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Trend Alert: Purple Hues

In winter, pastel shades and bright summer hues take a back seat when it comes to colour trends, giving way to earthy greens, festive burgundies and party season metallics. One surprise shade that is currently having its moment in the spotlight is purple. If you’re looking to get yourself suited and booted this festive season and want to add a fashion forward edge to your look, why not do so with an item from the purple ties and accessories collection at Ties R Us?

Purple Ties

L-R; Plain Purple Satin Men’s Tie, Cadbury’s Purple Satin Skinny Men’s Tie, Plain Lilac Satin Men’s Tie, Purple and White Polka Dot Men’s Tie

If you’re attending a special event this festive season and are looking to make an impression with a bold pop of colour, a brightly coloured tie is the ideal solution. Purple is an ideal festive shade – it is rich, luxurious, and promises to make a statement. For a sophisticated look, stick with deeper, darker shades of purple, or for a more playful touch opt for a subtle lilac or polka dot tie.

Purple men’s bow tie

Purple Bow Tie

If you’re looking for something a little different from a regular tie for your special event, a bow tie is the perfect option. Smart and stylish yet with a playful edge, a purple bow tie is fantastically paired with a smart black suit and white shirt for a stand out formal look over the Christmas period.

Purple Accessories

When it comes to formal wear, accessories are the perfect finishing touch – here at Ties R Us we’re happy to offer an extensive range of purple formal accessories to help complete your look.

Pocket Squares

Pocket squares have seen a huge surge in popularity over recent years. Once reserved for only the most formal of events, today a pocket square makes a great, versatile men’s accessory for a variety of occasions. Whether neatly tucked into the pocket of a sharp formal suit for a formal affair or paired casually with a waistcoat for a dapper twist on a relaxed look, a pocket square can totally reinvent your outfit. This season, a purple pocket square is the way forward. Whether you opt for a classic cadbury purple satin pocket square or a playful lilac squares patterned pocket square, a purple pocket square ensures all eyes will be firmly on you.

Tie and Accessory Sets

For a special occasion, why not really make a statement with a purple tie, hanky and cufflink box set? Containing one high quality tie alongside matching cufflinks and a stylish purple pocket square, this set helps show you really pay attention to the little details.

10 January 2017
What To Wear On New Year’s Eve: A Men’s Style Guide

When it comes to parties, there really is nothing quite like New Year’s Eve. Whether you’re seeing in the new year in a laid back pub with a group of mates, spending time with family, going wild in a club or attending a super swanky party, getting your look right is important. Wherever you’re going to be when the clock strikes midnight, here at some handy guidelines to help you begin 2017 in true style.

Casual

For a casual NYE event when you just want to be comfortable all night long, nothing beats the classic jeans and t-shirt combo. Choose any tee to reflect your personal style, be it plain, patterned or branded. Team with a cool pair of trainers and layer a bomber jacket over the top for an ultra chilled out style.

When to wear it: a casual house party, down the pub with friends or a relaxed outdoor event.

Semi casual

Do you have a New Year’s Eve bash where a casual look won’t quite make the impression you’re looking for, yet a smart casual look will be a little too much? If so, a semi casual look is your new best friend! Think a nice pair of jeans and smart shoes or loafers with a relaxed shirt or polo shirt. This versatile look works for a number of events – it is slightly more dressed up than casual but is still comfortable, with a laid back element. A semi casual look can be perfectly completed with an on-trend jumper, or a smart jacket or coat if you’re seeing in the new year outdoors.

When to wear it: a club, party or night out, or a meal and drinks with friends.

Smart / casual

Ah, the ever tricky smart casual look! The difficulty most people have with this dress code is it can be relatively vague – however, this can be used to your advantage, allowing you to go as formal or as casual as you please. Generally, we’d recommend keeping it simple with a plain shirt – white, black or a very pale blue are perfect. You can pair this with trousers or smart jeans, depending on the level of formality you want to achieve, and a blazer or cardigan (again, down to personal preference). For a dapper edge, add a tie or bow tie, or alternatively opt for a pocket square with a casual fold to finish the look.

When to wear it: a more formal meal, a family affair or sophisticated drinks.

Formal

It goes without saying that for a formal New Year’s event you should dress to impress in a suit, tie or bow tie, cufflinks and pocket square – the whole shebang! If the dress code is simply ‘formal’ you can have some fun with coloured or patterned ties and accessories. However for a black or white tie affair, stricter rules are generally in play. For a black tie event be sure to wear a tuxedo and a plain black tie (the clue is in the name!). A white tie event – the most formal of all formal events – calls for a black jacket with tails, sharp white shirt and a white bow tie.

When to wear it: an ultra formal party or charity event.

23 December 2016
What to Wear to a Job Interview
When it comes to a job interview, what you wear will have a huge impact on both your performance and how the interviewer perceives you. The right outfit will not only make you look more professional, but you will feel more professional in it and therefore act more professional – giving you a better chance of acing the interview!

General Rules Of Interview Dress

Of course, what you wear will depend on where your interview is. As a general rule of thumb we’d recommend sticking to smart attire – it is advised to dress for an interview as your boss would dress day to day. Avoid jeans, t-shirts and trainers unless you’re fully confident that a casual dress will be appropriate. For most a full suit and tie, or at least a shirt with a smart blazer, is the way to go.

When it comes to your suit and tie, simple, muted colours work best. Your tie should complement both your suit and your shirt – often it is easiest to stick to a plain white shirt and choose an understated, plain coloured tie. Avoid loud colours or over the top patterns; whilst these may make an impression, often it will be the wrong one!

Choosing Your Tie

Men’s Satin Electric Blue Tie

If you’re wearing a smart jacket and a white shirt often your tie will be the only source of colour in your look. Colours have been proven to have a huge impression on how others perceive you, so it is important to get this right. Again, think about the job you are going for. For example, generally red can be seen as too aggressive and over-confident for an interview, however if the role is sales or commision based this may work in your favour. Similarly, whilst orange can be seen as too playful for a more serious role, for a creative, media based interview it can be appropriate.

As a general rule however, we’d always recommend a blue tie for an interview. Of all the colours, blue gives a calm, professional, confident and reliable impression that is perfect for any interview situation.

Finishing Touches

Once you’ve selected your outfit, you need to think about the finishing touches. Opt for black or brown smart shoes (brogues are perfect) and make sure they’re clean and polished. It is vital to always be prepared ahead of an interview – ensure you’ve selected everything you’re going to wear and have it washed and ironed ahead of time, as any extra stress on the morning on your interview may impact negatively on your performance.

Finally, make sure your hair is cut and styled professionally and that you’re freshly shaven (or any facial hair is neatly trimmed).

So, if you have a job interview coming up and you’re wondering what to wear, always remember these top tips…

What should a man wear to a job interview?
- Stick to smarter attire – avoid jeans and trainers unless you’re confident that casual dress is appropriate.
- Choose a smart white shirt and an understated coloured tie; blue works perfectly in professional situations.
- Opt for black or brown dress shoes.
- Be prepared. Ensure clothes are ironed and shoes are polished ahead of time.
Follow all these tips and you’ll arrive at your interview well prepared, looking great, and all with the confidence you need to impress any prospective employers!
10 November 2016
5 Tie Inspired Costume Ideas

With Halloween just around the corner, here at Ties R Us we thought we’d take a look at some fantastic costume ideas involving our favourite accessory – the tie!

Shaun of the Dead

This is a great option for a last minute men’s costume – it is quick and easy, using items you probably already have in your wardrobe. Simply pair a white shirt and black work pants with a loosely fastened red tie, and make your own red cardboard name badge. Splatter yourself in fake blood and you have yourself a costume fit for a zombie apocalypse.

Doctor Who – the Eleventh Doctor

There is one accessory that simply screams ‘The Eleventh Doctor’, and that is the bow tie. Matt Smith’s Doctor favoured a burgundy red or blue bow tie paired with a pale shirt (white, pale blue or very pale pink is perfect), dress pants, suspenders and a tweed jacket. Throw in a sonic screwdriver and you’re good to go – and remember, bow ties are definitely cool!

Charlie Chaplin

Thinking of channeling the great Charlie Chaplin this Halloween? We think the iconic ‘Tramp’ look is perfect for anyone looking for a classically cool costume. Mismatching is key for this look. Choose clashing colours such as a bold red and white polka dot tie or cravat with a bright yellow waistcoat, and make sure your trousers, jacket and shoes are suitably ill fitting for the comedy effect. A bowler hat, cane, moustache and a touch of eyeliner will provide the perfect Chaplin-esque finishing touches.

Men in Black

This is another outfit that you probably already have sitting around in your wardrobe. A simple black suit and white shirt is all you need – pair with a skinny black tie and sunglasses and you’re all set. Of course if you want to complete the look in true style you’ll need some “big guns” – these blasters can be bought online or made at home if you’re feeling crafty!

Mary Poppins

And finally, one for the ladies! Another character who favours a classic bow tie look is Mary Poppins. Choose a bright red bow tie teamed with a white shirt, black skirt, blue jacket and black hat with a flower garland. For the authentic Mary Poppins look, carry an umbrella and doctors bag. Pop on some red lippie and there you have it – practically perfect in every way!

14 October 2016
The Gentleman’s Guide to Accessorising.
Any fashion conscious man understands the importance of accessories. They are perfect for giving any casual look that extra stylish edge, turning a plain t-shirt and jeans combo into an ultra fashionable look, or creating the perfect finishing touch to a formal ensemble.

Once you have the right accessories, it is easy to instantly make over any casual or formal outfit. Here at Ties R Us we’ve put together a handy list of 10 top accessories any stylish man should always have to hand.

Casual Essentials
- Watch
A watch is often seen as the ultimate accessory for a man – it can be worn constantly and with anything, so it’s worth investing in something exceptional. One fantastic watch will see you through multiple occasions, commanding attention for all the right reasons.
- Wallet
There’s nothing like pulling out a tattered old wallet to ruin an otherwise perfectly put together outfit! Invest in something high quality and timeless and it’ll last you for years to come.
- Bag or briefcase
Whether for the office or an overnight trip, a messenger bag can be both stylish and practical. Choose brown leather for a classically on-trend look.
- Scarf
Opt for wool in winter and a lighter cotton in summer to add a touch of fashion to your look. Keep it classic with stripes or choose eye catching colours to really stand out from the crowd.
- Hat
From beanies to snapbacks, hats don’t only make a great, stylish addition to an outfit but are the perfect accessory for those dreaded bad hair days!
- Belt
A belt is the perfect piece to pull an outfit together, quite literally! Black or brown leather makes a great, versatile option that will go with jeans for day to day wear or smart trousers for a more formal get up.

Formal Essentials
- Ties
The great thing about men’s ties is the huge amount of choice available. Call us biased, but we believe a man can never own too many ties! Choose a classic plain tie for a traditional occasion, or an ever stylish skinny tie for a fashion forward look.
- Pocket Squares
The ultimate dapper gentlemen’s accessory; a pocket square instantly adds a suave edge to your look. Choose plain white for a sophisticated, traditional style or make an impression with bright colours and patterns.
- Cufflinks
Cufflinks really show you mean business. Choose simple and classic chrome cufflinks for an elegant formal look, or opt for brighter or novelty cufflinks to express your personality.
- Tie Clips
A tie clip adds a polished and elegant edge to an otherwise plain tie. Opt for classic silver or chrome to add an element of refined luxury to your outfit.
27 September 2016
How To Wear A Pocket Square
Here at Ties R Us, we’re big on the little touches. One great way to add a touch of class to a formal ensemble is with a pocket square, although it can be tricky getting it right. If you’re wanting to get on board the pocket square trend but aren’t quite sure where to begin, we’ve put together a handy guide to help out, detailing how to wear a pocket square and how to fold a pocket square.

How To Wear A Pocket Square
- For a formal occasion, ensure your pocket square and tie work well together by either selecting a matching tie and hanky set, or choosing complimentary colours.
- A pocket square can be dressed down for a more casual event. Simply leave off the tie and pair with a stylish waistcoat or blazer.
- You can afford to have fun with a pocket square – bold patterns and colours are a great way of showing your creative flair.
- If you are new to pocket squares, invest in a plain white or blue square. These colours are truly versatile and will work for a variety of occasions.
How To Fold A Pocket Square
- Square Fold – Also known as the presidential fold, this simple yet effective fold is perfect for a professional look. First, fold your pocket square in half then fold in half again to create a square shape.
- Puff Fold – One of the most casual folds, the stylish puff fold should look as though it is billowing out of your pocket. Start by laying your pocket square flat, then pinch and pick up from the centre. Next, take hold of the bottom with your other hand to create a tube like shape. Finally, tuck into your pocket and readjust as needed.
- One Point Fold – Ideal for business, formal or casual wear, this is a versatile fold that works well for a variety of occasions. Fold diagonally in half to form a triangle shape then fold the left and right corners inwards, leaving a point at the top. Finally, place folded corners down in the pocket, leaving only the top triangular point showing.
- Two Point Fold – This is a dressier fold, ideal for making an impression at formal events. Whilst it may look complicated, the two point fold follows almost as the one point fold. Fold in half diagonally. Angle the fold slightly off centre to create to peaks. Fold the left and right corners inwards, leaving the two points at the top. Finally, place in your pocket with the vertical edges hidden, leaving only the two triangular points showing.
26 August 2016
How To Wear A Bow Tie
When it comes to neckwear, one item has seen a huge rise in popularity over recent years – the bow tie. Once seen as an item only for the most formal of affairs, recently the bow tie has burst back onto the fashion scene, offering a versatile and stylish way to smarten up any outfit. We take a look at a few different ways on how to wear a bow tie.

A bow tie offers something a little different when it comes to your formal wear. Sure to make an impression, bow ties are daring, quirky, on-trend, and add an element of confidence to your ensemble.

A bow tie, however, can be intimidating. When should you wear it? What should you wear it with? Here at Ties R Us we’re discussing how to wear a bow tie for various events, to help you work this stylish accessory into your wardrobe.

Formal Event.

A bow tie is commonly worn for formal events. In particular, a black tie or white tie event – the most formal of dress codes – would call for a plain black or white bow tie, in a luxurious material such as silk or satin. For an added touch of class, opt for a bow tie and hanky set, such as the Plain Black Hand Made Mens Bow Tie and Handkerchief Set. Alongside a high quality, handmade satin bow tie, a matching satin pocket square offers the perfect way to complete your look.

For other formal affairs, a subtle coloured bow tie worn with a crisp white shirt and black, grey or navy suit is sure to make an impression.

Semi-formal Event

For a semi-formal event you can get away with being a little more adventurous with your neckwear, shirt and suit combinations. Try working patterns into your look for a quirky yet smart twist. For a summer or outdoor event such as a wedding, a plaid suit or waistcoat combined with a spotted bow tie and suspenders creates a great stylish yet semi-formal look. This Champagne and White Polka Dot Bow Tie hits the nail on the head perfectly – the subtle colours alongside the quirky spotted design create the perfect combination of playful and smart.

Casual Event

For a casual event anything goes, so take full advantage of your creative freedom! There are a number of ways bow ties can be worked in with casual outfits – try with jeans and a casual waistcoat or blazer, or pair a bow tie with a v-neck jumper or cardigan for a relaxed yet smart look. Choose from a range of bold colours and patterns – this Red and White Polka Dot Bow Tie is perfect for making a bold and stylish statement.

So, if you’re looking for the perfect bow tie for a special occasion, remember;
- For a formal event, choose a black or white bow tie in silk or satin.
- For a semi-formal event, choose a patterned yet neutral toned bow tie.
- For a casual event, have fun with fun coloured bow ties, polka dot bow ties or pattern combinations.
Now you’re in the know on how to wear a bow tie, why not choose from the collection available on our store. For a full range of men’s bow ties, including plain bow ties, polka dot bow ties and bow tie and hanky sets, explore the full bow tie collection at Ties R Us.
20 August 2016
Summer Weddings: How To Wear A Cravat

Summer is now firmly upon us, and with it come a multitude of weddings. Whether it’s your own or someone else’s, finding the perfect wedding outfit can be tricky business.

One great way to ensure you stand out and make an impression on the big day is by donning a cravat. Often preferred for a more formal occasion, cravats have burst back onto the wedding fashion scene in a huge way in recent years. They are smart and sophisticated, and make the perfect finishing touch to a formal outfit.

So, what is a cravat?

A cravat is a style of tie, with a similar look to a regular necktie but looser and with a ruched or scrunched knot. Generally seen as more sophisticated and formal than a regular or bow tie, this quintessentially British accessory is ideal for adding a classy and fashionable edge to your formal wear, making it perfect for a special occasion such as a wedding.

Coral Pink Cravat and Hankerchief Set Royal Blue Cravat and Hankerchief Set Sage Green Cravat and Hankerchief Set

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How To Wear A Cravat?

Although traditionally worn tucked inside your shirt, one of the great things about cravats is they are actually hugely versatile and can be worn in a number of ways. For example, a cravat looks equally great tucked into a stylish waistcoat or slim fitting jacket for an on-trend yet refined look. If you’re attending a wedding as a guest and are looking for a more casual look, a cravat can be worn around the neck in a looser fashion, like a scarf.

Cerise Pink Cravat Tie Peach Cravat and Hankerchief Set Burundy Red Cravat Tie

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When should I wear a cravat?

Cravats are perfect for those special occasions where you really want to make an impression and wear something different to your usual shirt and tie combination. A wedding is the perfect excuse to branch out and wear something special. Looser than a neck or bow tie, a cravat is especially great for hot summer weddings due to it’s looser style and more comfortable fit.

Now you know how to wear a cravat! If you have a special event such as a wedding coming up and are looking for the perfect tie, why not explore our full wedding tie collection? Alongside our great selection of fashionable wedding cravats we also have a range of cravat and hanky sets which come with a matching pocket square – perfect for completing your formal look!

1 August 2016
Tie Colour Trends for Summer 2016

With summer finally upon us, it’s time to take a look at the new colour trends this season. Pantone, described as the “authority of colour”, have spoken, and introduced us to all the new ‘it colours’ of summer. As reflected in the Pantone colour charts for 2016, summer brings about the opportunity to have fun with colour – think bolder, brighter and more adventurous choices, alongside the expected pastel shades. With an eye on the hottest colour trends for summer, we’ve gathered together a collection of some of our favourite ties of the moment, available right here at Ties R Us.

Red – Vibrant and punchy, this year’s on-trend red is a shade called ‘Fiesta’. A bold red with coral undertones, this shade is perfect for a vibrant pop of colour this season. Fiesta red is ideal for special occasions, being hailed as one of the summer’s hottest wedding shades. Snap up the fiesta red classic men’s tie to make an impression at your special event.

Pinks – Rose Quartz holds onto its moment in the spotlight, remaining a top choice for summer – check out our light pink paisley tie to get involved in the trend. In summer, you can also get away with going bolder in your fashion choices. A bright pink is a great option; fashionable and lively, we love this fuchsia pink bow-tie and pocket square set.

Blue – The beautiful shade of blue called ‘serenity’ is promised to be huge this summer. As the name suggests, this shade is calm and airy, giving a crisp and clean finish to your look. The sky blue textured men’s tie and hanky set from Ties R Us is ideal for achieving this smart and sophisticated look. Deeper blues also promise to be everywhere this year, with the Pantone shade ‘snorkel blue’ spotted all over the runways at fashion week. Snap up this royal blue skinny tie to work this trend into your formal wear.

Green – The pastels and mint greens of spring give way to a bolder and brighter option this summer. The Pantone shade called ‘Green Flash’ is promised to be huge throughout 2016. A lively, bright and bold choice, this emerald green tie and hanky set is ideal for achieving the look yourself. A hugely versatile shade, this stunning green will work as well for the office as it will for any special occasions this summer.

For more great tie choices this summer, explore our full range of men’s ties for a great selection of classic ties, skinny ties and bow ties.

1 August 2016
Wedding Suit and Tie Inspiration at TiesRUs

When it comes to weddings – whether you’re attending as a guest, a member of the wedding party or even as the groom – choosing the perfect suit and tie can be a difficult task. On such a special day you understandably want to look your best, which is why here at TiesRUs we’ve decided to lend a helping hand. Read on for a helpful guide to all of your wedding suit options, along with the best ties to pair them with on the big day.

Grey suit.

Grey suits – particularly charcoal grey – make a great, versatile choice. Grey is a colour that is suitable for all year round but works particularly well for a summer wedding. Grey is flattering: it compliments most colours it is paired with and looks good on anybody. In terms of ties, pastels or earthy tones look great with grey – this leaf green skinny satin tie is perfect.

Black suit.

Black is a great, classic option. It is sophisticated, timeless and easy to coordinate. When it comes to accessories, avoid bold colours as this may come across too harsh. Instead, team with a light shirt and waistcoat, and a pastel tie or cravat to soften the look. This peach cravat and matching pocket square would work particularly well for a wedding.

Navy blue suit.

For something a little different yet still sophisticated, sharp and classic, opt for a navy blue suit. Navy blue is the perfect alternative to black, offering a modern and stylish look whilst still remaining traditional. Navy looks particularly striking with contrasting colours, for example a navy blue suit and waistcoat teamed with a stylish skinny burgundy tie.

Mid blue suit.

For a stylish and on-trend colour, opt for a mid blue suit. Mid blue is very in fashion right now, but you have to be careful how you style it in order to keep the look sophisticated. We’d recommend choosing a simple colour palette when it comes to the rest of your outfit, to avoid a colour overload. A mid blue suit alongside a subtle grey waistcoat and a pale blue tie is perfect – it is current, coordinated and on-trend, without being too over the top.

Tweed / brown suit.

A brown or tweed suit is great for an outdoor or countryside wedding, and opens up your options when it comes to the rest of your outfit. With brown or tweed you can afford to be a little more adventurous – this is one case where patterned shirts or ties can make an appearance without looking garish. Mix up your look with suspenders or a bow tie – this champagne and white polka dot tie is ideal for a smart and stylish wedding look.

Feeling inspired? Be sure to check out our full wedding ties collection, for many more high quality and stylish wedding suitable designs.

29 June 2016