to have a look at our tutorial on How to Tie a Bow Tie

Other Related Readings:
Wear Your Bow Tie Like a Pro
Necktie, Bolo, and Co

Your Bows-n-Ties.com Team

New Collection of Cufflinks Coming in November

Dear valued customer, even though it is still over a month away, we just received a confirmation from Mont Pellier that we will be receiving a brand new collection of cufflinks by mid November. The new collection will include many new cufflinks with stained glass inlays. Also new are a collection of cufflinks with mother of pearl. We will inform you as soon as these cuff links have arrived and are added to inventory.

Your Bows-n-Ties.com Team

A Look at Louis Vuitton's Mens Collection for Summer 2010

The leather goods of Louis Vuitton are popular all over the world, and the LV monogram and Damier pattern are ubiquitous in the high fashion crowd. If there’s anything to knock off from the brand, however, it’s Marc Jacobs’ consistent combination of laid back and luxurious. His aesthetic is great for getting into the relaxed summer vibe without passing up the chance to make a statement with a single outfit.

Cuff & Co
One crucial element of Jacobs’ styles is that he makes repeated use of cuffed pants in his outfits. Right off the bat, this does two things. First, it shortens the length of the pants in question to less than its intended measurement. Secondly, it creates a new finish for the piece, visually undoing the hemming that the tailor or machine did at the bottom.

What’s the point of all this? The first one is an extension of what Thom Browne’s already done for pants: shortening that visual line of fabric. It’s not usually a recommended trick for everyone since it tends to make you look shorter, but showing some ankle and a bit of leg is so much more acceptable in the summer. The extra skin is what gives you the devil-may-care, I’m-on-vacation vibe that’s just right for the season.

Also crucial is the second fashion function of cuffing pants, which is to make it seem like it was unfinished, or at the least not tailored to perfection. Tailoring implies formality and fussiness. By discarding that kind of appearance, you also do away with the whole notion of neckties and office attire in your outfit.

Dressy Summer
Jacobs, however, does not do away with formality altogether for the season. In fact, some of his looks reinforce certain notions of formal attire, just so the casual contrast will be that much clearer. It’s a handy trick to imitate; throwing in a dressy piece here or there is effective at reminding the viewer that you’re wearing something a little ‘lower’.

What probably sets Jacobs’ way apart is that he’s somewhat less subtle than his peers at introducing the formal elements. Other designers would’ve gone for subtlety; he places the formal right smack in the middle of a casual outfit. A blazer or a formal shirt pops up unexpectedly, for example, or a vest might seem a tad out of place with shorts. It only serves to underline the summer-friendly, laid back vibe even more.

The strategy is something you can easily copy for your own style and wardrobe. If you want to highlight a casual-formal contrast, throw a necktie, formal shirt or vest into the outfit – the more unexpected, the better. Don’t worry about how well it’ll integrate; the point is that it shouldn’t blend in smoothly with the rest of the pieces.

Modern Dandy
Summer fashion, however, is more than merely about looking casual. You also want to create a statement while you’re at it, and that’s another area where Jacobs is worth imitating. Beyond the clothes that he makes, the accessories that he makes his models wear adds an undeniable quirk to an already eccentric aesthetic.

Bucking the current trend of small, stingy fedoras, some outfits were topped with flat-top, wide-brimmed hats that were more European countryside than American city. Others still featured small yet perky bow ties, solid little pieces that didn’t attract so much attention, but made a statement nonetheless. A satiny scarf was thrown into an outfit composed of a fitted gray suit jacket and very, very short shorts.

If these accessories seem a little eccentric, that’s because ‘eccentric’ is exactly the kind of message they want to convey. Wear slippers with your blazers! How about a nice wide hat? After all, if there was ever a time to play around with fashion and take a new style for yourself, that time is summer. Jacobs’ collection is simply reminding.

Other Suggested Reading:
Mens Summer Fashion
Mens Summer Fashion by Bottega Veneta

Your Bows-n-Ties.com Team - Specialty Retailer for Finest Mens Ties

Great Summer Fashion Accessories for Under $10

A new season is always a good opportunity to update your wardrobe. It doesn’t have to be a very expensive exercise, especially when you’re strategic about the style pieces that you buy. In most cases, you can just use items from last season or even last year. Buying a new piece here and there can be enough to give you a whole new look for the season. Here are some worthy investments – none of them breaking the $10 barrier.

Summer Buy #1: Webbed Belts
The warmer weather is your cue to abandon finicky materials like leather for hardier stuff like canvas and cotton. You might not think much of them, but switching up something as simple as your belt can already change the overall style of your outfit. A webbed belt – think garrison belts, the ones that resemble the army-style ones – is a very casual accessory, but one that’s also very appropriate for summer. They’re lighter and tougher than their leather counterparts, but a classic shape and color give them an air that’s still undoubtedly formal. Even better, $10 is usually enough to get you one. As soon as you get the plain black version that you really need, it’s not too hard to get one in bright red or yellow.

Summer Buy #2: Generic Shades
Nothing says ‘summer fashion’ like a pair of shades, but ‘great’ doesn’t have to mean an expensive pair with a three-digit price tag. The reality is that, once they’re on your head, a $10 pair of shades won’t look so different from a $100 one until you’re a foot away.

Try getting yourself a pair of the squared aviator variety that a lot of men are currently sporting. Hunt around the department stores and discount outlets like Marshall’s, though, and you should be able to find a range of styles going for as low as $6. In short, there’s no reason for you not to get a pair or six for the season.

Summer Buy #3: Bright Neckties
Brighter colors are hard to pull off, but they’re a lot less complicated to match in the summer when they’re much more permissible. If you think a neon shirt or colorful pants would be a little too much for your conservative fashion sense, a bold and bright necktie works for most men as a starting point.

Since bright colors are in for the season – they’re always trendy for summer. We at Bows-n-Ties.com have sorted our ties into 19 different color categories. Especially trendy for this years summer fashion are pink ties, bright green ties, and yellow ties.

Summer Buy #4: V-Neck Tees
Of all the seasons, summer is the best time to show some skin. Even if you don’t exactly have Abercrombie model proportions, a v-neck tee is perfect for baring just enough to be stylish without being too risqué or pretentious.

Get one (or three) in a summer color like yellow or orange; white will most likely get mistaken as an undershirt. Regardless of the color, though, a solid v-neck tee is also the best backdrop you could get if you want to accessorize. Try a necklace with a simple pendant or dog tags to give a more fashion-conscious slant to your outfits.

If you’re not going to try your hand at accessories, a graphic print also works to keep the outfit interesting. Go for something abstract or geometric so that your tee stays mature but lively.

Summer Buy #5: Colorful Pocket Squares
Wearing suits and neckties in the summer is a whole other game because you want to get dressed up without giving up on comfort. This most often means suits in lighter colors like tan and khaki. A bright (and, preferably, patterned) pocket square works great to add life to the whole ensemble.

The great thing about pocket squares (the proper term for the decorative handkerchiefs that men wear in their jacket's breast pocket) is that they’re always priced low. It shouldn’t be too hard to afford a set of three to six, even if you’re shopping at a high end haberdashery. Once you find a store that sells them for a price you like, be sure to get a dozen or two.

Your Bows-n-Ties.com Team

Best Ties for the Pink Dress Shirt

For many men, pink is the new light blue when it comes to ties or even dress shirts. Pink is a color that is almost exclusively worn during the day in spring and summer. Wearing a light pink or rose colored dress shirt adds nice color and a lively touch to any suit without compromising the masculine and professional "suit & tie look". Below are three ties that will be a perfect match for the light pink dress shirt. For more information on each tie, as well as to buy one of these ties, please click on the pictures below.

Pink & Brown Striped Tie
One of our best selling striped neckties during the spring and summer months. The wide pink and brown striped pattern remind of a Neapolitan ice cream sandwich. It is a perfect tie for the tan and light beige suit, light pink dress shirt, and brown dress shoes. This tie will let everyone know that summer has arrived. It is a tie that is fresh and lively in color but still professional and conservative in design. Handmade from 100% silk by mens tie designer Parsley. This tie is also available in XL length as well as in kids tie length.







Pink, Lavender, and Purple Striped Tie
This modern design necktie by Italian designer label Cavallieri is a perfect summer tie. Although we like to pair this tie with a light rose-pink dress shirt (in color that matches the light pink stripe on this tie), it is a tie that looks just as great on white, lavender, and beige. The best suit colors for this tie are beige, brown, navy, and light gray. Handmade from 100% Italian silk by necktie designer Cavallieri.









Multi-Colored Eggplant Purple Striped Tie
A stunning striped necktie that combines half a dozen colors in a modern striped design. What makes this tie so unique is the fabric. The pattern is not printed on, but woven into the fabric using close to a dozen of diffeerent silk yarns. Weaving this pattern in comparison to screen-printing it, creates a nice textured look that brilliantly reflects shine as well as adds more thicker and more luxurious look and feel. We prefer to match this tie with a light pink dress shirt, medium-gray pin striped flannel suit, and light brown shoes and matching brown belt. Handmade from 100% silk by tie designer label Cavallieri.





Your Bows-n-Ties.com Team

Our Top Selling Wedding Neckties

Even though most weddings in the US follow some type of color scheme, it is the groom's necktie that usually stays consistent in color. While his groomsmen are usually outfitted with ties that match the color of the bridesmaids' dresses, it is the tie of the groom that is typically cream or ivory in color. Below are three of our best selling wedding neckties in cream & ivory. Because all of these ties are so popular for weddings, we carry them as regular length ties as well as extra long ties. To see our entire collection of ties in this color family, we also invite you to view our collection of: Cream Ivory Ties

Striped Tie in Ivory
A simple yet elegant necktie in ivory color. The subtle striped pattern on this tie is created by switching the weaving direction of the ivory colors silk yarn. It is a pattern that adds brilliant shine and perfectly complements the elegant look of this tie. This tie is most popular when the bride is wearing an ivory color wedding dress. This tie is handmade from 100% silk by Parsley Luxury Neckwear. For a closer look and/or to buy this tie please click the picture.









Cream Color Paisley Necktie
If the solid cream colored necktie is too plain and boring for you then this may just be the perfect alternative. The intricate paisley pattern on this tie gives this tie a playful character without compromising the elegant and formal look. It is a tie that will pair well with suits in navy, gray, charcoal, black, as well as any shade of brown. Handmade from pure silk by mens tie designer Parsley. Please click the picture on the left for more information.









Formal Tie in Solid Champagne
Want to keep it simple, classic, and elegant? Then this solid champagne colored necktie will be an excellent choice. It is a tie that is handmade from finest Italian silk - adding brilliant shine and a soft feel to the tie. It is one of our most formal neckties that is most popular for weddings as well as formal evening functions. Handmade from 100% silk by tie designer Parsley. This tie is also available in XL length as well as a shorter length kids tie.









Your Bows-n-Ties.com Team

A Look at Bottega Veneta's Men's Summer Fashion 2010

Although the high-end fashion label is best known for its to-die-for leather goods, the Bottega Veneta name is also a good one for menswear. Tomas Maier’s style is dressy without being fussy, casual without being sloppy. It’s a fine balance of the rough and the refined that every fashionable man should think about before stepping out for summer.

Roll ‘Em Up High
Skin has long been the name of the game during summer. It’s the time when v-necks and ankles are in no short supply, especially around the beaches and boardwalks. Maier, on the other hand, seems to think that just a peek is not enough. If you’re going to roll up for the summer, you may as well roll them up all the way.

Almost all of the clothes on the Bottega Veneta runway featured a rolled up item of some sort, especially in the pants department. These aren’t, however, your razor sharp pants of Thom Browne yore. No, these are softer versions that are more generous around the thigh and taper toward the leg so that there’s a comfortable vibe to them. After all, comfort is paramount when it comes to dressing for the summer heat.

If there’s anything that covers your limbs, it can be rolled up. Roll up your jeans or pants until you can see your ankles, and then give them one last push up. Roll up your sweater and shirt sleeves up to right before your elbow. Your skin is the best accessory you could have for the summer, especially if it’s golden brown and sun-kissed.

Neutral on Neutral
There are some tricks that never go out of style every summer, like pairing bold colors on neutral tones. Like a black necktie over a white shirt, it’s one of those strategies that don’t seem to fail or die out. There is, however, a less cliché way to go for the summer palette.

Neutrals are irreplaceable in any summer wardrobe. They’re cool and light, yet they have their own special character because of the myriad shades. Using neutrals again and again, however, can get boring color-wise; it seems that they simply weren’t meant to be worn with each other exclusively. Maier, however, shows the way out of this dilemma.

Patterns can help break the sheer monotony of a mostly neutral outfit, especially since a pattern can define one piece as ‘more major’ than the others. In Maier’s example, he does jackets and shorts in small geometrics or larger florals so that they’re more interesting, but at the same time retain their neutral coloring. That’s why even his gray on gray looks still seem so interesting, even though the same drab color is used throughout the outfit.

A shot of bold color – Maier here uses some of the label’s famed leather wares like a belt or a bag – such as orange or blue should also do the trick. Not only are these classic styles during summer, but they once again break the visual monotony of neutrals on neutrals.

Flamboyantly Macho
It’s summer! You’re most likely on vacation, or at the very least plan to go on one at some point in the near future. It’s the perfect opportunity to let your hair down – in the literal and figurative sense – and to experiment with less gender-strict fashions.

Maier demonstrates that fun, lighthearted summer is the best time to try louder and more flamboyant styles, ones that would have been rather awkward to attempt at the office back in the fall. Do you want to try a floral print? Have you ever sported a turquoise bag? If you haven’t – but would like to – summer is your chance.

The trick to all this gender-bending is to tweak just one aspect of the outfit. Go ahead and wear a floral, for example, but keep everything – including the floral – in some strong, masculine color like olive or gray. If you’ll tote along a bright bag, see to it that the rest of your outfit is understated and classic. Liza Minnelli has enough competition as it is.

Other Suggested Reading:
Mens 2010 Fall Fashion Dress Tips
Mens Summer Fashion 2010 by Versace
Mens Summer Fashion Tips

Your Bows-n-Ties.com Team - Mens Neck and Mens Bow Ties on The Web

August Savings at Bows-n-Ties.com

Dear reader and customer, below are the $10 coupon codes for August. Every month we at Bows-n-Ties.com post three $10 coupons in our fashion blog. Please note that each coupon code can only be used once. Therefore, don't hesitate to place your order. If you wait too long then someone else may have already used the codes and they will no longer be valid. To activate the coupon code, simply write down one of the codes and apply it during the checkout process. Just add the code to the field labeled "Coupon Code" right below your billing address, and $10 will be taken off automatically after you press "continue". Please note that there is an order minimum of $20. Shipping will be free for all orders over $100.

$10 Coupon Codes:
LPT879
LPS872
LPR359

Your Bows-n-Ties.com Team - Your Website for Fashionable Ties & Bow Ties

Get Ready for Fall Fashion Tips

All the adages about changing seasons always neglect to mention how fashions tend to change right along with them. Even if you don’t really care about the latest new fads in men's style, you can't deny that the way you dress radically changes when March turns to April or August becomes September. If you’re yet to update your wardrobe for the next season, here are a few reminders about what you'll wear once the leaves turn.

Ready Those Layers
You can always count on colder days when fall starts to creep in, and layering is the best way to deal with weather that can get unpredictable at times. It takes a little more thought to dress up each morning. You’ll be thankful you made the effort, though, when you get an unexpectedly sunny day and you’re left with more options than just a top coat.

The standard components of layering are more or less the same, whether you work at an office or attend community college. There’s the wool or knit layer, which can be done with a cardigan, sweater vest or full-on sweater. On top of that is a waterproof layer, and you can wear a pea coat, car coat or trench depending on the temperature outside and the kind of length you prefer.

Variety is the key factor if you want to layer and look sharp at the same time. You don’t have to clean out the entire department store, but you’ll want to own several different styles of layering pieces so that you’ll always have options in the morning. Have pieces in varying thicknesses, and the weather will never be able to catch you off guard.

Sophisticated Style
There’s always a certain 'vibe' or feel to each season. Spring is fresh and vibrant, while summer is bold and energetic. Fall fashions, meanwhile, tend to have a very different personality: they’re much more grown-up and have a more sober quality to them.

Bring your fall wardrobe in the same direction by taking a similarly mature approach to your clothes. The cold will have you bundling up anyway, so you may as well look sharp while you’re at it. Lose the cargo shorts and the Hawaiian print tees behind; switch up to sleek flat-front pants, a proper shirt and a full-on silk necktie. A bold color somewhere in your outfit should keep you from looking like you’re always headed for the office.

Fall is also a great time to return to the classics of men's fashion. Spring and summer are great for trying out new things – novel fabrics, deconstruction and maybe even the odd Ed Hardy tee. Autumn is for going back to the kind of clothes your dad would’ve worn: clean-cut trench coats, simple shirts and solid silk neck ties.

The new season is a great season to streamline your look. Reduce the pockets, piping and contrast stitching. Simplicity can speak volumes, and you should let those plain lines and classic contours make all the statements for you.

Season Material
Let your accessories speak all about your newfound maturity. Fabrics like canvas and nylon are big during summer because they stand up to the elements pretty well. For fall, the less sweaty season could do with leathers and metals, which will always be the most grown-up of accessories. Whether it’s your shoes or your belt, it’s time to grow up.

Dig out last winter’s wing tips and oxfords because fall is prime time to wear them. If you’re still hanging on to last season’s canvas and nylon accessories, don’t. Make the most out of the sweat-free clime by stepping out with more leather accessories like belts and bags. Are you up for an extra sartorial challenge? Try brown instead of black for your shoes and belt; it’s a very classic combo for navy or gray suits.

Fall is a whole new season, and a whole new ball game as well in terms of style. There’s a completely new aesthetic for the colder months; do try to keep up.

Other Suggested Readings:
Mens Fall Fashion Tips

Your Bows-n-Ties.com Team

25% Off - Today Only!!!

Dear valued customer and reader. Just for today, July 31st 2010, we at Bows-n-Ties.com are offering a 25% Off promotion. Yes, you heard right, the coupon code below will automatically take off 25% from your total order. There is no order minimum and shipping will still be free for all orders over $100. Please share this special promotion with anyone that enjoys wearing neck ties, bowties, cuff links, and more. Simply apply the following coupon code below during checkout to save 25% on your next order. Saving $$$ has never been easier!

25% Off Coupon: FashionTies

Your Bows-n-Ties.com Team

Best Selling Black Ties

You don't need to be invited for an event calling for black tie attire to dress up in a black necktie. In fact, black tie dress code usually required a black bow tie and a tux rather than the less formal necktie. Below are three of our best selling black ties that you can wear for leisure, business, as well as semi-formal functions. To purchase one of these ties please click on the picture below.

Black Floral Tie
A stunning black tie that appears to be solid and patternless at first but eventually reveals a very intricate floral pattern at a closer look. The pattern of tiny blossoms on this tie is woven into the fabric. Weaving this pattern creates a thicker fabric and gives the tie more structure and a better drape. It is a tie that can be worn for business, leisure, as well as for semi formal attire. The best combination for this tie is a solid white dress shirt and a suit in gray, charcoal, or black. Handmade from 100% silk by French designer Chevalier.







Black & Silver Polka Dot Tie
Polka dots are always a great way to lighten up the formal look of the black necktie. The tiny silver polka dots on this tie are woven into the fabric - creating a nice structured fabric texture. This tie looks excellent with white, black and gray dress shirts. One of our favorite combination for this tie: White dress shirt with delicate light gray check pattern, medium gray suit, and a pair of brushed stainless steel cuff links. Handmade from pure Italian silk by Chevalier.









Black Foulard Patterned Necktie
If you are looking for something out of the ordinary then this black and silver patterned tie will be perfect for you. The intricate symmetrical check pattern has tiny Oak leaves. For a classic and slightly more formal look we suggest you wear this tie with a solid white dress shirt and charcoal suit. For the more casual and trendy look pair this tie with a solid black dress shirt and light gray pin striped suit. Handmade from pure silk by Chevalier.








Your Bows-n-Ties.com Team - Neck and Bow Ties on the Internet

Summer Wedding Survival Guide for Men

Now that the weather is great and conducive for good photographs, you can hardly blame people for wanting to get married in the summer. A summer wedding, however, could pose a fashion challenge, especially for the men in the crowd. How do you look sharp without sacrificing comfort? It takes a few workarounds to keep your cool, no matter how long the lovebirds might take to exchange their vows.

The Lightweight Suit
Countless things in fashion have workarounds, but there is simply no working around a dress code. If it says suit and tie, you had better wear a suit and tie to the ceremony. What you can do instead is to wear lighter, more summer-friendly versions of the same pieces.

Suits, in particular, come in a wide variety of weights depending on the style and fabric. Of the ones you are likely to see in the store, linen is easily the most summer-friendly of them all. The material is both light and breathable, making it easier for you to wear it all throughout a two-hour affair. Linen also has excellent wicking properties, so you’ll stay cool even when you’ve already begun to sweat.

Wools aren’t entirely displaced, either. There are certain varieties of wool suits – the 60/40 combo, for example – that can be made summer-weight. You’ll have to ask the salespeople, though, as the selection for wools is very, very wide. The bright side of this is that you can just as easily wear the suit to the office as the summer garden wedding.

The Light Color Palette
Surviving a formal affair in the heat also requires a change in mindset with regard to the colors you choose. Remember that darker colors take in more light and, consequently, more heat in the long run. Lighter colors don’t just give your outfit that summer vibe; they’re the practical choice when the mercury is way, way up.

Generally speaking, a light enough color should get you through most formal and casual occasions. That means you could have anything from a pale, pale olive shirt to one in a salmon color that’s slightly brighter and bolder. Greens, blues and pinks, however, are among the more classic colors. Don’t forget to match the shirt with a strong, dark tie to keep your ensemble masculine and formal.

For more formal occasions – somewhere in between "black tie attire" and "coat and tie" – you may find a colored shirt somewhat too casual. White is the safest option in such a case, but a pale enough shade of any color will also do well. Very, very pale shades of pink and blue – light to the point of being almost white – can sub for white while adding a bit of life and energy to your outfit.

If you can afford lighter colors for your bigger items – a beige or khaki suit, for example, as an option to navy or gray – make that investment. You can use the same pieces for daily office attire anyway, so you can still get a lot of bang for your buck.

The Light Accessories
Even when they have a lightweight suit and light-colored clothes, a lot of men forget to adapt their accessories for the warmer season. They are very small items, but each one of these minor fashion details matter when you are talking about overall comfort.

Most men's accessories have counterparts that make use of lighter and more sweat-proof (or sweat-friendly) materials. Your watch, for example, could probably do with a nylon strap for the summer to accommodate all the extra sweating you are bound to do. Silk ties can be subbed with microfiber ones, which are lighter and have more movement to them.

Try as much as possible (and prudent, as per the dress code) to swap out the leathers, silks and metals for lighter fabrics like canvas and linen. A canvas belt, linen handkerchief and microfiber necktie are all very popular items among the fashion set every time summer is due to rear its warm head.

Related Articles:
Mens Summer Suits
Mens Summer Fashion

Your Bows-n-Ties.com Team

A Look at Versace's Mens Summer Fashion for 2010

Versace is one of those unmistakable names in fashion that always scream 'luxury', the same ones that conjure images of weirdly cut pants and uncomfortable jackets. The Italian label’s collection for spring and summer of this year, however, yields some basic facts about dressing in the heat. Here are some of the lessons you should pick up without having to spend too much.

Embrace the V-Neck
Men’s fashion is stuck with countless traditions, like the one that says the manly man is one dressed to the hilt, in a shirt, necktie and suit. Versace, however, seems to want to buck this edict. V-necks are the name of the Versace game, and it’s looking like a very comfortable and summer-friendly game indeed.

Don’t be afraid to bare a bit more skin with a v-neck tee. After all, it’s one of the few skin-flashing styles that you can pull off without a gym-built body. You can afford to show off a little more neck, throat and collarbone even when you lack pecs, abs and all the other features of the standard Abercrombie model.

The fashion house was also kind enough to show how men ought to choose and wear a v-neck tee. Look for simple, un-printed ones, preferably with a neutral or light color so that there’s little to distract a viewer from all the extra skin you’re showing. Baring the extra skin is dramatic enough, so you can let that make the style statement for you.

Necklace Knowledge
Complementing Versace’s v-necks for the season is an expansive range of necklaces. Now, that’s a daunting style challenge for most men, especially since guys don’t do jewelry beyond watches, cuff links and wedding bands.

There is, however, a very good reason for you to take a stab at wearing necklaces in the summer. In the fall, you can create a very interesting outfit by layering different styles over each other. With the high temperatures of summer, layers aren’t really a realistic prospect. Jewelry and other accessories like necklaces give your outfit some personality without adding any weight – or layers, for that matter – on your body.

For guys, one or two necklaces is usually enough. Something masculine like a dog tag, or simple like a small pendant on a hefty chain, will do the trick. If you want to take them to the next level, however, wear your necklaces the way Johnny Depp wears his – all at the same time. It’s a quick and painless way to give your outfit an artsy, Bohemian feel.

Sheer Genius
Partially transparent and sheer clothing is yet another style minefield for a lot of men. Keeping your torso visible isn’t a very popular look for guys, whatever the season. The House of Versace, however, shows you how this could actually be pulled off.

Unless you’re going to a rave party, sheer styles simply cannot stand by themselves; you’ll look too much like a fashion victim from the 80’s. Balance out the transparency with opaque pieces – another shirt, say, or a jacket – to keep your exposure down to a tasteful amount. It’s reasonable to want to show small flashes of skin; it’s garish to display your whole chest to the rest of the world.

This kind of aesthetic is very hard to pull off if you have a less than ideal body, so it’s something you’ll want to think about before you try it. If you have a pigeon chest, say, or man-breasts, some time at the gym might be in order. Otherwise, there’s a number of less body-conscious styles out there for you to try this summer.

Remember that you don’t necessarily have to do all these combinations using brand name clothing. Versace is still firmly on the higher end of the fashion market. Once you know what makes each ‘look’ work, however, you should be able to recreate them using even the most plebian of wardrobes.

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Your Bows-n-Ties.com Team - Fine Neck & Bow Ties on the Internet

Great Looking Neckties for the Navy Blue Suit

Dark navy blue is one of the most popular colors on a mens suit. It is a color that looks excellent in any season and can be conservative as well as contemporary and modern. What makes one suit more "stylish" than another is the fabric pattern and the cut. Generally speaking, a 2-button jacket is more conservative than a 3-button or even the 4-button jacket style. Also, solid fabric patterns are more conservative than pin-stripes or Birdseye pattern. Herringbone and check patterns can be traditional as well as modern - depending on the fabric weave. Below are three tie choices that will pair well with the navy suit. We picked three ties that perfectly complement three different looks: Conservative, Modern, and Traditional.

The Traditional Look
This tie is a perfect choice for those who value tradition and are seeking a sophisticated, and slightly conservative look. The classic diagonal striped pattern alternates between yellow and navy-blue. A thin, slightly off-white line is woven in between each of the thicker stripes - emphasizing contrast and adding a more sophisticated touch. The traditional look of this tie is complemented by a finely ribbed textured fabric weave and a very unique fabric known as Mogador. Mogador is a blend between silk and cotton. It has a matte shine and slightly stiffer feel. We like to pair this tie with a solid navy blue, 2-button cut suit, and a white dress shirt made from oxford cloth that has a button down collar style. To see a larger image of this tie, and/or to purchase this tie, please click the picture on the left.


Conservative & Classy
Colors and patterns make one tie more conservative than another. The plainer the tie and more muted the colors, the more conservative it will appear. Even though a conservative tie will be a little understated and will draw less attention to the ensemble, it can still be a very elegant way to accessorize the navy blue suit. This tie on the left is a perfect example. It appears to be patternless from the distance but a closer look reveals a beautiful polka dot pattern that is created by a unique weaving technique using one burgundy colored silk yarn. Besides adding a more intricate touch to the tie, this pattern adds a more textured look - adding thickness to the fabric and a rich shine. We like to pair this tie with a navy blue, window-pane checkered suit and solid white dress shirt. For more information please click the picture on the left.


Modern & Bold
Looking for a fashionable tie that you can wear with the navy blue suit? Then this pink floral patterned necktie will be the perfect choice. The floral design in white, lavender, and pink is woven into a rose-pink background. Because there is so much happening on this tie we suggest to pair it with a solid white dress shirt and a modern navy blue suit. Best is the 3-button, Italian-cut suit with a very fine pin-striped pattern. This outfit can be paired with brown as well as black dress shoes. Regardless of what color shoes you choose, make sure that the color matches the belt and briefcase. For more info on this tie by Chevalier, please click the picture on the left.





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Your Bows-n-Ties.com Team

What Shoes for Which Pants?

While the "suit & tie newbie" most likely only has one pair of dress shoes to choose from, the more seasoned suit aficionado will have the luxury of choice when it comes to matching shoes to dress pants. Below are a few basic tips on matching the right dress shoes to the pant color, cut, and pattern.

The Classic Charcoal Suit
The solid charcoal colored suit is the most popular choice in business. It is classic, elegant, timeless, and can be worn in any season of the year. In addition it is the color that is easiest to match to shirts, ties, and other accessories. When it comes to dress shoes, the charcoal pant legs look best with classic black dress shoes. The style of shoe depends on the cut of the pants. More modern and pleat-less cuts that have no cuff at the pant bottom look great with more modern shoe styles such as the monk-strap or the cap-toe shoe. For a classic and timeless look the traditional oxford shoe is best suited. For a more old fashioned pant cut heavier shoes with more intricate broguing are an excellent choice.

The Navy Suit
The navy suit is almost as popular as the charcoal suit. Solid navy suits can be paired with shoes in black as well as shades of brown. During the spring and summer months brown shoes look excellent but they should always be paired with a matching brown belt. Usually the brown shoe looks best with lighter fabric suits that are especially made fro the warmer weather. Excellent fabric patterns on pants worn with brown shoes are delicate pin stripes or fine checks. Heavier fabrics and patterns such as herringbone and tween are best paired with darker dress shoes in brown or black.

The Gray Flannel Pants
Flannel pants are much less common in business, but for those that do wear them usually do so with a great sense of fashion and style. A classy look are the gray flannel pants paired with a classic blazer jacket or sports coat. Such a traditional look is best paired with brogued oxford or wing-tip dress shoes.

Khakis and Tan Slacks
Brown is almost always the best shoe color for pants in beige and tan shades. Make sure to show some contrast! The dress shoes should be slightly darker than the pants and the socks should match the shoes and/or the pants. Never wear navy, gray, or black socks with this look. Instead choose socks in tones off brown.

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Your Bows-n-Ties.com Team - Finest Ties & Bow Ties on the Internet