In the 21st century, neckties are being worn less than they used to, and this is due to several reasons, but we think that they belong to a classic style wardrobe. As previously discussed, society has been undergoing a casualization that has been going on for the last few decades. This means that neckties are simply less common. Therefore, they may feel more alien to those more accustomed to casual clothing. As so, many of us have experienced a change in working environment. Different accessories are now regarded as “authority items.” Sometimes, this can be seen in the sneaker world. A tie is still considered traditional, though. It is still a requested element within certain dress codes. With the tie taking very little space in your closet and requiring a low level of maintenance, it’s still an accessory worth investing a little thought and getting right.
Raphael is in a plain charcoal suit, white and mint green shirt, green checkerboard necktie, and white pocket square. So, we’ve got the five ties that will be the most timeless foundation to your collection. As a general note, we’ve curated this capsule selection with everyone in mind. Naturally, we can help you out with all of today’s ties and the Fort Belvedere shop. Before we dive into our list, let me address something that I’m sure at least one or two of you have already thought of. In today’s world, why should you wear a tie? And we hear you. In a nutshell, wearing a necktie makes you look like you mean business and that you take yourself and others seriously. Just think of all the occasions that traditionally require a tie. Wearing a tie may earn you respect and make you look like you mean business. Honestly, if you start to think about it there are many scenarios in which putting on a necktie not only elevates your outfit, but also what others think of you. The second reason to wear a tie is choice. The necktie represents your sartorial understanding and individuality in one beautifully simple garment. The reality is you don’t need to own a collection that rivals Raphael’s in order to enjoy wearing neckties. The navy blue knit can add a pop of color to a casual suit ensemble.
We’re starting things off with something that might come off like a bit of an oxymoron, but it is possible for a necktie to be casual. Originally, this item of network was more of a countryside outfit accessory or a way for men of lesser means to be able to dress up without spending a lot of money on silk ties. A red knit tie made from silk fiber threads. The unique texture of a knit tie makes it an excellent way to match the formality of a more casual and soft outfit like sweaters and slacks, or utilize a knit to relax a more dressed-up outfit. As an added bonus, knit ties are delightfully easy to pack for travel. Unlike other ties, knit ties rarely get crushed in transit, meaning you won’t arrive to find your ties and put through some kind of bad origami. Ties in muted colors like black or navy can look quite sophisticated, but we have a better use for those darker tones coming up next. Instead, look toward other classic menswear shades like green or brown. Variations of warm-tone colors add an accent to any suited outfit. Whatever color you choose, you can consider this first option as the ideal necktie of the 21st century.
An outfit consisting of a brown tweed blazer, navy blue grenadine tie, and navy blue pocket square. Up next is an iconic tie choice that should appear on any well-dressed person’s list: a navy grenadine tie. The reason this piece has stood the test of time is due to the careful balance of elements that go into the makeup of a navy grenadine tie. Maybe it’s not as dark and somber as black, but also not as bright as other blue tones, which means that a true deep navy can be worn appropriately across multiple functions and a grenadine weave provides a unique texture, adding some variety and intrigue to an outfit without being too flashy or distracting. So, in order to get things right, there are a couple of things to look out for. Grenadine typically comes in two weave densities: garza grossa or a large weave grenadine, where the knotted silk threads show the character of the weave; or garza fina, which means small or fine weave grenadine, in which the reduced density creates a subtly elegant look. The difference between a Garza Fina from a Garza Grossa. When it comes to color, you want to aim for a true navy, which is somewhere closer to black than blue. For example, this suit is listed as “navy,” but is actually closer to royal blue. Sean Connery sporting a navy grenadine necktie in his James Bond movie. Needless to say, the navy grenadine tie is a classic choice that goes with just about anything.
Raphael is in a formal chalk stripe black suit, red and black polka dot tie, and red boutonniere. Following on from the navy grenadine, let’s add some pattern and color to our next choice with a tastefully patterned tie. A micro-pattern tie lets you inject color and visual interest to your outfit. The key here is to keep the overall pattern small enough in scale to be discreet. This way, you won’t have to worry about choosing other elements of your outfit having to match a larger tie pattern, nor will you accidentally overdress by applying a necktie that is bolder than others might be prepared for. Instead, look toward pleasing geometric shapes - such as tiles, squares, and diamonds. Perhaps the most well-known is the Macclesfield neat pattern - a simple design of small motifs that repeat in an elegant diagonal fashion. A neat paisley design necktie in lavender tone color. To go for something a little different, you could also choose paisley, known for their organic teardrop shape. The paisley pattern usually invites a loose irregularity in how it applies to a necktie, but it’s entirely possible to find a paisley with a bit more neatness in its design. Patterned neckties that can blend visually with any interesting outfit. The one thing that any patterned tie will have in common is the ability to inject multiple colors into an outfit. Effectively, having a patterned tie in your collection is an easy way to always have a visually-interesting outfit. Take the Macclesfield neat pattern as an example. The base is a deep bottle green, and the pattern includes cool blue and warm orange. That gives you three colors to pick up and play with in your accessories. Deep bottle green tie with a pattern that includes a cool blue and warm orange necktie. You can add a pop of orange pocket square to create harmony in the outfit.
Keeping with the theme of color, we come to essential tie number four: the repp stripe tie. A fun fact about repp ties: The stripe is historically pointed in one direction or the other, all depending on whether it was English or American. Even though it doesn’t really make any difference nowadays, it’s still interesting, right? Stripe direction to one side, it’s worth noting that there are different types of stripes within menswear as a whole, but also with a necktie stripe classification. Repp stripe is known for using at least two colors throughout the tie; simpler examples will showcase at least one color for the body of the tie and the second color for the stripe itself. Another characteristic element that’s seen in repp ties is seen in a variety of the stripes themselves, whether that’s a mixture of narrow stripes broken up by wider stripes or several narrow stripes were grouped together by regular intervals. Overall, a repp tie is a great way to incorporate a different angle into your outfit. Wedding tie-on classic black suit ensemble with a white pocket square, and boutonniere.
Unlike our previous selections, this one has less room for interpretation. This is something you’ll want to wear for those really special occasions. So, you’re going to want to look for something that’s got a silver base color as it’s not as ostentatious as gold. Black may be a formal color for shoes and other leather accessories, but the only time you should be wearing a black necktie is at somber events like a funeral. Getting back to a celebratory spirit, what details should you look for in this tie? Perhaps the most important element will be the weave. With that in mind, avoid synthetic satin ties, which will try to emulate this effect, but just look cheap. The mirror effect is good for aviator sunglasses but not neckwear. The other detail you want to look for is the pattern featured on the tie; namely, skip the more casual patterns like paisleys as these are too informal for this type of tie and make you look like a TV game show host. To go for something really unique when selecting your celebration tie, the basket weave pattern is particularly elegant, being a mixture of pleasing geometric micro-patterns and following the formal slant of a stripe. So, the single tie could see you through your promotion at work, your wedding day, and elegant dinner receptions.
Do you already have any of the ties we’ve listed today, or have we just inspired you to start collecting? So, today, I’m wearing a green suit jacket that happens to be double-breasted, with a light blue dress shirt, along with a navy grenadine tie from Fort Belvedere, as well as a blue-based paisley pocket square from Fort Belvedere, along with tan dress pants, chocolate brown Chelsea boots, and Fort Belvedere socks as well. Kyle looks dapper in this double-breasted suit ensemble for formal attire. Move over, oversized blazers and ballet flats - neckties are still taking over in 2025. Once reserved for boardrooms and black-tie affairs, this timeless menswear accessory has made a triumphant return to the fashion forefront, reimagined for modern wardrobes in the most stylish ways. From red carpets to street style, celebrities and trendsetters are proving that a simple tie can add an unexpected yet polished touch to any outfit.
A guest wears dark brown sunglasses burgundy bordeaux lenses, gold earrings, light blue pinstripe buttoned up long sleeve shirt, shiny gold tie, dark green belted trench coat, dark brown faux fur coat, light navy blue loose denim jean pants, outside Michael Kors, during the New York Fashion week Fall/Winter 2025, Feb. 11, 2025, in New York.
The latest wave of tie mania has been spotted on Hollywood's most fashionable A-listers. Elle Fanning recently turned heads in a crisp, tailored suit complete with a sleek tie at a recent film photocall, while Demi Moore wowed in a menswear-inspired look at a premiere of "The Substance" during the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival. The Bear star Ayo Edebiri also rocked the accessory at the 2025 Golden Globes, proving that this borrowed-from-the-boys staple is a total power move. Elle Fanning attends the photocall for "A Complete Unknown" at The Curzon Mayfair, Dec. 16, 2024, in London. Ties also showed up as a major fashion moment on many Spring/Summer 2025 fashion runways - further displaying the neckwear attire's prominence. Saint Laurent, Emporio Armani, and Bibhu Mohapatra all showcased bold takes on the classic accessory, pairing ties with everything from sharp tailoring to fluid dresses for a fresh, unexpected contrast. Additionally, off the catwalk, the streets of New York Fashion Week were flooded with stylish attendees rocking ties in playful, sophisticated ways this month.
Style icons such as Janelle Monáe have long championed ties as a signature accessory, blending masculinity with elegance. Looking back further, the late Princess Diana made a case for incorporating ties into some of her most royal looks, while Diane Keaton practically wrote the book on menswear-inspired fashion, frequently incorporating ties into her signature aesthetic. Diana, Princess of Wales on a visit to The Glasgow Garden Festival, April 29, 1988, in Glasgow, Scotland. The takeaway? Ties are timeless, and this revival is just another chapter in their stylish evolution. Whether you're going for classic sophistication or an edgy, modern twist, there's no shortage of ways to tie the knot with this versatile accessory.
Style guide
- A tie says more about a man than almost any other accessory. It’s a small detail with powerful influence - an expression of personal character, taste, and awareness.
- The tie has a long and fascinating history, from seventeenth-century soldiers to modern menswear. In modern menswear, it remains the ultimate finishing touch - a statement of precision, individuality, and respect for tradition.
- Dotted ties, solid ties, striped ties, and patterned ties form four essential categories for building a versatile collection.
- Small, evenly spaced dots feel elegant and formal; larger dots offer flair. Texture matters: silk is formal, wool or knitted versions are more relaxed.
- Solid ties provide versatility; dark hues are timeless, lighter shades refresh spring/summer looks, and scale matters when pairing with shirts.
- Striped ties carry tradition and authority; balance patterns with shirts to maintain cohesiveness.
- Patterned ties express individuality; consider mood, season, and occasion when choosing paisley, floral, geometric, or abstract designs.
- A well-chosen tie completes an outfit and communicates confidence and intention, whether for meetings, weddings, or casual dinners.
- Most men look best with tie widths around 2.75 to 3.25 inches, with different widths suiting different lapel styles.
- Silk remains the classic material, while knit and textured ties add seasonal variety; the right knot depends on collar and fabric.
In the end, the modern gentleman uses a tie not merely out of tradition, but as a deliberate signal of character and taste. At Fort Belvedere and beyond, the emphasis remains on thoughtful craftsmanship, quality fabrics, and timeless silhouettes that adapt to contemporary wardrobes.
Note: This article preserves original phrasing while organizing concepts around light brown and related neckwear to illustrate timeless foundations in modern fashion.