Mens Office Fashion - Understanding Power Ties

You're bound to hear the term at meetings and conferences, seminars and conversations at the water cooler. The power tie has become a coveted object in any office setting, and a good number more men are sporting it than ever before. What is a power tie, and what kind of 'power' does it have?

Putting the Power in Ties
The 'power' in 'power ties' doesn't come from any particular aspect of the necktie itself, but rather from the fact that it's a design and color that grabs your attention. Additionally, it's the kind of tie that the bosses and big brass usually wear, hence reinforcing the name.

In terms of designs, a wide variety of neckties can be considered power ties if worn in a business or office context. Strong reds and bright blues are typically associated with the power tie aesthetic, though other colors like green are also coming into wider use. Solids are most commonly thought of as the power tie design, but stripes (regimental ones, in particular) are seen to be just as 'powerful.'

What makes these neckties 'powerful'? It's the fact that the colors are always so bold and, well, strong that you can't help but notice the wearer. Certain colors also carry meanings to them, such as blue for decisiveness (hence its favor in the political set) and red for aggression, which explains its popularity in go-getter fields like the PR industry. If you hadn't noticed yet, it gives you 'power' that's less Popeye and more Donald Trump.

You've Got the Power (Tie)!
But just because you've got a necktie in a particular color and design doesn't immediately give you power tie status. Heck, even a bona fide power tie will look downright funny if you don't know how to wear one properly.

It all starts in the choosing. Aside from the color and design, power ties have to be at least of a certain width to achieve the desired effect. Slim ties are the bare minimum, and even then only for very thin guys; your best bet is to stick to the normal width variety. Edgy bar ties are also out of the question because they're too thin to create the impact that you want from your power tie.

When choosing a power tie, always look at the regular to wider side of the spectrum. Yes, that sounds counterintuitive especially if you've been reading men's fashion magazines. However, remember that the look you want to create is one that's assertive and powerful, not necessarily stylish.

Once you have your tie, pair it with as plain a shirt as possible. The trick to creating a successful power tie look is to have the necktie pop as much as possible. Your shirt thus needs to be as subtle and understated as it can be. Patterns and overpowering colors are out, at least while you're trying to pull that power tie look.

Do up the tie in a Windsor or double Windsor knot. Although other knots like the four in hand are usually preferred for neckties in other situations, a power tie is all about size and the knot has to reflect that. In the same vein, the shirt you choose has to have a collar that's proportionately wide to accommodate the sizable knot.

The final touch to add icing on the power tie cake is to top everything off with a sober, classic suit and a pristine, every-hair-in-place 'do. That should give you a much more intimidating persona at the office. Of course, it'd help your power tie look if you have actual power in your workplace in the first place.