What is it:
As traditional workwear wears less and less, the tie seems to be a slightly out of place trend making the rounds. However, in both AW22 and SS23, it has arguably become the accessory of choice on the runways and in street style. Fashion designers, who gave the former office must-have their very own touch, were particularly taken with the statement tie. Bold colors and bold prints helped elevate the popular accessory, pushing it beyond its typical limitations into a new, fashion-forward era.
Why you should order it:
Although associated with formal office and occasion wear, the tie is more of a fashion statement this season. In particular, their presence can be attributed to the ongoing college trend inspired by American college wear and preppy style. The tie could also be related to the increasing trend towards more casual office attire, encouraged by the increase in working from home that peaked during the pandemic. With the convergence of these trends, the popularity of the tie as a wardrobe essential increases, putting it in the spotlight for the seasons to come.
Where we saw it:
The tie was the must-have accessory for both the AW22 and SS23 catwalk collections, in both the women’s and men’s collections. For SS23, bold stripes in bold colors were a particularly popular choice. The look was worn in the college-inspired line at Kenzo, bright greens and pinks at MSGM, and high-contrast tones at Moschino. Other brands like Dolce & Gabbana and Dries van Noten also featured ties, albeit in a more formal way. Paul Smith, among others, combined ties with button-down shirts, a subtle twist on the popular trend. The look was not only seen on the catwalks, but also on the streets.
How to style it:
The tie’s new purpose has transformed it into a daily accessory that fits seamlessly between men’s and women’s fashion as a “gender bender” wardrobe. Despite her transformation, she is still used as a necklace and in her typical form, albeit oversized, with a button-down shirt. Take inspiration from bygone eras by pairing the look with a leather jacket and mini skirt to create an edgy daytime look. You can also experiment with the accessory, leaving it open to wear it more as a scarf or tying it around your waist as a belt, for versatile uses.
For seasons to come, the tie has transcended its typically traditional status in the workplace and has become a must-have fashion accessory found across all sectors of the industry. Consumers can make a statement with both strong colors and simple designs and give the tie a new place as a cross-border piece of clothing for everyday use.
This article was previously similarly published on FashionUnited.uk.