Mens Office Fashion - Alternatives To The Power Tie

For most of the last two decades, power ties have had a place of honor in the business wardrobe of many corporate men. Far from a mere necktie, the power tie is both fashion accessory and status symbol. Of late, though, its effectiveness is diluted by its sheer ubiquity in the workplace. What else is there for you to wear that can both define your look and intimidate the competition?

Slim and Skinny Ties
You'll want to try this tactic if you're a fairly slim guy, or at least if you have a nice physique to you. A slim or skinny tie emphasizes the fact that you're a lean, mean working machine - something that you'll want bosses and rivals alike to recognize. They don't always work for all offices, though; you'll do well to stick to the more conservative slim tie for more rule-conscious industries like banking, while less strict ones such as fashion would allow skinny ties.

A more compact necktie is supposed to show that you're a compact, efficient worker who looks forward. Although it's always best to actually have those desired qualities yourself, the bosses' impressions of you will count when they begin planning promotions.

Tone on Tone Ties
Just because a necktie is a similar color to your shirt doesn't necessarily mean that the two can't go together in a single outfit. In fact, you could even be making a much louder statement at the office by combining these unlikely elements.

Defying age-old wisdom about neckties having to be very different colors is much easier to break, especially with today's style sensibilities. Breaking the time-honored rule sends out a clear message about you: you're a go-getter who's not afraid to take risks and think outside the box. That's something you don't get even with traditional power ties.

Make sure that the tie is distinguishable from the shirt. The worst thing that could happen is for your tie to blend into the shirt, a big faux pas in and out of the office. Have the shirt or tie in a lighter hue than the other to make it easier for the HR guys to get the hint.

Knit Ties
Long thought to be an exclusively casual variety of necktie, knit ties are becoming more and more common in the corporate workplace. They're not the most formal of ties you could choose, but they're pretty effective at sending a message nonetheless.

A knit tie is unconventional to say the least, and wearing one to work gives the bosses a similar impression. You might look the same as everyone else at first, but you're actually a very unique kind of employee. Knit ties exude an artistic vibe, suggesting that you're someone who will take unorthodox measures to get the job done.

Keep your knit tie within a conservative, office-safe limit, though. Avoid the overly intricate ones and go with a simple solid knit piece that could fly under the radar at work.

Ties That Match Your Shirts
Of course, you could never get rid of wearing a necktie that simply goes well with your shirt for the day. There's a message to donning a non-solid white shirt and then having the skills to pick a great tie that harmonizes with it. This is your chance to show your 'boss potential,' to demonstrate that you can look pretty darn impressive to employees and clients alike.

Each and every day at the office is a chance for you to demonstrate something new about yourself and strengthen the case for you to get promoted. If your work and the hours you pour in aren't getting noticed, try switching up your style to send a whole new message to the other folks at the office.