Learn pick the appropriate tie to pair with your French collar shirt.
French cuff shirts -- white cuffs and collars -- are traditionally reserved for formal occasions; but the rules of French collar fashion have changed. Whether blue or pink, the crisp white collar creates a conservative contrast that works for many occasions. However, there are still rules to follow, especially when choosing an appropriate tie.
Size Matters
Whether your tall or small, wear a tie that hits at your belt line.
Pay attention to the length of your tie. Whether you have a petite or tall frame, your tie should hit at your belt line -- not above or below. If you're not wearing a belt, look at where the belt loops are; that's where the tip of your tie should end. You'll also need to pay attention to the width of your tie. Avoid super skinny or wide ties, and choose one that's about 2 1/4 to 2 3/4 inches.
Stock Up On the Essentials
Black ties are classics that pair with almost any suit.
Before buying a bold-colored or patterned tie, stock up on the basics. A solid black tie is a classic that will anchor any suit you wear with your French collared shirt. It's a fail safe for various occasions -- board meetings, a night out or black-tie events. Buy a wool tie in gray, black or navy as an appropriate option to pair with heavier suits in winter.
Choose Colors Seasonally
A burnt orange tie looks appropriate in autumn.
If stepping away from the basics, match your tie color to the seasons. Rusty red, brown or burnt orange are appropriate autumnal colors. Fall is also the season to wear a tweed or brown wool suit with your French collar shirt, so these colors pair well, too. The same goes for pastels, which look better when worn in spring as opposed to autumn.
Tie It Properly
Learn tie a tie properly.
Add a "dimple" to your tie to match the formal look of the French collar shirt. Begin with your tie draped around your neck with the skinner side hanging shorter than the thicker side. Wrap the thicker side a full 360 degrees around the thinner side and bring it up through the top of the knot around your collar. Now, take the end of the thicker side and tuck it in between the knot. Press your thumb and index on either side of the knot to create a fabric crease. Then, straighten and tighten your tie to ensure the dimple stays in place.
Tags: with your, collar shirt, French collar, French collar shirt, pair with
