Structure

A note to my readers: I only blog about ties that I love. As in, head-over-heels. And that really doesn't happen very often, because, sadly, ties are rarely the centerpiece of the outfit -- they are mainly there to match the shirt. Lame.

The above Band of Outsiders tie hit me like a train -- the big black & white geometric pattern is bold and masculine. Very Greek-Key. The tie acts like a big visual pillar, giving the model* a strong structural center that is very aesthetically pleasing.

*Jason Bateman of Arrested Development fame!

Photos: Ben Watts for GQ September 2007 Page 387

Hip to be a Square

I WANT THESE NOW.

Band of Outsiders is huge right now; their clothing, especially their ties, are on like every GQ/Details page. And rightfully so. Their ties are skinny and hip, but with a traditional flair.

Simple blue navy stripes = drool.
Gingham = drool.

Yea, so the gingham tie might be too Dorothy via Oz but I think that's where it gets its charm. If you think the gingham's a little too country, the striped tie is for you: it's a bit more sophisticated and masculine, but just as charming. Perfect spring ties, my friends. Clean and cool.

And the squared off ends really do make these ties--their like little surprises. With the normal pointy shape, I feel like these ties would just be kinda boring.