Embrace the Necktie. . .

The ten newly thrifted neckties in question. A lovely mix of wool, cotton, and silk ties, including a few that are handfinished and even one that is entirely hand-made.

Average guys who want to kick their style up a few notches will (or should) learn to love the necktie. Fewer things provide the opportunity to personalize your ensemble for the day, whether that might consist of an actual suit, a sportsjacket or blazer worn with and odd pair of pants, or even with a blazer and jeans. And guess what? If you tie them correctly, and the collar size of your shirt is correct, you will not feel strangled and choked by a cinched up necktie.

I ran across this bunch of ten ties yesterday at my best local thrift shop for just over $14 U.S. All of the ties are either made in the United States or Italy, and, despite minor differences in width, they should work very well with my wardrobe. In general, I suggest avoiding really skinny neckties from the early 1960s and 1980s as well as the just weird looking fat variety that became so common for several years during the late 60s and first half of the 1970s. Go for a nice average three inches or so, and you'll be within that timeless sweet spot, Unless you're going for that Don Draper vintage Mad Men look or young Jimmy Spader's "Blaine" from Pretty in Pink.

So, the message for today? Learn to wear and love the necktie. Even if you aren't required by law to wear one, try it once in a while. You'll look great, feel great, and set your self apart from the sloppy rabble as a guy who has arrived.

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