Like clockwork, there are always a few staples that manage to come back every fall, but none are as popular as suiting separates. From relaxed trousers to waistcoats, every type of menswear-inspired item can be found on and off the runway. They have transcended time and trend cycles to become hero pieces for women and men around the globe. And while there's no denying the universality of something like a blazer, there's been one other surprising menswear piece recently gaining popularity: ties.
Unlike other suiting separates, this accessory isn't as easy to style, yet it's managed to show up everywhere. We saw menswear ties in the fall/winter 2022 collections of various designers (e.g., Sportmax and Ralph Lauren) and on the celeb set (ahem, Zendaya). But more importantly, we've seen this trend worn by the fashion set. In fact, as we combed through street style images from Paris, London, Milan, and New York, it became clear that ties had taken over.
But even with the confirmation that this micro-trend is now happening, we still wondered, How do you wear a tie? In search of an answer, we scoured Instagram to find 16 tie-outfit ideas that make embracing the accessory easy so that the only thing you'll have to worry about is learning how to tie it.
Our editors knew ties were about to take over, and that's why assistant market editor Yusra Siddiqui donned one recently. We can't think of a better way to easily adopt this accessory than by taking a cue from this look and pairing a simple black tie with a striped button-down, trousers, and pointy heels.
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This black satin tie will fit seamlessly into any wardrobe.
No need to steal your partner's shirt.
Ties can sometimes give off grade-school energy, but that's not bad. Lean into it and pair a button-down with a printed tie, a dress, socks, and Mary Janes for a look that's worthy of an A+.
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Warning: Your partner may want to steal this tie from you.
Class is in session.
For a cooler take on this accessory, pair it with other trendy pieces like a cropped button-down shirt, a cargo miniskirt, a shrug, and chunky loafers.
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The best thing about this tartan-print tie is that it can be styled with everything from khaki trousers and an oversize button-down to a black blazer dress.
This skirt is begging to be styled with a tie.
One of the great things about this accessory is that it can make the staples that feel a little stale fresh again. Take, for instance, the denim jacket, miniskirt, and button-down in your closet. Adding a tie can make them feel brand-new.
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This one comes in eight other colorways, including seafoam green, steel blue, and burnt orange.
You can pair a black denim jacket with a tie in any hue.
What better way to show you've entered the "what's mine is yours" stage of your relationship than stealing their little black tie for date night? The key to convincing them to share it full-time is by styling it with a leather trench, a button-down shirt, shorts, and sandals. Once they see how great you look, they'll let you wear all their clothes.
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No, you're not dreaming. This is a leather tie.
You'd never guess this coat wasn't designer.
While investing in a black tie is the safest bet for embracing this trend, there is an even more fun way to wear this accessory—ahem, prints. Pairing a printed tie with a button-down, jeans, oxfords, and a matching (or contrasting) blazer is a surefire way to make this style pop while procuring a little pleasure in the process.
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Houndstooth is a standout print trend for fall, making this tie a great purchase.
Finish off your look with a pair of bootcut jeans.
Speaking of prints, if you consider yourself a maximalist, then try pairing a printed suit with a printed tie. The key to pulling this off is to first opt for complementary prints. And secondly, make sure you've layered other separates into the mix (like a button-down or waistcoat) to break up the patterns.
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A subtler take on stripes.
Just imagine this paired with a tie—cute, right?
While ties may seem stuffy, the fashion set has shown this accessory can make a statement. There's, of course, the option to try a printed tie, but another way to prove the power of this piece is through layering. Simply throw a minidress or even a corset top over a button-down, a tie, and jeans for a bold look.
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Don't be afraid to opt for a tie in hue beyond black.
Edwin's sustainably made denim is a must-shop.
Not into extreme layering? Instead, try styling a button-down top underneath a leather minidress with a tie and knee-high boots.
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This classic narrow tie comes in navy, black, and maroon.
Riding boots are the perfect shoes to pair with menswear separates.
Dresses and trousers aren't the only bottoms that look good with ties—skirts do too. Take a midi skirt of your choosing and pair it with a button-down, tie, and vest for a look worthy of being worn regularly.
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Okay, hear us out on this. Opting for a tie in pink is the perfect way to balance romantic and menswear-inspired design elements.
Leather skirts are a must-have for any fall wardrobe.
If you want to delve even further into the menswear-inspired realm, pair your tie with an oversize button-down, relaxed trousers, and a leather moto jacket. The excessive layering paired with the oversize fit of each piece will encapsulate the androgynous aesthetic.
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We can guarantee you'll wear this for years to come.
You'll exude cool when you style this jacket with a tie.
Wearing ties is meant to be fun, so don't be afraid to get playful, especially with other accessories. Why not style it with a crochet hat, a beaded bag, or a plaid skirt? There are no rules. But should you need a little guidance, we just recommend throwing a few staples in the mix (e.g., a button-down or blazer) to pull the look together.
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You can't beat this price.
Now, here's another tailored separate worth investing in.
We're telling you—ties are the perfect accessory for every occasion. Workday? Yes. Night out? Also yes. To transition the "formal" staple, simply pair it with a cropped button-down, a miniskirt, and wedges for a look that deserves to be taken out on the town.
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This color is just *chef's kiss*.
Wait until you see the back of this top.
Honestly, if you haven't gotten the appeal of ties yet, we implore you to spend at least a minute staring at the outfit above. Pieces as simple as a pair of riding boots, a sleeveless button-down, and a pleated skirt are suddenly transformed with the addition of a tie. We stan this accessory through and through.
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The velvet fabric lends itself to being the perfect holiday-party accessory.
Pleated skirts are a perennial favorite.
We know that staples, by their inherent nature, aren't always special—especially when you're talking about popular pieces like leather bomber jackets, trousers, and button-downs. Yet styling them in unexpected ways, like with a tie, can make them feel unique.
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Prep-school vibes.
These pants are beloved among our staff (and readers).
By now, you're probably over our musings about the takeover of ties, but should you need any further confirmation that the trend is wearable, then look to the outfit above. While wearing a tie may seem farfetched, our experiences, paired with the ample supply of runway and street style images, show otherwise. Much like other suiting separates, it has the ability to become a beloved staple in your wardrobe. You just have to be willing to get creative with your styling and maybe spend some time on YouTube to learn knot-tying techniques.
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Buy this as a gift and borrow it later.
This button-down is the perfect base for any type of tie.
Next: The Unnecessary Fall Accessory Trend I Will 100% Be Buying Into