For as long as we can remember, the iconic ‘Dad’ gift has always been a necktie. Chosen wisely, it can be a nice reminder that you appreciate him, and always want him to look his best.
When you’re wearing a tie, you can do just about anything, and go anywhere. It’s like a Black Card you wear. A good necktie lets you dress up a pair of jeans, pull together a shirt and jacket, and gives you a sense of personality and style. If you learn to do it right-with the right width (skinny, traditional or wide), the right style (long tie vs. bow tie), and the right knot (the Four-one, the Half-Windsor, the Eldridge, the Trinity), and the right shirt (no short sleeves, please), you’ll have Dad looking like a class act in no time.
Top Ties for Summer 2014
Seersucker
Although most guys shouldn’t attempt to pull off a seersucker suit, this casual, cotton look can work well when paired with a suit or jacket and jeans. Wear to a garden party wedding, paired with navy or grey for a fashion forward look.
This 100% silk look from Jack Spade ($98) is simultaneously casual and yet refined, pairing well with a three-piece suit or laidback blazer, button-down shirt, and jeans. We think a Manhattan would also pair quite nicely.
Want something brighter? Go island style with this affordable cotton seersucker look from Beau Ties Ltd.
Coordinating cocktail? A classic daiquiri, like Ernest Hemingway used to drink.
Plaids and Florals
Bright colors and prints are definitely in style this season. Take a sliver of inspiration from this Biltmore Plaid and Kingsport Stripe tie and pocket square combo from The Tie Bar. At $15 and $8, respectively, it’s an easy, affordable way to spruce up your look for less.
Floral ties are in for summer, especially in more casual fabrics, like this vintage rose print from General Knot ($98). Using fine vintage and deadstock fabrics as old as World War II, General Knot hand makes ties that are fashion forward, and always fun. This skinny necktie with floral print, with contrasting slubby blue cotton weave, is great for pairing with khakis, a navy blue suit, or jeans.
Cocktail pairing: The Rusty Nail
Stripes
Navy and emerald are a classic combination with this polo inspired tie, also from Bull & Moose. Currently on sale for $29, this 100% silk, handmade tie features a bright orange silk liner. Horse not included.
Like the look of stripes, but want something a little more edgy? David Hart has it, with this square bottom blue tonal stripe, make from shantung silk. On sale at $90.
Cocktail pairing suggestion: The Green Dragon – a grapefruit cocktail with blue curacao, pisco, lime, and green sriracha. Find our sriracha cocktail recipe here.
Solids and Textures
Bright and fresh for summer, melons, pinks, and fuschias are in. Try this linen and silk combo from The Tie Bar, coordinated with a contrasting pocket square, only $15 and $8, respectively. This tie is summer wedding fabulous when paired with a linen suit and white button down dress shirt.
What to drink? A Grey Goose Le Melon cocktail, of course!
Bright colors can pop an outfit easily, especially when their in the form of a bow tie. This silk number from Bull & Moose looks great with a khaki suit for a preppy, summer look.
Chambray
Want something more subtle? Try chambray. Jack Spade creates a softer hue of red with this long necktie in 100% Long Island cotton. Pair it with a grey suit or dark jeans with a white button down shirt.
Blue chambray gets a little pizzazz with this number from Bull & Moose. Note the color flecks of red and yellow in this diamond point bow tie. Pair it with a mustard sport coat, white button down shirt, navy slacks, and caramel wingtips-you’ll be the hit of the garden party.
This look definitely calls for a Vesper cocktail.
No matter what Dad likes, from funky to tailored, fresh to traditional, don’t be afraid to go with a tried and true gift like a necktie. With popular colors and classic prints like these ties for summer, he’s sure to come off looking like a winner.