How To Match A Tie

Want to know how to match a tie? Matching a tie to your suit or shirt is the final touch for the well-dressed man.  The obviously wrong tie on a man, regardless of the quality of the rest of the outfit, will be the unforgiving focal point.

1. Do not attempt to match a tie to your shirt. It is a rare event that you will find an exact match for your tie to your shirt. You will end up with a lighter, darker, richer or paler shade that looks like it doesn't belong.
2. Coordinate the colors. To match your tie to your shirt, instead of trying to match the color, use a coordinating color. Certain colors compliment each other, such as pale pinks and blues. Pink or dark blues are also complimented by shades of burgundy and light brown. If in doubt, consult a color wheel where the complimentary colors are opposite of each other on the chart.
3. Do not put stripes with stripes or checks with checks. When you match a tie to your striped shirt, you will need to go with a solid color tie. Same with a checkered shirt. Trying to match stripes and checks gives a comical look to the outfit. Checkered shirts are probably the hardest to match. Keep the color of the tie subtle so it blends as much as possible. Avoid wearing a checkered shirt with a suit.
4. Avoid bright colors. To appear professional, avoid matching a tie to your shirt that is a primary or metallic color. The tie will become the focal point of your outfit, and not in a good way.