How to Match a Tie and Suit

Matching the right suit with the right tie is a great way to get a look that is well-put together. Read on to learn how to match a tie and suit.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Assorted neck ties
• Assorted suits
• Color wheel

1. Look at your wardrobe and then pick a couple of suits that you feel like wearing. Lay them down on a flat surface. It can be on top of your bed or on top of a folding table.
2. Pick out shirts to wear. Make sure to color coordinate the shirt and suit. Lay each shirt down next to the suit. Once you picked the right one set it aside.
3. Now pick out several neck ties. Lay them on top of the shirt and suit. The best way to match is by looking at the dominant color of the suit and shirt, as well as the pattern.
4. For solid suit and shirt, pick out any solid colored tie that has the same color as the shirt and suit. With that you will never go wrong. Although, it doesn't always mean you match a blue with blue. You can pick out a yellow tie which would look great on top of a blue shirt and suit. Use a color wheel if you want to use an opposing color.
5. When wearing white suit, use any tie that would show well. Wearing a white suit is like a canvas, you can use any colored or patterned tie you want.
6. For a suit with chalk stripe, use the suit's color as your basis if the stripe is faint as if you are working on a solid colored suit. If the stripe is bold and pronounced, use a tie that coordinates well with the color of the stripe. Match a burgundy stripe with a burgundy colored tie. It can be a solid colored tie or a patterned tie with the predominant color that is the same as the stripes.
7. Working with a patterned shirt, match the tie with the predominant color that you see when looking at the shirt from afar. You can match with a patterned tie such as paisley, a striped tie and checkered pattern. Remember to look at the predominant color that you see on those patterned ties to match with the predominant color of the shirt. A solid tie with the color to match the predominant color of the patterned shirt is the safest way to go if you are unsure.
8. On the opposite side of matching a tie and suit is to coordinate. If you want to use a different color tie make sure to pick out the complementary color. As stated on Step 4, you can choose a yellow colored tie against a blue shirt. You can use the color wheel as your guide. Coordinate a pink shirt with a burgundy tie or a pale blue tie. Coordinate a blue shirt with a yellow, gold or navy blue tie. Coordinate a black shirt with a white tie, a gray or silver colored tie. Coordinate a yellow shirt with a pale blue tie.

Tips & Warnings

• You'll never go wrong with a plain white shirt, choose a tie with a color that would pop-out and get some attention.
• Use a solid colored tie if you are afraid to experiment with patterns.
• Choose a patterned tie with the predominant color that matches or coordinates with the shirt and suit.
• Don't wear too much pattern for it would look too busy.