Your tie is one of the first things people will see and remember about you. This is where you can express your personality and show your good taste. A tie should never be an after-the-fact adornment that reeks of "birthday gift!" Instead, it should be a well-thought-out accessory that says something significant about you.

How to Match a Tie

To make a positive lasting impression, it is important that your tie coordinates well with your outfit and complements your coloration.

How to Match a Tie with Your Shirt and Suit/Sport Coat

A tip for matching a tie is to select the dominant color in the tie that matches or contrasts well with your dress shirt, suit or sport coat. The rule of thumb is to combine two patterns with one solid. In other words, if the tie is patterned and the suit or sport coat is patterned then the shirt should be a solid color, or if the suit or sport coat is patterned and the shirt is patterned then the tie should be a solid.

How to Match a Tie with a Shirt and Dress Slacks

If you are not wearing a suit or sport coat and your shirt is a solid color, then select a tie whose dominant color complements or matches the shirt color.

How to Match a Solid Tie with a Striped, Checked or Plaid Shirt

If you really want to show off your good taste and artful skill, then wear a solid colored tie with a striped, checked or plaid dress shirt. The trick here is to select a tie color that matches the dominant color of the stripes or checks in the shirt.

How to Match a Patterned Tie with a Striped, Checked or Plaid Shirt

Be careful when matching a striped tie with a striped shirt. If done right, it will look polished and sophisticated; if not, it could be hideous. The trick is to choose a tight stripe that reads more like a solid, or to make sure the two stripes are of different sizes so they do not fight or look dizzy together.

How to Choose a Tie for a Formal Occasion

A formal occasion requires a dressier tie. Many people are opting for a four-in-hand necktie instead of the traditional bow tie to wear with their tuxedo.

The black satin tie is the most common tie to wear with a tuxedo. For a more expressive look, one can also wear a silver or white solid satin tie. Another attractive look that is different yet formal can be monochromatic black, silver and white color schemes.

Tie Dos and Don'ts

Do choose a tie that complements your hair color, eye color and skin tone. Click here for recommendations.

Do choose a tie that is the right length for your height. If you are 6′4″ or taller or have a neck size over 20″ and a long torso, you will look best in an extra long tie. The general rule is that the tip of your tie should extend ½″ past your belt line.

Do choose a good quality tie made of 100% Silk. The luster of silk and the brilliance of how it takes dye, will give you a polished appearance and the tie will last much longer.

Do wear a tie appropriate for the occasion. Novelty ties may be cute and fun, but they are a big "no-no" on a job interview. Trendy ties are great if you are in a creative line of work and if you know how to coordinate them with your outfits. Classic patterns and traditional ties are always appropriate for all occasions and will give you a professional and polished appearance.

Don't wear a tie with pulls or stains. Always make sure your tie is stain free and not tattered or worn looking.

Don't wear clip-on ties. Clip-on ties are viewed as unsophisticated. (That is, unless you are a police officer or in law enforcement, where a tie around your neck could cost you your life.)

Don't tie a Windsor knot if you are wearing a traditional or button-down collar. The tie knot will be too big. You are better tying a standard four-in-hand tie knot. Windsor knots are better suited for a wide spread collar.

Now that you know the secrets to coordinating and choosing a tie, you are well on your way to looking your best in casual, business and formal situations.