Tie Your Tie Blog

Style Guide to Men's Bags

nospam@example.com (Admin) — Tue, 15 May 2012 15:13:38 -0500

From Business Briefcase to Hipster Messenger Bag

For men who are on the go each and every day, carrying the day’s necessities can often become an issue. This is especially true for men who have to tote books or a laptop around with them, such as those who attend college or work freelance. As more and more men are beginning to realize that their pockets simply won’t hold everything they need anymore, the popularity of “man bags” is at an all-time high. Men’s bags come in a variety of different styles, each of which offers up its own unique set of pros and cons. With a quality bag in your ownership, you can carry around your day’s items while looking fashionable in the process. The following tips can help you to choose the men’s bag that is right for you.

Carryall Bags
The men’s carryall is basically a sleek, sophisticated take on the common duffel bag, and happens to be very popular at the moment. This masculine style of bag is typically quite large, thus making it ideal for those who need space for gym clothes, a variety of books or other bulky items. While available in a variety of different materials, canvas and leather are the most popular. When paired with a casual ensemble, canvas bags can be quite attractive, with leather bags being the obvious choice for pairing with formal pieces; the more classic/timeless, the better. Note that carryalls must be carried by hand, which can restrict mobility and cause fatigue in certain situations. As a result, this option is not ideal for men who have to walk long distances throughout the day. After all, even the most stylish bag no longer looks classy if its cumbersome.

Backpacks
Some men need a bag that is not only suitable for city living, but also for hiking and other outdoor activities as well. For these folks, the standard backpack is the perfect option. That said, the fashionable men’s backpacks of today are a far cry from those which most people remember from their youth, and can add an attractive accent to just about any ensemble while still being able to hold a variety of different items. Most backpacks are made out of canvas, making them ideal for accessorizing with casual clothing. When choosing a backpack, stick with earth tones, which are versatile enough to be paired with a great deal of different colors and styles of clothing and outerwear. For men who do a lot of walking throughout the day and don’t want to be bothered with carrying a heavy bag by hand, it’s difficult to beat the backpack as a solid option. Keep in mind that backbacks connote a casual/outdoorsy look and are therefore less suited for your commute to the office.

Messenger Bags
Messenger bags serve as the perfect choice for men who can’t make up their mind about whether to go with a backpack or a carryall. Also referred to as “satchels,” these bags are typically slung around the neck and worn off to the side. Practical and timeless, messenger bags recall the days when couriers were a common sight in cities, and are capable of carrying just about everything a guy might need during a given day. As with backpacks, earth tones work best in messenger bags. Unlike backpacks, however, leather is a popular material used in these types of bags, and should be embraced by the fashion-forward man; a brown leather messenger bag with gold buckles, for example, will serve to compliment just about any casual outfit.

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Suspender Fashion 101

nospam@example.com (Admin) — Mon, 07 May 2012 15:20:34 -0500

Hold up Your Style with Trendy Suspenders

Any guy who likes to look good knows that trends in fashion tend to wax and wane. Incorporating suspenders into an ensemble has served as one of the most recent trends in men’s fashion, and is looking to carry over into 2012. As a result of this surge in popularity, suspenders are easier to find than in recent years, and are much more accessible for those who are looking to experiment with wearing them. That said, those who have never worn suspenders in the past are often confused about where to start when it comes to shopping for suspenders. The following are just a few things to take into consideration when setting out to buy suspenders.

Size
One of the most important things to take into consideration when shopping for suspenders is size. While some suspenders follow a “one-size-fits-all” model, they typically tend to be available in a variety of different sizes. As a result, you should never purchase suspenders without first trying them on; ideally with the help of a tailor or employee who is used to fitting individuals with suspenders. A tailor can have a huge impact on your ability to choose a pair of suspenders that fit right, which can often be easier said than done for beginners. Given the importance of trying on suspenders before buying them, it’s always wise to shop at a physical location before making a purchase online so that you are sure of the size that is right for you.

Colors, Patterns & Styles
Getting the most out of your purchase is contingent on learning about the different colors, patterns and styles that make up the world of suspenders. “Standard” suspenders are amongst the most popular in the fashion world. These suspenders are basic in their design and are fitted over the shoulders, without intersecting in the back. Classic, sophisticated and sleek, standard suspenders are ideal for people who are interested in antiquated fashion. X and Y back suspenders, on the other hand, are designed in a way so that they cross one another in the back, which not only adds aesthetic value to the suspenders, but functionality as well.

There is a great deal of variety on the market as far as colors and patterns of suspenders go. The most commonly found colors of suspenders are red, black and grey. While black and grey are ideal for pairing with formal attire, red and other “loud” colors should be reserved for more casual situations. The same can be said for certain patterns, which can drastically affect whether or not a pair of suspenders stands out or not. Checkered suspenders are common, for example, and are not suitable for formal attire as a result of their ability to attract attention to themselves. When dressing for a formal event, always choose suspenders that are solid in color, sticking with neutrals when at all possible. That said, those who are looking to turn heads at parties or other casual events can get a lot of mileage out of wearing suspenders that feature bold colors and busy patterns, especially when paired with speakeasy-style accessories like fedoras.

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Popular Mens Shoe Styles

nospam@example.com (Admin) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:52:04 -0500

Popular Men's Dress Shoe Style & How to Wear Them Best

Those who work in the professional sector need to do everything possible to look their best for a day of work. A lot of people put emphasis into buying the right clothes, but not everyone takes the time to find the pair of dress shoes that is right for them. Shopping for dress shoes isn’t always easy, as there are a variety of different styles to choose from. Ideally, you should strive to own at least one pair of dress shoes in each style, which will offer you the most in versatility when it comes time to get dressed in the morning. The following are five essential styles of men’s dress shoes that just about anyone can benefit from having in their closet.

Wingtips
As a style, wingtips are over 200 years old. In their heyday, these were considered “country shoes;” outdoorsy and rugged enough to stand up to the elements. These days, however, wingtips are reserved for semi-dressy attire, as the extra leather found on the toe makes them casual enough to pair with a fall suit, yet still elegant in appearance. Anyone who works in a business-casual environment, then, will benefit from owning a pair of wingtips.

Loafers
Perfect for both weekend wear and the office environment, everyone should own at least one pair of nice loafers. The trick is to find a pair that straddles the line of modern and classic effortlessly, which will ensure that you remain contemporary without sacrificing any classic styling elements. With so many different styles to choose from (tasseled, penny loafers), you’ll want to look for those which speak most to your personality.

Monk Straps
Perhaps the least-known style of dress shoes, monk straps are beginning to see quite a bit of popularity amongst fashion-forward men. These shoes usually feature one or two buckled straps towards the top of the shoe, and are perfect for wearing with trousers and a sports coat. For best results, look for those which feature shiny gold buckles, which will draw attention towards your feet with ease.

Cap Toes
Cap toes are similar in many ways to wingtips, except for the fact that they feature a single extra piece of leather on the toe, often with embroidered designs. The result is a more formal shoe, ideal for pairing with either a gray or navy suit. While a quality pair of cap toes can be quite costly, they’re definitely worth having around for those who find themselves in relatively formal situations on a regular basis.

Dress Boots
When fall and winter come around, there’s nothing more important than owning a quality pair of dress boots. Dress boots are perfect for the office, and will add extra support to your heel for comfortable extended wear. Essentially, you can think of a pair of dress boots as being a sort of high-top wingtip; different entirely from work boots and other, similar types of shoes. While there are a variety of different styles of dress boots on the market, chukkas (or “desert boots) are perhaps the most popular.

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Pops of Color

nospam@example.com (Admin) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 15:51:41 -0500

Be Bold & Add Color to Your Wardrobe

You know that moment in The Wizard of OZ when the movie switches from boring black and white to the blazing vividness of Technicolor? Reds are more fiery, blues are ocean deep and greens glow to a verdant pitch that puts the Emerald City to shame. Though you probably don’t have the ruby slippers or a trio of strange creatures to keep you company, you too can live your life in Technicolor instead of blasé gray any time of year with a few simple ideas that won’t break the bank.

At the Office
Brighten up your tie. Wearing a colorful tie could be the easiest way to add chromatic zest to your work attire. Pack a punch with a splash of yellow, a hint of green or a helping of any other member of the rainbow family. Virtually any color can be interspersed with the standard suiting palette of black, navy or charcoal (sorry, but those do not count as colorful by any standards), and by adding a taste of the unexpected, your tried and true collection of suits may just end up feeling brand new again.

Sock it to ‘em. Although this particular option may not be for the sartorially unadventurous, wearing colorful socks can add a refreshing dose of panache to a stuffy old business suit. Does your tie boast a flash of violet? Compliment it with rosy socks. Feeling less fearless? Grab a more subtle pair by choosing a pattern–perhaps a classic argyle that incorporates one brighter color with several more neutral tones.

Casual Weekend
More so than at the office, casual attire brings myriad options that allow you to lash out with a colorful flair. Perhaps the simplest way to inject color is by donning a vibrant tee. Whether it be plain or emblazoned with the logo of your favorite band, and whether v-neck or crew, a splashy t-shirt is an easy and simple way to let your closet have some fun.
Add a Crayola-colored watch. Although it may not be an obvious choice, wearing a watch that is more than just black and white is a low-key way to insert a sprinkling of excitement. Swatch, Fossil and Timex all offer styles sporting colored bands or faces, and many options come at a fairly reasonable price.

Scarf it up. If, baby, it’s cold outside, top off your ensemble with a flashy scarf. These days, cashmere, wool and cotton scarves all come in a kaleidoscopic array of colors−think sapphire, crimson, chartreuse−and are well-suited for those who may be on a low budget but still seek high style. The thing about a good scarf is, it will last forever and go with everything. This is truly a wardrobe staple, thus it may indeed be more prudent to go for high quality (read: expensive) than to choose the more wallet friendly version you spotted at H&M last week.

Incorporating color is a wise wardrobe decision, and a few well-edited pieces can be mixed and matched to create scores of new wardrobe choices instantly. So, even though your version of Technicolor may not involve dancing munchkins and a wicked old witch, your style will still be headed down a golden road.

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Shopping for the Perfect Men's Undershirt

nospam@example.com (Admin) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 15:02:05 -0500

All You Need to Know About Undershirt Shopping

The undershirt may be one of the most ignored, yet important pieces in men’s fashion. The classic form-fitting white tee can be worn not only on its own, but also as a base for practically any type of ensemble that requires an additional shirt to be worn on top. That said, a lot of guys simply pick up the first pack of undershirts that they see on the shelf at the department store, without even taking into consideration what might set it apart from other styles that are available. The fact is, not all undershirts are the same, and one style might be a much better choice for you than another. The following are just a few things to take into consideration when shopping for an undershirt, all of which are essential to keep in mind the next time you hit the store.

Fit is Everything
The most important thing that you can do when shopping for the perfect undershirt for you is look for one that is form-fitting. This is especially important if you intend to wear the shirt underneath other elements of clothing, as extra fabric will do nothing to flatter your appearance; more likely than not, it will cause you to look rather messy. The right undershirt will be slim and skin-hugging, without being overly tight. If it feels loose at all, there’s a good chance that you require a size down. Since each different brand of undershirt can be sized somewhat differently, it can be very helpful to try on a shirt before purchasing an entire package of them if at all possible.

Crewneck vs. V-Neck
Aside from fit, you’ll want to think about the collar style of your undershirt before making a purchase. Typically, these types of shirts are available in either crewneck or v-neck style, each of which offers a unique look and feel to one another. Most crewneck tees don’t extend past the collar bone, while v-necks can often extend far lower than this. Believe it or not, the next of your undershirt can actually affect the way you look proportionately; v-necks add height to a person’s appearance, with crewnecks doing the exact opposite. As a result, those who are shorter than average can get a lot of mileage out of a v-neck, while exceptionally tall individuals may want to wear crewnecks to downplay their height slightly.

Pockets
Finally, you’ll want to consider whether or not you’d like your undershirt to feature pockets. The single breast pocket is perhaps the most common type of undershirt aside from those which feature no pockets at all; dual pockets are almost never seen. As far as undershirts go, pockets are usually more functional than they are attractive; many people find them to take away from someone’s appearance, actually. As a result, fashion-forward men will do best by shopping for undershirts that don’t feature any pockets, which will also enhance their ability to be completely form-fitting; a pocket can cause a shirt to look more loose than it actually is.

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Classic Men's Fashion Patterns for Spring

nospam@example.com (Admin) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 23:10:53 -0500

Classic Patterns for Men's Spring Style

Spring is always a very exuberant time in men’s fashion. After all the dreary grays that dominate guys’ wardrobes in fall and winter, a lively pattern is a change that’s more than welcome. And, like in most other things, there’s a set of classics that every dude should own, whether it’s in a shirt, necktie or suit. Have you completed your classics checklist?

Go Micro
In the tradition-loving world of men’s style, subtlety is a virtue and a statement in itself. That’s a big contributor to the success of the micro check pattern; it’s subtle enough to go unnoticed, but interesting enough to call for a second look. Talk about a balancing act!

Now that prints are becoming more widely accepted in the everyday guy’s repertoire, the micro pattern is making an appearance on more and more items. The easiest ways to get with the classic is with a micro print shirt and micro print necktie combo (in a different print or scale of size, of course). If you’re of the more adventurous breed, though, you can also find this in jackets and pants – either way it’s a bigger sartorial challenge.

A classic, understated color like black or navy is the most straightforward way to pull off the micro pattern because you stick to a tried and tested style formula. If you’re pairing two micro pieces (like a shirt and tie, say), aim for slightly different shades for variety.

Seeing Stripes
Of all the patterns in existence, the stripe is probably the one that can cross the most style borders. A chalk stripe on a navy suit can echo of a very English banker aesthetic, while a wider stripe on a sweater brings an East Coast, seaside vibe to your outfit. It’s all a matter of scale and the assembly of the rest of your outfit.

For a quick style upgrade, add a repp necktie or five to your closet. The collegiate combo of color and print evokes an air of old money and tradition without being too gaudy or pretentious. On a slim necktie, repp-style stripes can look refined but not fussy. Pair it with a navy blazer, khakis and – for the full-on preppy effect – brass buttons.

Slightly more difficult is the striped shirt, which is a great investment because it can stand alone without a suit jacket. You’ll want to buy into the more contemporary styles that have contrast colors; they look more modern, and are great even without a necktie.

Get the Check
One of the oldest yet most intimidating patterns in men’s fashion, checks are making a big appearance this season on runways both sides of the Atlantic. Pulling off the pattern isn’t such a big deal once you learn the right pieces to pair with it.

Beginners can start off with one classic piece in a check, like a shirt or pair of shorts. You don’t have to go the whole nine yards right away. Once you’re comfortable wearing and pairing the print (a shirt with a smaller check necktie, for example), you can move up to a more challenging check sport coat or suit. If you’re only testing the fashion waters for now, get a subtle that’s only a shade away from the main color of the garment.

Solids are the fool-proof match for any check garment, especially larger ones like coats. While the print might have its sartorial advantages, it’s very easy to overdo. Always see to it that there’s balance in your outfits using simple solids; there’s a very large space to err when matching check styles with check styles.

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2012 Men's Beach Fashion

nospam@example.com (Admin) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 13:13:15 -0500

Men's Beach Fashion 2012

There’s nothing better than getting ready for beach season. You’ve been working out since January trying to get rid of those extra holiday pounds, and are finally preparing to throw on a bathing suit for the first time this year. That said, you’ve got to put the right amount of effort into choosing an ensemble for the beach that is not only cool and comfortable, but able to turn a few heads. With so many women to impress, you’ll be doing yourself a disservice by stepping out onto the beach in anything other than your best summer-wear. The following are just a few tips for dressing for the beach this summer, all of which are important to think about before setting out to get some sun

Prints Can Be Effective
It’s not common for fashion experts to recommend that men try wearing loud prints, as they can surely cause a disconnect in a lot of cases. That said, the beach is all about having fun, and there’s no reason to suggest against trying out a whimsical bathing suit print. One thing you may want to do is stay away from bright, “beachy” colors, which are more kitschy than anything else. Instead, stick to a minimalist floral print of neutral color, which will draw attention to your bathing suit without making you look like you just stepped out of a Disney movie. Banana Republic sells a great deal of bathing suits that fit this description, most of which are relatively inexpensive and versatile enough to wear a few times per week.

Aviators Add Punch
If you’re going shirtless on the beach, you’ve got to have an accessory that will draw attention up towards your face. There’s simply nothing better in this scenario than throwing on a pair of Aviator sunglasses, which will allow you to protect your eyes in style. Aviators are available in a variety of different forms; Gold aviators can be especially effective, if not a bit loud and difficult for some guys to wear without feeling like they’re trying too hard to attract attention. The more color that your shades exhibit, the more attention you’re going to garner; take that as you will, and use it as a guide to choosing the pair of sunglasses that are right for you.

Flip-Flops are for Men, Too
A lot of men are under the impression that flip-flops should be reserved for women, but there is really no reason to consider this as being the truth. The fact is, men can easily wear flip-flops and make them look good; they just have to be the right kind. Go with flip-flops that are constructed out of either canvas or leather, as they will connote sophistication and style in ways that rubber simply cannot. You’ll also want to ensure that the flip-flops you purchase are neutral in color. There’s nothing more unattractive than a guy walking down the beach in bright green sandals, and you should do whatever you can in order to avoid allowing this to happen to you.

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Dressing for Air Travel

nospam@example.com (Admin) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 14:07:46 -0500

Dressing for the Occasion: Air Travel

For a lot of men, the need to travel by air is something that pops up on a regular basis. Whether it be for business or pleasure, air travel certainly makes it easier to get from point A to point B in a short period of time. That said, dressing for air travel isn’t as easy as most people make it out to be, as there are a variety of things that can affect your comfort level while on a plane or in the terminal. Anyone who has spent many hours in a cramped coach seat knows just how uncomfortable it can be to travel while wearing the wrong clothes. Just because comfort reigns supreme in-flight, however, doesn’t mean that you can’t look fashionable in the process. The following are just a few helpful tips for ensuring that you’re both comfortable and stylish the next time you step foot on an airplane.

Avoid “Travel Clothes”
Anyone who travels a lot has likely come across clothing at one point or another that is specifically made for the purposes of air travel. These “travel clothes” are typically treated with chemicals so that they resist stain, odor and wrinkles. While this may seem attractive to some people, the fact is that travel clothes are extremely limited in terms of style, fit and other characteristics that fashion-forward men find important. They also tend to be rather expensive, and - given the appearance of these types of clothes - are usually not worth nearly as much as they sell for. Avoid taking the easy way out with travel clothes; ironing and proper dry cleaning can help you to achieve the same end means without taking any haphazard shortcuts.

Consider the Sweater
One of the main reasons why it can be difficult to dress for air travel is the fact that temperature differentials in airplanes can be rather extreme. It’s not uncommon for one to be warm as the plane takes off, for example, only to find that they’re freezing once they’ve been in the air for a while. A great solution to this issue lays in the sweater. Sweaters are not only fashionable (especially in fall and winter), but are ideal for keeping you warm during a flight. Add to this the fact that sweaters don’t require ironing, and it’s no wonder why they are so popular amongst those who travel by air on a regular basis. If you plan on traveling in jeans, consider a lightweight cashmere cardigan which will ensure that you don’t get overly hot on the plane.

Slip-Ons Are Your Friend
Without a doubt, one of the most annoying aspects of air travel comes in the security measures that one has to go through in order to get on the plane. Taking off one’s shoes has become a staple of the airport security process, and is simply unavoidable in the modern age. Bearing this in mind, it makes sense to go with footwear that can easily be taken off and put back on without having to tie any laces. Boots, loafers and other dress shoes are all available in the slip-on variety, and are perfect for wearing throughout a day of air travel. Select dark-colored slip-ons if you are concerned about wearing this style, which will hide the fact that there are no laces.

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Mens Spring Fashion: Camo Prints

nospam@example.com (Admin) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 13:17:09 -0500

Men’s Spring Fashion: Military Dudes

The military theme is a recurring thing in men’s fashion, having been in the male psyche for centuries. This spring, the mindset showed up in a variety of ways. Whether you have a thing for the masculine detailing or an affinity for the familiar print, the military trend will be a dominating trend this season.

Classy Camo
Prints come and go in men’s fashion, but few as extremely as the camouflage print in all of its many flavors. The last time it enjoyed such patronage was in the 90’s when even the premier houses like Louis Vuitton (LV Duffel Bag pictured above) and Armani used them; it was the suits and neckties of formal style that dominated the 2000’s

Camo pieces in men’s fashion usually crop up as casual items, most often as t-shirts. This season, however, camo is all over the more classic garments in men’s fashion: the button down, the sports jacket and the parka have all gotten the camo treatment, and from the biggest names of Fashion Week no less. Bright colors have also proven to pair well with the print, with wild shades of tangerine and turquoise now on the men’s style market.

The pattern is both strong and complex, which means the other pieces in your outfit have to be very, very basic to let the print shine. One piece of camouflage, whether it’s a shirt or a coat, is more than enough; true style lies in the ability to moderate and edit.

Office Olive
No matter how classic the garment, however, a camo print will always seem less formal than what the next guy is wearing. If you’re trying to incorporate formal style with the camo print fashion trend, you may want to look at the olive palette instead.

While American men’s fashion uses the color sparingly, the Europeans have long had the drab shade right next to neutrals like khaki and gray. It has that same understated effect, but usually deserves a double take because the color is so subtly different. That makes it the perfect style statement for office use; it’s formal enough to work with your necktie, and different enough to stand out next to your navy-wearing colleagues.

As with camo, olive works well with white to underscore just how different it is next to what everyone else is wearing. Even a simple button down or pair of slacks get much from the olive treatment. If you’re getting an olive shirt, try pairing it with some bold contrast color necktie like rouge red; the results are usually pleasantly surprising.

Contemporary Cargo
Like camo, the cargo style was adapted from military clothes for civilian men’s fashion. Also like camo, the cargo style was way overdone during its heyday in the 1990’s, which is why you won’t find a lot of stores carrying it today.

The new breed of cargo is slim and fitted, just like how the rest of the modern man’s wardrobe should be. At worst, a pair of cargo pants should fit like your loosest khakis; the slimmer they are, the more formal they’ll seem. Don’t expect to be able to wear a pair with your necktie to work, however. Cargo pants still carry much of the baggage they got from their time in the Backstreet Boys-era pop culture spotlight.

Consider the new cargo pant as a worthy alternative to your khakis or jeans for weekends. Most are made of really soft, comfy materials that are perfect for lounging around. If you need to head out, throw on a classic pair of sneakers and you’ll be good to go.

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Mens Sock Basics

nospam@example.com (Admin) — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 09:32:48 -0500

Sock Basics - What Color, Fabric, Pattern, and Length for Which Occasion?

Whether you identify more with formal or casual dress, there’s no getting around the importance of choosing the right pair of socks for a given ensemble. The fact is, socks can either tie an outfit together or dramatically take away from the end result; a common mistake that happens all too often to men who are new to embracing the world of fashion. Choosing the right socks for the occasion doesn’t have to be difficult, though, and can actually dramatically increase your fashion sense once you get the hang of things. The following tips can help to ensure that you never throw on the wrong pair of socks again, no matter what the scenario.

Formal Occasions
If you’re going to attend a formal event, the socks that you decide to wear will make a huge difference in terms of your overall appearance. After all, most formal events call for black slacks that fall directly above the shoe, in which case your socks will definitely be visible. Since you’ll likely be wearing black as the primary color in such an ensemble, it’s important that the socks you wear be black as well. Choose those which are made out of thin cotton and come at least a few inches above your ankle, as one of the biggest mistakes you can make when dressing formally is wearing a pair of socks that is too short and exposes bare skin. Finish the ensemble off with a pair of black dress shoes for best results. Stick to the rule of "less is better" when it comes to patterns.

Business-Casual
Men who spend a lot of time at the office often embrace a business-casual ensemble. More often than not, this look revolves around shades of brown and tan, which are highly versatile and can be worn with a variety of different business-casual pieces. While you can easily incorporate solid brown/tan socks into this type of ensemble, you may want to consider argyle. Argyle socks are versatile all year round, as pastel argyles look amazing with khakis, while darker, earth-tone argyle socks are more suited to the fall and wintertime. The most important thing to remember when wearing business-casual socks is to ensure that they don’t clash with the rest of your ensemble, which can happen rather easily when one doesn’t pat attention. A good rule of thumb for business socks: match the sock color to the pants and shoes. The color does not have to be a 100% match, but rather has to complement the hue. A good example are tan socks paired with navy suit and dark brown dress shoes.

Ultra Casual
When you’re lounging around, there’s really no reason to throw on a pair of dress socks. In fact, you may look a bit out of place if you take this route. Rather, stick to an ultra-casual sock for best results; white ankle socks are usually perfect in such a case. These socks are also perfect for the gym, as they tend to cling to the foot rather tightly and impede sweat. Nike, Adidas and similar companies make ankle socks such as these and typically sell them in sets of three pairs, allowing you to build up a good collection of these versatile socks without spending a fortune. In terms of kicking around on the weekend or heading out to lift some weights for an hour, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better option than the white ankle sock.

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