Bolo and Ascot and Bow Ties, Oh My!

Bolo and Ascot and Bow Ties, Oh My!

A Men’s Fashion Editorial

In case you haven’t noticed, it has somehow become uncool to dress nicely. Among the younger generations especially, it has become popular to look as if one does not care about their appearance. Unruly hoodlums strut their outdated stuff in sagging pants and exposed undergarments. Sophisticated arrow-part hair has been pushed out of fashion by mussy, bedheaded looks. This, my friends, is a catastrophe. Where are our Kerry Grants? Our attractively put-together, impeccably dressed icons? They have waned tragically into obsolescence, replaced by messy haired, saggy jeaned, sleepy eyed models. It is appalling that such an event has taken place. Passing the fashion torch to such style challenged underachievers is like electing your class dropout to the presidency!  We must band together, my dear impressionable fashionistos, and reclaim fashion for what it used to be: the ultimate refinement of men’s apparel design.

Now, don’t get me wrong: a little style savvy smudge to give your outfit some dramatic flair is good. Spontaneously placed belts and precariously cocked fedoras are what give men’s fashion edge and life! But drooping pants, wrinkled tees and unlaced sneakers are the antithesis of fabulous. So hike up your britches, iron that shirt, tie those shoes, and let’s talk about fashion. Rule number one for a streamlined outfit: absolutely no sneakers with dress pants. Loafers and jeans are fine, sneakers and denim are completely acceptable, but runners and khakis are a no-no. Rule two: when in doubt, vote for a button up. If your dresser drawers are just too tough to handle at the moment, don’t dig through them for last week’s Dr. Who tee (though that is definitely a marvelous piece to have on hand) instead grab a crisp collared shirt.

This universal piece is like a blank canvas; you can do whatever you want with it! First, there are the colors and patterns. These witty shirts are famous for their various styles, and their universal shape allows nearly any pattern to flourish. Next, there are the buttons. The possibilities are endless! Unbutton the top clasp or two if you just want to relax. Undo three buttons if you want to wear a necklace (don’t worry, necklaces are manly and way under appreciated). I do discourage you from pulling a California beach boy move (*ahem* David Hasselhoff) and walking around with 5 or (gasp!) all buttons undone. This is an extremely cocky move and I can assure you all girls will steer clear from you by any means possible. Finally, if you are just too amazing for words, button that shirt all the way up to the collar! This is perhaps the best of all button possibilities, not only does it make you look like Jay Gatsby (a stylish fictional billionaire who threw the best parties and is now being brought to life by none other than Leonardo DiCaprio) but it also opens the possibility of wearing a tie, which, aside from dog, is man’s best friend.

Ties, ties, ties! Let me tell you something about ties: They are the epitome of bazinga. They cause the wearer appear suave, polite, and cool. Not to mention, they come in a goldmine of varieties. Whether you opt for bolo, ascot, bow, or classic cravat, these little buggers will add desired flair to any outfit. Each variety says something different about the wearer. Bolos suggest a southern gentleman; bows scream distinguished sir; ascots propose psychedelic dude; and classic cravats claim timeless beau. Match your personality (or desired aura of the day) to the style and hit the ground running!

Once you have chosen your style of tie, be sure to pick the proper color or pattern for your outfit. Bolos are simple: change the charm to fit the occasion. For ascots, I would suggest a paisley print or brightly pigmented shade; if you are brave enough to sport this tie you have to go all out, no neutral browns for you. If you choose a tie of the bow or cravat persuasion, then you’re in luck; these ties are by far the most versatile of the cravat family! With such straightforward designs, these ties tend to work with most any color or pattern. However, choosing the perfect tie from such an overwhelming realm of possibilities can be intimidating. How could one possibly sift through the infinite options and pick the perfect tie? Our dear friend Mills, tie extraordinaire offers some advice.

Bella: First, what is your preferred style of tie?

Mills: Personally, I’m not very interested in Bolo ties, while they work for specific occasions, I don’t vouch for their everyday wear. When I dress up, I will wear a Cravat, though it is too dressy for a casual occasion. Neckties are quite versatile, and many people use this tie all the time. However, they are quite businessy, therefore I steer away from them. I personally prefer Bow Ties, they work for any occasion (you can wear them with jeans or a tux) making them extremely versatile. In addition to this, they are a unique way to add a splash of color to your outfit. Also, just knowing how to tie one is cool!

B: When did you first start wearing bow ties?

M: I first started wearing bow ties on a regular basis about half a year ago. I literally spent half an hour on youtube figuring out how to tie one before I could get it!

B: What colors would you suggest for bow ties?

M: It really depends on the outfit. With a white shirt, nearly any tie will work, whereas if you are wearing a patterned shirt, it can be very difficult to match a tie to it. Basically, just don’t clash. With basic white shirts, bright colored bow ties work best.

B: What patterns work best?

M: In my opinion, everyday casual bow ties should be worn in patterns, as solid colors can come off as uptight. Dots are my personal favorite, though the one rule with dotted bow ties is; don’t mix them with a patterned shirt! With striped bow ties, color coordination is especially important, as multiple colors often mix in a striped bow tie.

B: Are there any no-nos regarding bow ties?

M: The only real no-no for bow ties is their width. In general, thinner bow ties are better. You really don’t want to be wearing a clown-sized tie to school.

B: What kind of ties are in your possession?

M: I have a wide range of bow ties (about 20), about half of which are black and white or vintage. The other 10 are my fun ties (with patterns, etc).

B: What is your favorite tie?

M: I have this one vintage bow tie, it was my grandpa’s, that I especially like. It’s red, white, and black plaid and while it is a bow tie, it does not look like one. Instead of flaring out at the ends like bow ties usually do, it narrows. It’s a very unique tie!

B: Well, thank you Mills!

M: No problem.