Ever seen how a conventional male shopper struts the shop floor? He heads straight for the shirt rack and picks a few at random ? clothes to cover up rather than look cool. Next stop pants section, for the customary dark pair that goes with everything. Then, he tosses in a few socks, maybe a handkerchief or two and? a tie on the way out. This is a source of mystery to some salespersons. After all, a tie is traditionally meant to reflect a man?s personality. In fact, in recent years, the key to corporate dressing has invaded several non-tie stops, and been paired with everything from fine-cut trousers to faded denims.

But the necessary accessory remains a somewhat neglected segment, complains the clothing industry. That is reflected in the racks ?the choice can be limited and the designs repetitive, if you don?t know where to look.

Here?s putting some thought behind tying the knot?

Match make

Before going on a buying binge, assess your profile and pre-requisites. If buying one burns a hole in your pocket, it doesn?t necessarily mean the tie is right for you. A lot depends on the shirt you match it with. Try a contrasting tie and avoid one with checks if you don a shirt with a similar pattern. The same goes for stripes. Experiments with tie truths go best with solid colours. Of course, the occasion dictates the dressing ? cocktail with golf buddies or board meeting with the boss.

Tie buy

The knot at the neck can be split into two ? formal and evening gear. ?This season, keeping in mind lifestyle changes and international trends, Arrow has brought out a vibrant range of colourful ties to go with the style of today?s man,? says Janak Dave, business head, Arrow.

Formal ties are available in woven and printed silk. The speciality of these ties lies in the designs that have been intricately crafted by weaving of the silken fabric. The ties from Arrow are woven into a vibrant range of silk jacquards, dobbies and solid structures and are available in a range of colours. The line of printed silk ties is a colourful combination of lively prints, with bright red, magenta, tangerine, cool blue, turquoise, lime and light shades of grey, cream and brown all the rage. Black as the night or pristine white, bright prints or plain solids, bold stripes or intricate mosaics ? the choices are aplenty. The Arrow prices start at Rs 595.

If you?re looking for some fashionable fun in the evening, slip into Satya Paul, at Forum. Priced at Rs 495, the hand-woven ties are available in funky designs of zigzag stripes, cartoons and other amusing and abstract prints. If you want to go garish, try ties with Swarovski embellishments, at Rs 1,495. If understated charm is more your style, turn heads with wooden ties designed by Kuber Sircar in Salt Lake. Informal ties are also available at Blackberrys and Provogue in the showrooms at Forum and City Centre. The designs in diagonal stripes, checks and floral prints are priced from Rs 695 upwards.

Do & don?t

Make sure the tie ends above your belt line. Tie pins were in vogue once upon a time, but not anymore, unless mandatory (if you?re in uniform).

Picture by Rashbehari Das
Model: Neeraj, courtesy: Provogue