Guide to Wearing Power Ties
Men wear neckties with suits to work. It’s a simple fact of life, but reality is very rarely that straightforward. Everything you wear to work – necktie, socks and hair gel included – contributes to the image you project to others. Whether you’re seen as the go-getting exec-to-be or the slacker of a cubicle eyesore will always be partly up to your clothes. Power ties have long been part of the men’s office style repertoire, but fades in and out of popular use. Even during times that they’re derided, though, power ties are still effective at what they’re meant to do: intimidate others and convey power. Done right, it can make you look much more formidable at the meeting table than you actually are.
Master the Basics
A power tie is by no means a go-to choice. In fact, given its iffy status in the world of fashion, it’s something you should wear only when absolutely necessary. Otherwise, a subtler and more contemporary one is probably more strategic for workplace politics.
The power tie is not for the beginner. You should have fully gotten the hang of matching your shirts with your other neckties before attempting this hostile style takeover. That’s because the optimal power tie is one with very high contrast against the shirt under it, without reaching the point that the two items clash. The classic example is the solid bright red tie worn with white shirt and charcoal or black suit. That takes experience and, if you’re so technical, a color wheel to guide you (look at colors on opposite ends of the wheel).
Ever since the ‘power’ concept was created mid-century, though, there’s been a set of colors that supposedly fit the ‘power’ description perfectly. It uses mostly primary colors plus greens – a good example to follow if you want to go the whole nine yards with this.
Add a Twist
Standing out (in a good way) is always a good idea when you’re angling for a promotion. It’s very likely that there’ll be at least a dozen other guys on your floor trying to make a raise-worthy style statement, so you’ll have to find ways to distinguish yourself.
Modern twists like a slimmer suit, patterned pocket squares or quirky socks are subtle yet definite ways of making a unique clothes-based image. Taking a fashion risk nobody else is willing to do is an even better idea; patterns paired with patterns intimidate most men, so there’ll be fewer guys willing to attempt the same thing and compete. Take the road less traveled and learn to assemble print-on-print ensembles to really stand out at work.
It’s another reason why power ties ought to be used by the style-savvy only. A power tie by itself is already tired and tedious; you need a more daring and sartorial ensemble to achieve the full effect.
Friends Close, Bosses Closer
Although done implicitly, a power tie is tantamount to a statement of intent: you intend to move up in position, and soon. Like all political statements, the power tie isn’t something that you can just brandish. Otherwise, you may find more threats to your promotion than even your stellar resume can handle.
Once again, wear the power tie only when necessary, which means times like crucial presentations and meetings with clients – not board discussions with multiple bosses or your first day to the office. The best idea is always to keep tabs of how the boss dresses and copy it; he’ll appreciate the sincerest form of flattery, and your daily work outfits will be unassailable thanks to its Boss influence – something you’ll have soon enough.
Other Suggested Readings From our Blog:
How to Choose a Tie
Guide to Matching Necktie Patterns
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