Almost no one will argue the point that people in general, particularly, have forgotten or perhaps "unlearned" how to dress properly. For many of us, business meetings have been reduced to a quick stop at the coffee shop so we can use the WiFi connection to show a client or prospect a few things online over a latte, before we're off again. Even more often, we simply set up an online meeting and unless there are webcams involved, you can show up in your underwear with a 3-day beard on your face, and no one will know the difference.
Whether the Internet is really to blame is debatable, but it's a fact that those of us with the skills to dress properly for casual, formal, or business occasions have become a rare breed. Even those who know when a necktie is called for may not realize that there is a difference between casual ties and formal ties and a proper way to wear each. Knowing the difference just might be a skill that saves your, um - face - one day. Here are a few tips to get you on the right track:
First, determining whether a situation is casual, formal, or somewhere in between really isn't rocket science. Dinner out with your college friends is casual. Dinner with the CEO of your company is at least semi-formal. Meeting an old friend for lunch is probably casual. Meeting the guy you're asking to invest 5 million dollars in your venture should be considered formal. And honestly, when you meet that prospective client at Starbucks, you might be surprised at the impression a necktie with a nice suit will make. It shows that you are a professional and that you take your job seriously. If you back-up your professional look with wealth of industry specific knowledge, then the client will feel good about investing time and money with you.
Second, what's a formal tie, and what's not? While the distinction may not be clear, there are a few mistakes you want to avoid. Save your knitted skinny tie for a night out with friends. It is in fact a trendy necktie design that has gained much popularity in recent years, but nevertheless is out of place for traditional business attire. Instead wear a standard size tie with classic colors and patterns. The typical width ranges from 3.25 to 3.75 inches. The best colors are burgundy, any shade of blue, and greens. Striped neck ties are also always a good choice for business. Stay away from too flashy colors and "loud designs". They will appear unprofessional and will distract your client from listening to you. Fabrics aren't a huge factor, but most quality neckties are made from pure silk. Oh, and for Pete's sake, if it's Black Tie, go with the bowtie and if you can't tie it, get help!
Okay, so what about HOW you wear the tie when you wear it? Here's where we'll probably incite some argument. There are "guidelines" for matching the knot you use for your tie to your collar, the shape of your face, etc. We'll discuss this further at some later point. For the purpose of this article, here's what you need to know: For formal events, learn to tie a Windsor, Pratt or half Windsor knot. While a four-in-hand is easier, it may not appear straight and can create the impression that you dressed in a hurry. Also, a loose knot of any kind presents an aloof appearance. Keep it tight.
So, whether you're meeting the new girl of your dreams or interviewing for that position at Trump Towers, think about the mode of dress and choose and prepare your tie as carefully as the rest of your wardrobe. It's worth the time.
Hendrik Pohl is the owner and founder of http://www.ties-necktie.com/ - and online retailer specializing in mens neckwear and formal accessories such as cufflinks, bow ties, and pocket squares. When not working on business, Hendrik Pohl enjoys sharing his expertise on formal men's fashion by writing articles for online publications and magazines.
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