Novelty Ties
Even stand-up comedians have forsaken this particular statement of late, which is an even stronger message for you to let go of it too. No matter how iconic or cute the design on the tie might be, deviating into the realm of the novelty tie almost always makes you look cheap and juvenile.
Never wear novelty ties unless you're attending an event like a costume party that explicitly calls for one. And should you find a novelty tie as a part of your outfit, make it look as if you fully intended to look foolish with it. Pair it with a non-white solid color shirt or one with a small pattern; wearing a novelty tie with plain white will make you look as if you tried the impossible task of looking cool in it.
Feature Ties
Less common than novelty ties but no less egregious a fashion statement, these are the neckties that have extra 'features' built into them. They take the novelty tie approach one step further and give the tie some new and unnecessary function.
The rationale against feature ties is similar to that against their novelty cousins: they go against the very nature of neckties. Like bow ties, cravats and other neck adornments, neckties are relics meant to convey formalness and class. Throwing in something like lights or sound effects makes it look cheap, and would probably make the inventor of the tie turn in his grave.
'Haute' Ties
Unless you were recruited to model for a haute couture fashion show, wearing ties that are deconstructed, ripped, torn or worn out, no matter how artistically it may have been done, isn't a good idea. Not only are such items hard to pair with any common shirt, but you also run the risk of looking like a hobo in a suit.
Even ties made of non-fabrics (yes, there are now ties made of metals and even woods) are a big no-no if you're wearing one to a conventional event like a dinner party. One of the crucial factors of neckties is that they're traditional pieces; they remain unchanged for decades, even centuries. A neck adornment made of articulated metal plates is barely a tie at all.
Remember that, when it comes to ties, the safest choices are almost always the best ones. The solid or small-patterned silk tie that you've had for ages is your most stylish choice, whether you're wearing it to the office or a date. Keep your necktie simple and traditional, and your outfit should look as fashionable as you meant it to be.
Pohl is not only a writer on mens fashion but he lives it. He considers himself a tie aficionado which eventually convinced him to sell quality but Cheap Ties online. For this year's summer Pohl suggests Yellow Ties in combination with light blue dress shirts.
Tags: fashion, beauty, cheap ties, bad neckties, ugly neckties, yellow ties, tacky mens neckties