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Wearing a smart tie with a fitted button-down shirt is a sharp way to dress up an outfit for a special occasion or just a night out. Channel Diane Keaton and pair one with a tie and button-down with slouchy boyfriend slacks, or opt for a more feminine look and wear one with a collared blouse and cute skirt. Knowing how to tie a tie is an easy, useful skill that can enhance your wardrobe. First, choose a tie and a look, then get to tying one on!
Tie One On
1.
Choose the right tie for your outfit. If you're going for a suit-and-tie ensemble, you can pretty much pick any variety: from skinny to wide and from patterned to solid colors. Skinny ties look flattering with fitted button-up shirts and slouchy blazers and slacks, while an outfit sans blazer with a wider tie will allow the outfit to really pop.
2.
Plan your outfit. To enhance a suit, try adding a pair of suspenders, a vest or a derby hat or finish off a pair of smart slacks with a skinny belt. The key to this look is to add feminine touches so you don't look like your dad. Try layering long necklaces that enhance the length of your tie and topping the outfit off with a pair of sexy heels.
3.
Drape the tie around your neck to begin tying a Windsor knot. Hold the wider end of the tie on your right. Cross the wide end over the narrow end and bring it up through the loop. Now, bring the wide end down and around behind the narrow end. Finally, pull the wide end up. At this stage you should see the tie beginning to come together.
4.
Finish the Windsor knot. Pull the wide end down through the loop and around across the narrow end. Turn and pass the narrow end up through the loop. To complete the tie, slip the narrow end down through the knot in the front. Finally, tighten and draw the knot snug to your collar. Voila!
Other types of ties to investigate include ascots, bow ties and string ties, as well as fun accessories such as tie clips, bars and chains.
