Although images of Pee Wee Herman may flash across your mind and make it hard to think of the style world’s big F-word (Fashionable, of course), it’s time to accept that the attitude towards this menswear accessory is changing.

The bow tie has been making a case for a pseudo-comeback for the past few seasons but somehow hadn't broken through. Until now. While its haberdashery brethren - monk strap shoes and waxed canvas - have seamlessly eased their way into fashion hearts globally, bow ties have struggled to overcome the prejudices associated with the stylings of old college professors, goofy TV personalities and “geeks” like the ever-famous Steve Urkel.

But this year seems to be the tipping point for the prejudiced menswear accessory - bow ties are finally having their moment. Now is the time to cast your preconceptions aside and revisit the bow tie as the casual statement piece to shake up your everyday look.

OUT WITH THE OLD

Avoiding the oft costume-ish look that has held the bowtie back requires embracing the shapes that fit much better with today’s clothes; thankfully, designers have reinterpreted and modernized the bow by making it smaller and slimmer, using refreshing new materials and colors kinder to casual wear. Bill Nye’s big floppy bows in garish shades have given way for Chuck Bass’ slender and sexy bows. Batwing shaped ties (where the blades of the tie are cut straight after the taper out) make for a subtler and younger look. Diamond-tip ties create a little asymmetry on the neck and give an extra dose of personality. These slimmer bows are nothing like the ones in grandpa's closet.

ITS ALL ABOUT CONTEXT-URE

The modern bow tie is also a great way to add some texture to an outfit (one of the best ways to introduce a bow tie into a wardrobe is to wear seasonally appropriate fabrics). For early spring when it’s still a little nippy outside, there are great cooler weather fabrics such as wool tweed in traditional herringbone, plaid, or heather. When it warms up, transitional fabrics such as cotton chambray or raw silk are preferred. In the heat of summer, there’s nothing quite like seersucker and linen.

DRESSING IT DOWN

Another big part of dressing down something formal like a bow tie is to mix it with items that allude to comfort. Pair a bow tie with a denim jacket or unstructured sweater, a combination that seems effortless and confident; the same way that neckties have been liberated from the confines of a suit, you should feel free to ditch the jacket completely. A shortcut to finding a tie to match a shirt is to find a pair that share similar color tones or a similar level of color saturation. High contrast combinations run the danger of looking as though you poached pieces from your formalwear outfit, while overly bold colors remind of kids playing dress-up. Low contrast pairings can help to integrate ties into your existing wardrobe while looking both relaxed and sophisticated.

OWN IT

Finally, and perhaps most importantly: get comfortable! You’ll never look truly great until you feel like you belong in your own clothes. Confidence is critical when choosing to put on a bow tie.

WHERE TO WEAR

No matter the situation, consider a bow tie. Consider these five situations that we have picked out that would be a great opportunity to incorporate a bow tie, free from the tux and from old-man stereotypes.

This bold orange and navy silk bow tie is certain to catch your attention, so temper it with dark and neutral colors such as this navy chambray work shirt and soft grey cardigan. Silk is the best fabric to show off elaborate prints; do go for the strong geometric patterns but don’t go for the little anchors or skull and crossbones.
Shirt - G-Star Raw, Sweater - H&M, Bow Tie - Coloné

Sometimes simple is the best. We love this champagne gold tie for its simplicity and its contrasting ruby and gold center. We paired this with a well-fitting plain white broadcloth shirt that lets the tie show off its subtle charms. A nice white shirt is always elegant and a great way to transition from work to play. It’s an ideal versatile look.
Shirt - United Dry Stock Goods, Bow Tie - Smart Turnout

Why not wear your Sunday best when you’re out for Sunday brunch? We are big fans of low-contrast shirt and tie combinations that don’t scream for attention. This pairing of two muted colors, a pastel blue polka-dot tie with a light pink shirt, exudes confidence.
Bow Tie - Minimum, Shirt + Suspenders - H&M

This blue chambray tie has a tricolor center which makes it a great tie to pair it with a checkered shirt that has any of the same colors. Chambray is a youthful and casual fabric, which makes it perfect for hitting the bars with your friends and not feeling overdressed.
Denim Jacket - G-Star Raw, Shirt - United Dry Stock Goods, Bow Tie - Smart Turnout

A reversible tie is not only versatile, but it adds an extra element of interest when part of the other side is visible. This cotton-blend bow tie in shades of grey and blue is a great compliment to the traditional Oxford dress shirt. Keeping your color palette to a well-defined range will make you stand out while still looking professional.
Bow Tie - Handsome & Lace, Shirt - Michael Kors