The Case For & Against Ties

Ties are a hard pass for me. While I’m all for revisiting throwback accessories like ballet flats or tinted oversized sunglasses, I can't help but feel that ties are more rooted in unwarranted nostalgia than an update on timeless style. 

In my eyes, they had their moment – we’re now in an era where comfort comes first for most. A restrictive piece of fabric tied around your neck does not tick that box. In addition, practicality (or lack thereof) is another reason I’m not a fan of them. Faffing around with a tie in the morning is something few people have the time or patience for. It’s also worth mentioning the difficulty you might encounter with styling. My wardrobe tends to prioritise ease – think relaxed tailoring, oversized blazers, modern loafers and boxy knits. Most of these pieces have a preppy feel to them already, so adding a tie – with an aesthetic rooted in old-school formality – would feel a bit more like dressing up in school uniform than a cool styling choice. It just takes it that one step too far.

I won’t disagree they might work for a select few – for example, the way YSL styled them on Bella Hadid with a razor-sharp pinstripe suit and oversized specs in its latest show was undeniably cool. But for me, it’s limited – there aren't many other ways they can be worn. Plus, if your style veers towards the feminine, you’ll struggle to find ways to make it work. If any trend doesn’t feel compatible with your personal style, you should always pass. Sustainability should be front of mind – so it’s not worth jumping on a bandwagon only to find it’s not something you ever wear.

Ultimately, some trends are best left to the runway, or better yet, the archives. But I do understand wanting to add interest to your winter looks in case they start feeling repetitive. Instead, I’m doubling down on clever layering with triangle scarves, cool belts, vintage earrings and metallic footwear – all things I know I already love and wear often.

If you're not afraid to command attention, a tie is the perfect way to do so. Yes, they might be for braver fashion girls out there, but the reason I love the tie trend so much is because I find them so empowering to wear. When I have one on, I feel like I can walk into any room and instantly look like I've put in maximum effort but with quite a minimalist (not to mention quite affordable) accessory. Sure, it isn't good to just jump on every trend out there  but it's simple fashion maths for me – it's not a huge investment and yet all eyes are on you. Take my advice – don't spend a fortune but give it a go. I for one am here for the cultural renaissance that’s been driven by houses like Saint Laurent and Schiaparelli.

If you want to know what kind of tie to go for, I think there’s something so chic about a skinny black or patterned silk tie; it can completely make a look. Yes, they were once a symbol of formality, but today’s designers have turned them into an emblem of creativity – go embellished, go simple; whatever speaks to your style most. I was once forced to wear a tie as part of my school uniform but those days are gone; it's just not the association I have any more.

These days, I'm pairing lots of ties with my favourite suits. Sure, that might be the more traditional way to wear them but because they're having such a moment, I can't wait to get more creative with my styling – and there's plenty of inspo out there on social to help you garner ideas. A leather blazer or bomber jacket would work just as well as a suit jacket to nail that cool, nonchalant and modern look. Trust me, if your personal style isn't tied too heavily to the masculine or feminine, there's a way to make this look work for you.