Guys, are you dressing up a bit more lately - maybe dressing better is an upcoming resolution? Do you want to wear something different than your workday solid blue shirt/silk tie/suit look? Then check this out (literally)! A checked shirt is a great alternative to solids and shows off your personality. Stand out from the crowd even more in a knit tie - the perfect mate to a patterned shirt. It's a little more casual and a little more laid back than a woven tie, but it's just as appropriate. And while you're at it, ditch the suit altogether, and try an alternate pair of wool pants, cords, or even dark wash jeans.
Check (no pun intended) out these three (plus a bonus) patterned shirt/knit tie/blazer combos for some inspiration, and then go find the perfect mate for your check.
BLUEPRINT TIE
Use your tie as the "blueprint" for your look - select your shirt, sweater, jacket and pocket square based on the colors in your tie. Yes, it's that easy.
Our perfect mate for this? Black cords and chelsea boots.
Grey tweed blazer (similar here), micro gingham shirt (similar here) by J. Crew. Navy cardigan (similar here) by Banana Republic. Striped knit tie by Uniqlo. Pocket square by Have-A-Hank.
ADD NEUTRALS
When in doubt about what colors to add, neutrals are your best bet. Take a blue/green plaid shirt and green cardigan, and pair them with a neutral grey tie and camel sportcoat.
Our perfect mate for this? Dark jeans and brown wingtips.
Camel sport coat (similar here), grey knit tie (similar here) by J. Crew. Green merino wool cardigan (similar here) by Gap. Plaid shirt (similar here), chambray pocket square by Lands' End Canvas.
BLUEPRINT SHIRT
Same idea as a blueprint tie. Add a light blue cardigan, striped navy tie and blue blazer to a navy/light blue/yellow checked shirt. Once again, easy peasy.
Our perfect mate for this? Charcoal wool slacks and camel lace-ups.
Blue worsted wool blazer by J. Crew. Light blue cardigan, striped knit tie (similar here), checked shirt (similar here) by Banana Republic. Pindot pocket square by Peckham Rye.
NEUTRAL COMBO
Combining neutrals makes a sophisticated statement, especially when there's some print action going on. Camel and grey look especially good together, and create a strong frame for a forest green checked shirt and fairisle knit tie.
Our perfect mate for this? The matching grey pants and cordovan oxfords.
Grey worsted wool blazer, camel cardigan by J. Crew. Green checked shirt by J. Hilburn (custom). Fairisle knit tie by Banana Republic. Green pocket square by J.Z. Richards, from Nordstrom.
